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A silver lining to all this "debate" has been to spur much needed research into the whole field of climate science including much-needed contributions from the fields of geology, astronomy, and solar physics. The theoretical basis for the sun-climate relation is being cemented by new observational data, cosmic rays, solar "proxy" indicators (Carbon 14, Beryllium, ice-core studies, etc) are pushing the record of the solar-climate interaction further back in time, the entire geologic record of climate and CO2 are being reviewed, with devastating effect for the CO2 theory.
A curious drama is currently being played out as solar cycle 23 declines and cycle 24 makes its appearance. NASA and NOAA refuse (understandably) to take a stand on whether the next cycle 24 will be an unusually active or if, as seems increasingly likely, it will turn out to be weak. A weakening sun could signal a return to cooler temperatures. This in turn could be devestating for the global warming lobby's ability to influence governments and spend other-people's money on their pet projects. For me the greatest danger is for a frustrated community of opponents of the Anthropomorphic Global Warming (AGW) idea, (feeling suddenly emboldened and empowered) to begin their own cycle doom and gloom predictions. Predicting a return to a "little ice age" or worse.
The point here is that science and politics don't mix. While "good science" can certainly help shape good policy, politicians seek only to win. The good news is that the truth will always find its way eventually (Orwell notwithstanding). Personally, I feel the warming was never the disaster it was made out to be, nor will some welcome cooling lead to a new little ice age. A little vindication though, would be nice.
Kevin Smith 9/2008
Addendum:
With the collapse of the recently held Copenhagen Conference on AGW, I am stirred to add a few thoughts yet again. Please bear with me..
The excitement leading up to the conference among the true believers was palpable. I was bemused to see scientist Al Gore explaining his new book to Jon Stewart on the Daily Show. The science and the consequences of Anthropomorphic Global Warming is now so firmly established that there can be no doubt! This level of certainty boded well for a very successful, committed and dynamic conference outcome. With the President of the United States on-board there will be no more dithering. Well, that was the expectation..
What I saw I can divide into two categories:
1) With the actual AGW hypothesis so full of bad science and outright fraud in many cases, there has been an increasing notion that "Now is the moment" to implement policy. Any waiting gives the case for natural climate variation (which we cannot control) time to strengthen and dominate the debate. The "urgency" then, while stated as immanent environmental crisis and catastrophy was/is in fact immanent loss of the scientific foundation for the political objective. And..
2) If anyone remains in doubt of the political nature of the AGW movement, the Copenhagen Conference should clear the question. Everyone on the left, sensing victory at hand, was present at the conference to demand their share of the spoils. It was to be free money for all, a massive transfer of wealth from the have's to the have-not's. This, the REAL political agenda of global warming was clearly (and honestly) articulated by Hugo Chavez, was anybody listening? It's a high-stakes game, most politics is. But finally, even in politics, rational thought can emerge when most needed.
The Copenhagen Conference could not have been more timely nor turned out better. The case for natural climate variability continues to strengthen. The solar magnetic field continues to weaken. Perhaps the peoples of the world will get a chance to address real problems soon, there are so many. We shall see...
Kevin Smith 12/2009
