 Peter Nicholson
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A new survey finds consensus among scientists about the reality of climate change and its likely cause. A group of 3,146 earth scientists surveyed around the world overwhelmingly agree that in the past 200-plus years, mean global temperatures have been rising, and that human activity is a significant contributing factor in changing mean global temperatures.
In trying to overcome criticism of earlier attempts to gauge the view of earth scientists on global warming and the human impact factor, Peter Doran and Kendall Zimmerman sought the opinion of the most complete list of earth scientists they could find, contacting more than 10,200 experts around the world listed in the 2007 edition of the American Geological Institute’s Directory of Geoscience Departments.
Questions used were reviewed by a polling expert who checked for bias in phrasing, such as suggesting an answer by the way a question was worded. The nine-question survey was short, taking just a few minutes to complete.
Two questions were key: have mean global temperatures risen compared to pre-1800s levels, and has human activity been a significant factor in changing mean global temperatures.
About 90 percent of the scientists agreed with the first question and 82 percent the second.
In analyzing responses by sub-groups, Doran found that climatologists who are active in research showed the strongest consensus on the causes of global warming, with 97 percent agreeing humans play a role.
Doran and Kendall Zimmerman conclude that “the debate on the authenticity of global warming and the role played by human activity is largely nonexistent among those who understand the nuances and scientific basis of long-term climate processes.”
Not that skeptics will care. Anti-intellectualism, anti-science convictions reflect hangups ranging from creationism to the good old favorite – “Al Gore said it and I hate his suits”.
# 95 Billy Bob said, “Wow, now scientific fact is being established by polling.”
I polled 10,000 physicists on whether they think gravity exists. 3000 responded that they didn’t think it exists.
I’m now going to the gov’t to ask them to fund research into a tethering system so we all don’t get flung off the Earth by centrifugal force.
#92, Bob,
Hrmm, survey of 3,146 that say it’s kinda so vs petition of tens of thousands that says it aint.
That survey says 90% of the respondents believe man has a bearing on the amount of climate change we are experiencing. So what does that petition of housewives, oil workers, and retired pastors say?
Mark twain said it best, there are three kinds of lies in this world, Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics.
Only you got it more wrong than Clemens. Statistics don’t lie. People that incorrectly use statistics to prove a failed point are bad liars. Sort of like what you did. You can’t refute the poll so you try to suggest there are tens of thousands who signed a petition that know better.
# 75 Paddy-O said:
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# 72 Uncle Patso said, “You know, there was a time when I used to read the comments on this blog in hopes of learning something.”
I am happy that you know more about this subject than an atmospheric physicist. ROFL. Go away troll.
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Where in my post did I ever claim to know anything?
(Oh, and thank you, Mr. Fusion.)
#99, Uncle Pat
Where in my post did I ever claim to know anything?
In my experience, those that claim to be something usually aren’t. Trust me, you have dropped more than one memorable gem, well worth remembering, for our enjoyment and edification.
Thank you sir.