'Apocalyptic climate predictions' are misleading

[UM-Bot]

Experts have warned that apocalyptic predictions about the effects of global warming are not only exaggerated but could also harm legitimate efforts to tackle carbon emissions. Warnings about doomsday inducing global mass floods and soaring temperatures for instance are far more of a hindrance than a help.

"Experts at Britain's top climate research centre have launched a blistering attack on scientific colleagues and journalists who exaggerate the effects of global warming.

The Met Office Hadley Centre, one of the most prestigious research facilities in the world, says recent "apocalyptic predictions" about Arctic ice melt and soaring temperatures are as bad as claims that global warming does not exist. Such statements, however well-intentioned, distort the science and could undermine efforts to tackle carbon emissions, it says."

View: Full Article | Source: Guardian Unlimited

[Lt_Ripley]

The criticism reflects mounting concern at the Met Office that the global warming debate risks being hijacked by people on both sides who push their own agendas and interests.

agreed.

[keithisco]

Cant argue with that viewpoint.

At least none of the scientific institutions are now saying that it doesnt exist, or that mankind has a hand in it as well.

Edited February 18, 2009 by keithisco

[clubfoot O.M.G.]

What this article implies to me is that our current understanding of climate change is still an inexact science in its 'birthing stage'.

Satellite measurements of artic ice-melt only began in 1979 and 30 years is pretty miniscule in geologic time-scale terms.

I like the author's candidness about natural variability and the fact that natural variability can swing the other way and the trends seem to reverse. In other words we are still learning.