On climate change, it's the Republicans versus reality
by Laurence Lewis
Sun Sep 26, 2010 at 04:00:53 PM PDT

The Wonk Room at Think Progress has been taking a look at Republican
Senate candidates on the issue of climate change, and it should come as
no surprise that when it comes to Republicans and science, never the
twain shall meet.

A comprehensive Wonk Room survey of the Republican candidates for
the U.S. Senate finds that nearly all dispute the scientific consensus
that the United States must act to fight global warming pollution. In
May, 2010, the National Academies of Science reported to Congress that
“the U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop
a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate
change” because global warming is “caused largely by human activities,
and poses significant risks for — and in many cases is already affecting
— a broad range of human and natural systems.”

This finding is shared by scientific bodies around the world.
However, in the alternate reality of the fossil-fueled right wing,
climate science is confused or a conspiracy, and policies to limit
pollution would destroy the economy.

Remarkably, of the dozens of Republicans vying for the 37 Senate
seats in the 2010 election, only one — Rep. Mike Castle of Delaware —
supports climate action. Even former climate advocates Sen. John McCain
(R-AZ) and Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) now toe the science-doubting party
line. If Castle loses his primary on Tuesday to Tea Party candidate
Christine O’Donnell, the GOP slate will be unanimous in opposition to a
green economy.

Castle, of course, was teabagged out his race, leaving the Republicans
in unanimous opposition to reality. The Wonk Room's Brad Johnson has
compiled the statements of GOP Senate nominees, so for those that care
about the actual science of scientific issues, let's compare some of
those statements with those of actual scientists.

* Sharron Angle, Republican Senate nominee from Nevada:

I don't, however, buy into the whole ... man-caused global
warming, man-caused climate change mantra of the left. I believe that
there's not sound science to back that up.

The National Academy of Sciences:

As part of its most comprehensive study of climate change to
date, the National Research Council today issued three reports
emphasizing why the U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and develop a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable
impacts of climate change. The reports by the Research Council, the
operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy
of Engineering, are part of a congressionally requested suite of five
studies known as America's Climate Choices....

The compelling case that climate change is occurring and is
caused in large part by human activities is based on a strong, credible
body of evidence, says Advancing the Science of Climate Change, one of
the new reports. While noting that there is always more to learn and
that the scientific process is never "closed," the report emphasizes
that multiple lines of evidence support scientific understanding of
climate change. The core phenomenon, scientific questions, and
hypotheses have been examined thoroughly and have stood firm in the face
of serious debate and careful evaluation of alternative explanations.

"Climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human
activities, and poses significant risks for — and in many cases is
already affecting — a broad range of human and natural systems," the
report concludes. It calls for a new era of climate change science
where an emphasis is placed on "fundamental, use-inspired" research,
which not only improves understanding of the causes and consequences of
climate change but also is useful to decision makers at the local,
regional, national, and international levels acting to limit and adapt
to climate change. Seven cross-cutting research themes are identified
to support this more comprehensive and integrative scientific enterprise.

* Ken Buck, Republican Senate nominee from Colorado:

I’ll tell you, I have looked at global warming, now climate
change, from both sides. While I think the earth is warming, I don’t
think that man-made causes are the primary factor. I am one of those
people that Al Gore refers to as a skeptic.


The American Geophysical Union:

The Earth's climate is now clearly out of balance and is
warming. Many components of the climate system-including the
temperatures of the atmosphere, land and ocean, the extent of sea ice
and mountain glaciers, the sea level, the distribution of precipitation,
and the length of seasons-are now changing at rates and in patterns that
are not natural and are best explained by the increased atmospheric
abundances of greenhouse gases and aerosols generated by human activity
during the 20th century. Global average surface temperatures increased
on average by about 0.6¡C over the period 1956-2006. As of 2006, eleven
of the previous twelve years were warmer than any others since 1850. The
observed rapid retreat of Arctic sea ice is expected to continue and
lead to the disappearance of summertime ice within this century.
Evidence from most oceans and all continents except Antarctica shows
warming attributable to human activities.

* Linda McMahon, Republican Senate nominee from Connecticut:

I think there's evidence to the positive and to the contrary
about global warming.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

The 2009 State of the Climate report released today draws on
data for 10 key climate indicators that all point to the same finding:
the scientific evidence that our world is warming is unmistakable. More
than 300 scientists from 160 research groups in 48 countries contributed
to the report, which confirms that the past decade was the warmest on
record and that the Earth has been growing warmer over the last 50 years.

* Marco Rubio, Republican Senate nominee from Florida:

In an interview with the Tribune on that subject Friday,
Rubio called Crist "a believer in man-made global warming."

"I don't think there's the scientific evidence to justify
it," Rubio said.

Asked whether he accepts the scientific evidence that the
global climate is undergoing change, he responded, "The climate is
always changing. The climate is never static. The question is whether
it's caused by man-made activity and whether it justifies economically
destructive government regulation."

American Association for the Advancement of Science (pdf):

The scientific evidence is clear: global climate change
caused by human activities is occurring now, and it is a growing threat
to society.

* Rand Paul, Republican Senate nominee from Kentucky:

Now Osama bin Laden had a quote yesterday. He’s says he’s
after the climate change as well. It’s a bigger issue, we need to watch
‘em. Not only because it may or may not be true, but they’re making up
their facts to fit their conclusions. They’ve already caught ‘em doing this.


Science:

Pennsylvania State University has completed the second half
of a two-part investigation of Michael Mann's role in the so-called
"Climategate" affair. The 2-month inquiry has found that Mann is
innocent of the remaining charge of scientific misconduct that had been
raised by e-mails uncovered in November....

A previous investigation found him innocent of suppressing
data, deleting e-mails, and misusing confidential information.

House of Commons Science and Technology Committee (pdf):

In addition, insofar as we have been able to consider accusations
of dishonesty—for example, Professor Jones’s alleged attempt
to “hide the decline”— we consider that there is no case to answer.
Within our limited inquiry and the evidence we took, the scientific
reputation of Professor Jones and CRU remains intact. We have found no
reason in this unfortunate episode to challenge the scientific consensus
as expressed by Professor Beddington, that “global warming is happening
[and] that it is induced by human activity”.

* Pat Toomey, Republican Senate nominee from Pennsylvania:

There is much debate in the scientific community as to the
precise sources of global warming.

American Chemical Society:

Careful and comprehensive scientific assessments have clearly
demonstrated that the Earth’s climate system is changing rapidly in
response to growing atmospheric burdens of greenhouse gases and
absorbing aerosol particles (IPCC, 2007). There is very little room for
doubt that observed climate trends are due to human activities. The
threats are serious and action is urgently needed to mitigate the risks
of climate change.

* Roy Blunt, Republican Senate nominee from Missouri:

There isn’t any real science to say we are altering the
climate path of the earth.

American Meteorological Society (pdf):

Indeed, strong observational evidence and results from
modeling studies indicate that, at least over the last 50 years, human
activities are a major contributor to climate change.

Direct human impact is through changes in the concentration
of certain trace gases such as carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons,
methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and water vapor, known collectively as
greenhouse gases.

* Dino Rossi, Republican Senate nominee from Washington:

I believe the Earth is warming. There is still debate in the
scientific community about the level of human impact on climate change,
which is why I think the more important question is what we are actually
going to do in order to reduce carbon emissions. Promoting new
technology and providing incentives to cut emissions is the best way to
accomplish that goal.

The city of Seattle admits that personal efforts to be
efficient have had far more impact on greenhouse gas reduction than
government regulations. My approach is to allow individuals to make choices.

American Physical Society (pdf):

The evidence is incontrovertible: Global warming is
occurring. If no mitigating actions are taken, significant disruptions
in the Earth’s physical and ecological systems, social systems, security
and human health are likely to occur. We must reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases beginning now.

* Carly Fiorina, Republican Senate nominee from California:

Q: Is climate change real?

Fiorina: I’m not sure. I think we should have the confidence
and courage to test the science.



Joint statement by the American Association for the Advancement
of Science, American Chemical Society, American Geophysical Union,
American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Meteorological
Society, American Society of Agronomy, American Society of Plant
Biologists, American Statistical Association, Association of Ecosystem
Research Centers, Botanical Society of America, Crop Science Society of
America, Ecological Society of America, Natural Science Collections
Alliance, Organization of Biological Field Stations, Society for
Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Society of Systematic Biologists,
Soil Science Society of America, University Corporation for Atmospheric
Research:

Observations throughout the world make it clear that climate
change is occurring, and rigorous scientific research demonstrates that
the greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the primary driver.
These conclusions are based on multiple independent lines of evidence,
and contrary assertions are inconsistent with an objective assessment of
the vast body of peer-reviewed science. Moreover, there is strong
evidence that ongoing climate change will have broad impacts on society,
including the global economy and on the environment.

This would be funny if it weren't so dangerous. This isn't a debate
between Republicans and Democrats about what to do about climate change,
it's a debate between Republicans and reality about the very existence
of climate change. And it's clear that no amount of science will
convince Republicans of something they just don't want to believe. The
question is whether the voters want to listen to the scientists or to
those whose beliefs are not based on anything remotely rational or
factual. And it's only the future of the world as we know it that's at
stake.





--
Republicans are the Party of No:
No Leaders / No Ideas / No Morals

"Secular Humourist" wrote in message
m...
On climate change, it's the Republicans versus reality
by Laurence Lewis
Sun Sep 26, 2010 at 04:00:53 PM PDT

The Wonk Room at Think Progress has been taking a look at Republican
Senate candidates on the issue of climate change, and it should come as no
surprise that when it comes to Republicans and science, never the twain
shall meet.

A comprehensive Wonk Room survey of the Republican candidates for the
U.S. Senate finds that nearly all dispute the scientific consensus that
the United States must act to fight global warming pollution. In May,
2010, the National Academies of Science reported to Congress that “the
U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop a
national strategy to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change”
because global warming is “caused largely by human activities, and poses
significant risks for — and in many cases is already affecting — a broad
range of human and natural systems.”

This finding is shared by scientific bodies around the world. However,
in the alternate reality of the fossil-fueled right wing, climate science
is confused or a conspiracy, and policies to limit pollution would destroy
the economy.

Remarkably, of the dozens of Republicans vying for the 37 Senate seats
in the 2010 election, only one — Rep. Mike Castle of Delaware — supports
climate action. Even former climate advocates Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and
Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) now toe the science-doubting party line. If Castle
loses his primary on Tuesday to Tea Party candidate Christine O’Donnell,
the GOP slate will be unanimous in opposition to a green economy.

Castle, of course, was teabagged out his race, leaving the Republicans in
unanimous opposition to reality. The Wonk Room's Brad Johnson has compiled
the statements of GOP Senate nominees, so for those that care about the
actual science of scientific issues, let's compare some of those
statements with those of actual scientists.

* Sharron Angle, Republican Senate nominee from Nevada:

I don't, however, buy into the whole ... man-caused global
warming, man-caused climate change mantra of the left. I believe that
there's not sound science to back that up.

The National Academy of Sciences:

As part of its most comprehensive study of climate change to
date, the National Research Council today issued three reports emphasizing
why the U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop
a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change.
The reports by the Research Council, the operating arm of the National
Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering, are part of a
congressionally requested suite of five studies known as America's Climate
Choices....

The compelling case that climate change is occurring and is
caused in large part by human activities is based on a strong, credible
body of evidence, says Advancing the Science of Climate Change, one of the
new reports. While noting that there is always more to learn and that the
scientific process is never "closed," the report emphasizes that multiple
lines of evidence support scientific understanding of climate change. The
core phenomenon, scientific questions, and hypotheses have been examined
thoroughly and have stood firm in the face of serious debate and careful
evaluation of alternative explanations.

"Climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human
activities, and poses significant risks for — and in many cases is already
affecting — a broad range of human and natural systems," the report
concludes. It calls for a new era of climate change science where an
emphasis is placed on "fundamental, use-inspired" research, which not only
improves understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change
but also is useful to decision makers at the local, regional, national,
and international levels acting to limit and adapt to climate change.
Seven cross-cutting research themes are identified to support this more
comprehensive and integrative scientific enterprise.

* Ken Buck, Republican Senate nominee from Colorado:

I’ll tell you, I have looked at global warming, now climate
change, from both sides. While I think the earth is warming, I don’t think
that man-made causes are the primary factor. I am one of those people that
Al Gore refers to as a skeptic.


The American Geophysical Union:

The Earth's climate is now clearly out of balance and is
warming. Many components of the climate system-including the temperatures
of the atmosphere, land and ocean, the extent of sea ice and mountain
glaciers, the sea level, the distribution of precipitation, and the length
of seasons-are now changing at rates and in patterns that are not natural
and are best explained by the increased atmospheric abundances of
greenhouse gases and aerosols generated by human activity during the 20th
century. Global average surface temperatures increased on average by about
0.6¡C over the period 1956-2006. As of 2006, eleven of the previous twelve
years were warmer than any others since 1850. The observed rapid retreat
of Arctic sea ice is expected to continue and lead to the disappearance of
summertime ice within this century. Evidence from most oceans and all
continents except Antarctica shows warming attributable to human
activities.

* Linda McMahon, Republican Senate nominee from Connecticut:

I think there's evidence to the positive and to the contrary
about global warming.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

The 2009 State of the Climate report released today draws on
data for 10 key climate indicators that all point to the same finding: the
scientific evidence that our world is warming is unmistakable. More than
300 scientists from 160 research groups in 48 countries contributed to the
report, which confirms that the past decade was the warmest on record and
that the Earth has been growing warmer over the last 50 years.

* Marco Rubio, Republican Senate nominee from Florida:

In an interview with the Tribune on that subject Friday, Rubio
called Crist "a believer in man-made global warming."

"I don't think there's the scientific evidence to justify it,"
Rubio said.

Asked whether he accepts the scientific evidence that the global
climate is undergoing change, he responded, "The climate is always
changing. The climate is never static. The question is whether it's caused
by man-made activity and whether it justifies economically destructive
government regulation."

American Association for the Advancement of Science (pdf):

The scientific evidence is clear: global climate change caused
by human activities is occurring now, and it is a growing threat to
society.

* Rand Paul, Republican Senate nominee from Kentucky:

Now Osama bin Laden had a quote yesterday. He’s says he’s after
the climate change as well. It’s a bigger issue, we need to watch ‘em. Not
only because it may or may not be true, but they’re making up their facts
to fit their conclusions. They’ve already caught ‘em doing this.


Science:

Pennsylvania State University has completed the second half of a
two-part investigation of Michael Mann's role in the so-called
"Climategate" affair. The 2-month inquiry has found that Mann is innocent
of the remaining charge of scientific misconduct that had been raised by
e-mails uncovered in November....

A previous investigation found him innocent of suppressing data,
deleting e-mails, and misusing confidential information.

House of Commons Science and Technology Committee (pdf):

In addition, insofar as we have been able to consider
accusations
of dishonesty—for example, Professor Jones’s alleged attempt to
“hide the decline”— we consider that there is no case to answer. Within
our limited inquiry and the evidence we took, the scientific reputation of
Professor Jones and CRU remains intact. We have found no reason in this
unfortunate episode to challenge the scientific consensus as expressed by
Professor Beddington, that “global warming is happening [and] that it is
induced by human activity”.

* Pat Toomey, Republican Senate nominee from Pennsylvania:

There is much debate in the scientific community as to the
precise sources of global warming.

American Chemical Society:

Careful and comprehensive scientific assessments have clearly
demonstrated that the Earth’s climate system is changing rapidly in
response to growing atmospheric burdens of greenhouse gases and absorbing
aerosol particles (IPCC, 2007). There is very little room for doubt that
observed climate trends are due to human activities. The threats are
serious and action is urgently needed to mitigate the risks of climate
change.

* Roy Blunt, Republican Senate nominee from Missouri:

There isn’t any real science to say we are altering the climate
path of the earth.

American Meteorological Society (pdf):

Indeed, strong observational evidence and results from modeling
studies indicate that, at least over the last 50 years, human activities
are a major contributor to climate change.

Direct human impact is through changes in the concentration of
certain trace gases such as carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, methane,
nitrous oxide, ozone, and water vapor, known collectively as greenhouse
gases.

* Dino Rossi, Republican Senate nominee from Washington:

I believe the Earth is warming. There is still debate in the
scientific community about the level of human impact on climate change,
which is why I think the more important question is what we are actually
going to do in order to reduce carbon emissions. Promoting new technology
and providing incentives to cut emissions is the best way to accomplish
that goal.

The city of Seattle admits that personal efforts to be efficient
have had far more impact on greenhouse gas reduction than government
regulations. My approach is to allow individuals to make choices.

American Physical Society (pdf):

The evidence is incontrovertible: Global warming is occurring.
If no mitigating actions are taken, significant disruptions in the Earth’s
physical and ecological systems, social systems, security and human health
are likely to occur. We must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
beginning now.

* Carly Fiorina, Republican Senate nominee from California:

Q: Is climate change real?

Fiorina: I’m not sure. I think we should have the confidence and
courage to test the science.



Joint statement by the American Association for the Advancement of
Science, American Chemical Society, American Geophysical Union, American
Institute of Biological Sciences, American Meteorological Society,
American Society of Agronomy, American Society of Plant Biologists,
American Statistical Association, Association of Ecosystem Research
Centers, Botanical Society of America, Crop Science Society of America,
Ecological Society of America, Natural Science Collections Alliance,
Organization of Biological Field Stations, Society for Industrial and
Applied Mathematics, Society of Systematic Biologists, Soil Science
Society of America, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research:

Observations throughout the world make it clear that climate
change is occurring, and rigorous scientific research demonstrates that
the greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the primary driver.
These conclusions are based on multiple independent lines of evidence, and
contrary assertions are inconsistent with an objective assessment of the
vast body of peer-reviewed science. Moreover, there is strong evidence
that ongoing climate change will have broad impacts on society, including
the global economy and on the environment.

This would be funny if it weren't so dangerous. This isn't a debate
between Republicans and Democrats about what to do about climate change,
it's a debate between Republicans and reality about the very existence of
climate change. And it's clear that no amount of science will convince
Republicans of something they just don't want to believe. The question is
whether the voters want to listen to the scientists or to those whose
beliefs are not based on anything remotely rational or factual. And it's
only the future of the world as we know it that's at stake.





--
Republicans are the Party of No:
No Leaders / No Ideas / No Morals

Wait, wait, wait... human mouse brains are REAL!

On 9/26/10 10:29 PM, nom=de=plume wrote:

"Secular Humourist" wrote in message
m...
On climate change, it's the Republicans versus reality
by Laurence Lewis
Sun Sep 26, 2010 at 04:00:53 PM PDT

The Wonk Room at Think Progress has been taking a look at Republican
Senate candidates on the issue of climate change, and it should come
as no surprise that when it comes to Republicans and science, never
the twain shall meet.

A comprehensive Wonk Room survey of the Republican candidates for the
U.S. Senate finds that nearly all dispute the scientific consensus
that the United States must act to fight global warming pollution. In
May, 2010, the National Academies of Science reported to Congress that
“the U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
develop a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable impacts of
climate change” because global warming is “caused largely by human
activities, and poses significant risks for — and in many cases is
already affecting — a broad range of human and natural systems.”

This finding is shared by scientific bodies around the world. However,
in the alternate reality of the fossil-fueled right wing, climate
science is confused or a conspiracy, and policies to limit pollution
would destroy the economy.

Remarkably, of the dozens of Republicans vying for the 37 Senate seats
in the 2010 election, only one — Rep. Mike Castle of Delaware —
supports climate action. Even former climate advocates Sen. John
McCain (R-AZ) and Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) now toe the science-doubting
party line. If Castle loses his primary on Tuesday to Tea Party
candidate Christine O’Donnell, the GOP slate will be unanimous in
opposition to a green economy.

Castle, of course, was teabagged out his race, leaving the Republicans
in unanimous opposition to reality. The Wonk Room's Brad Johnson has
compiled the statements of GOP Senate nominees, so for those that care
about the actual science of scientific issues, let's compare some of
those statements with those of actual scientists.

* Sharron Angle, Republican Senate nominee from Nevada:

I don't, however, buy into the whole ... man-caused global warming,
man-caused climate change mantra of the left. I believe that there's
not sound science to back that up.

The National Academy of Sciences:

As part of its most comprehensive study of climate change to date, the
National Research Council today issued three reports emphasizing why
the U.S. should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop
a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate
change. The reports by the Research Council, the operating arm of the
National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering, are
part of a congressionally requested suite of five studies known as
America's Climate Choices....

The compelling case that climate change is occurring and is caused in
large part by human activities is based on a strong, credible body of
evidence, says Advancing the Science of Climate Change, one of the new
reports. While noting that there is always more to learn and that the
scientific process is never "closed," the report emphasizes that
multiple lines of evidence support scientific understanding of climate
change. The core phenomenon, scientific questions, and hypotheses have
been examined thoroughly and have stood firm in the face of serious
debate and careful evaluation of alternative explanations.

"Climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities,
and poses significant risks for — and in many cases is already
affecting — a broad range of human and natural systems," the report
concludes. It calls for a new era of climate change science where an
emphasis is placed on "fundamental, use-inspired" research, which not
only improves understanding of the causes and consequences of climate
change but also is useful to decision makers at the local, regional,
national, and international levels acting to limit and adapt to
climate change. Seven cross-cutting research themes are identified to
support this more comprehensive and integrative scientific enterprise.

* Ken Buck, Republican Senate nominee from Colorado:

I’ll tell you, I have looked at global warming, now climate change,
from both sides. While I think the earth is warming, I don’t think
that man-made causes are the primary factor. I am one of those people
that Al Gore refers to as a skeptic.


The American Geophysical Union:

The Earth's climate is now clearly out of balance and is warming. Many
components of the climate system-including the temperatures of the
atmosphere, land and ocean, the extent of sea ice and mountain
glaciers, the sea level, the distribution of precipitation, and the
length of seasons-are now changing at rates and in patterns that are
not natural and are best explained by the increased atmospheric
abundances of greenhouse gases and aerosols generated by human
activity during the 20th century. Global average surface temperatures
increased on average by about 0.6¡C over the period 1956-2006. As of
2006, eleven of the previous twelve years were warmer than any others
since 1850. The observed rapid retreat of Arctic sea ice is expected
to continue and lead to the disappearance of summertime ice within
this century. Evidence from most oceans and all continents except
Antarctica shows warming attributable to human activities.

* Linda McMahon, Republican Senate nominee from Connecticut:

I think there's evidence to the positive and to the contrary about
global warming.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

The 2009 State of the Climate report released today draws on data for
10 key climate indicators that all point to the same finding: the
scientific evidence that our world is warming is unmistakable. More
than 300 scientists from 160 research groups in 48 countries
contributed to the report, which confirms that the past decade was the
warmest on record and that the Earth has been growing warmer over the
last 50 years.

* Marco Rubio, Republican Senate nominee from Florida:

In an interview with the Tribune on that subject Friday, Rubio called
Crist "a believer in man-made global warming."

"I don't think there's the scientific evidence to justify it," Rubio
said.

Asked whether he accepts the scientific evidence that the global
climate is undergoing change, he responded, "The climate is always
changing. The climate is never static. The question is whether it's
caused by man-made activity and whether it justifies economically
destructive government regulation."

American Association for the Advancement of Science (pdf):

The scientific evidence is clear: global climate change caused by
human activities is occurring now, and it is a growing threat to society.

* Rand Paul, Republican Senate nominee from Kentucky:

Now Osama bin Laden had a quote yesterday. He’s says he’s after the
climate change as well. It’s a bigger issue, we need to watch ‘em. Not
only because it may or may not be true, but they’re making up their
facts to fit their conclusions. They’ve already caught ‘em doing this.


Science:

Pennsylvania State University has completed the second half of a
two-part investigation of Michael Mann's role in the so-called
"Climategate" affair. The 2-month inquiry has found that Mann is
innocent of the remaining charge of scientific misconduct that had
been raised by e-mails uncovered in November....

A previous investigation found him innocent of suppressing data,
deleting e-mails, and misusing confidential information.

House of Commons Science and Technology Committee (pdf):

In addition, insofar as we have been able to consider accusations
of dishonesty—for example, Professor Jones’s alleged attempt to “hide
the decline”— we consider that there is no case to answer. Within our
limited inquiry and the evidence we took, the scientific reputation of
Professor Jones and CRU remains intact. We have found no reason in
this unfortunate episode to challenge the scientific consensus as
expressed by Professor Beddington, that “global warming is happening
[and] that it is induced by human activity”.

* Pat Toomey, Republican Senate nominee from Pennsylvania:

There is much debate in the scientific community as to the precise
sources of global warming.

American Chemical Society:

Careful and comprehensive scientific assessments have clearly
demonstrated that the Earth’s climate system is changing rapidly in
response to growing atmospheric burdens of greenhouse gases and
absorbing aerosol particles (IPCC, 2007). There is very little room
for doubt that observed climate trends are due to human activities.
The threats are serious and action is urgently needed to mitigate the
risks of climate change.

* Roy Blunt, Republican Senate nominee from Missouri:

There isn’t any real science to say we are altering the climate path
of the earth.

American Meteorological Society (pdf):

Indeed, strong observational evidence and results from modeling
studies indicate that, at least over the last 50 years, human
activities are a major contributor to climate change.

Direct human impact is through changes in the concentration of certain
trace gases such as carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, methane,
nitrous oxide, ozone, and water vapor, known collectively as
greenhouse gases.

* Dino Rossi, Republican Senate nominee from Washington:

I believe the Earth is warming. There is still debate in the
scientific community about the level of human impact on climate
change, which is why I think the more important question is what we
are actually going to do in order to reduce carbon emissions.
Promoting new technology and providing incentives to cut emissions is
the best way to accomplish that goal.

The city of Seattle admits that personal efforts to be efficient have
had far more impact on greenhouse gas reduction than government
regulations. My approach is to allow individuals to make choices.

American Physical Society (pdf):

The evidence is incontrovertible: Global warming is occurring. If no
mitigating actions are taken, significant disruptions in the Earth’s
physical and ecological systems, social systems, security and human
health are likely to occur. We must reduce emissions of greenhouse
gases beginning now.

* Carly Fiorina, Republican Senate nominee from California:

Q: Is climate change real?

Fiorina: I’m not sure. I think we should have the confidence and
courage to test the science.



Joint statement by the American Association for the Advancement of
Science, American Chemical Society, American Geophysical Union,
American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Meteorological
Society, American Society of Agronomy, American Society of Plant
Biologists, American Statistical Association, Association of Ecosystem
Research Centers, Botanical Society of America, Crop Science Society
of America, Ecological Society of America, Natural Science Collections
Alliance, Organization of Biological Field Stations, Society for
Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Society of Systematic Biologists,
Soil Science Society of America, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research:

Observations throughout the world make it clear that climate change is
occurring, and rigorous scientific research demonstrates that the
greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the primary driver.
These conclusions are based on multiple independent lines of evidence,
and contrary assertions are inconsistent with an objective assessment
of the vast body of peer-reviewed science. Moreover, there is strong
evidence that ongoing climate change will have broad impacts on
society, including the global economy and on the environment.

This would be funny if it weren't so dangerous. This isn't a debate
between Republicans and Democrats about what to do about climate
change, it's a debate between Republicans and reality about the very
existence of climate change. And it's clear that no amount of science
will convince Republicans of something they just don't want to
believe. The question is whether the voters want to listen to the
scientists or to those whose beliefs are not based on anything
remotely rational or factual. And it's only the future of the world as
we know it that's at stake.





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Republicans are the Party of No:
No Leaders / No Ideas / No Morals

Wait, wait, wait... human mouse brains are REAL!



There's at least one poster here who believes that.

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Republicans are the Party of No:
No Leaders / No Ideas / No Morals