Faking Peer Review

[_Philo Sofee]

Most Mormons whose ideas are attacked imagines it's about them and hence ad hominim......they're sensitive that way, go easy on em.....

[_subgenius]

OK, I won't accuse you of dismissing the reality and seriousness of climate change because of religious reasons anymore, but whatever is your motivation for dismissing it, you can't honestly or rationally maintain that none of us have provided overwhelmingly compelling evidence of that reality, and that transitioning to renewable sources of energy has great economic and environmental benefits, even if AGW really were nothing more than a hoax. That would be an outrageous lie on your part!

Thank you for the integrity in your post.
I would say that my "motivation" to accept or dismiss AGW is irrelevant - as would be yours. I mean, do you accept AGW simply because "everybody accepts it"? or do you have a reasonable consideration for the evidence and critiques ? (a.k.a. not just a profound experience reading several opinion articles where people "summarize" the evidence for you .. etc)

However, you certainly should consider the merits of my acceptance or dismissal...as should you consider my criticisms of your position. I have found people to be quick and emotional in their dismissal of my position when I have been quick and emotional in dismissing theirs.

[_Gunnar]

OK, I won't accuse you of dismissing the reality and seriousness of climate change because of religious reasons anymore, but whatever is your motivation for dismissing it, you can't honestly or rationally maintain that none of us have provided overwhelmingly compelling evidence of that reality, and that transitioning to renewable sources of energy has great economic and environmental benefits, even if AGW really were nothing more than a hoax. That would be an outrageous lie on your part!

Thank you for the integrity in your post.
I would say that my "motivation" to accept or dismiss AGW is irrelevant - as would be yours. I mean, do you accept AGW simply because "everybody accepts it"? or do you have a reasonable consideration for the evidence and critiques ? (a.k.a. not just a profound experience reading several opinion articles where people "summarize" the evidence for you .. etc)

However, you certainly should consider the merits of my acceptance or dismissal...as should you consider my criticisms of your position. I have found people to be quick and emotional in their dismissal of my position when I have been quick and emotional in dismissing theirs.

Subby, I appreciate the more respectful tone of this reply. I don't accept AGW simply because "everybody accepts it" any more than I accept that the world is round simply because "everybody accepts it." Besides, everybody doesn't accept it -- at least not yet. It is more because of who accepts it and the quality of their supporting evidence. The almost universal acceptance of that reality by scientists in general, especially those most directly involved in actual climate research, is the most compelling factor.

The argument that they are only coming to their conclusions "because of the money" is a malicious lie. One of my close friends is a scientist at Stanford University who is directly involved in related research, specifically environmental remediation to counter or slow the effects of AGW in general and environmental degradation in particular. This man is not only brilliant and extremely knowledgeable, he is one of the most honest, humble, generous and compassionate people I know. I, myself, am a nobody who has had almost zero impact on the world at large, yet he generously and patiently takes the time to talk to me when I call him to discuss our mutual concerns about the state of the world in general, and the environment in particular. That he treats little old me as worthy of his friendship and time is a never ending source of amazement to me.

Those scientists who report on and express concerns about AGW are not making big money because of their claims of its reality and dangers. If anything, their livelihood is being threatened by their critics, and some are even getting death threats because of their views. They have been unjustly threatened with lawsuits and criminal prosecution by powerful opponents with little or no real understanding of or even interest in the science behind climate research, at the behest of powerful corporations involved in the fossil fuel industry. They could probably make more money as petroleum geologists working for the oil companies.

It is not controversial that the fossil fuel industry is spending literally billions of dollars to cast doubt on research results that show the reality of AGW. It is not controversial that the most outspoken opponents of AGW like Myron Ebell and scientists like Willie Soon who dispute the conclusions of the vast majority of climate scientists have been granted huge sums of money to get and publicize results that oppose the most widely accepted consensus. It is not controversial that the politicians (especially Republicans) who deny the reality of AGW get millions and even tens of millions of dollars in donations from fossil fuel industry lobbyists -- that is matter of public record. Nor is it controversial why the fossil fuel industry would have a vested interest in promoting the continuing and even increasing use of fossil fuels, even if their use threatens our health, environment and even our economy, nor why they would oppose increasing reliance on renewable energy sources -- their main and increasingly viable competition. Nor is it controversial that the same conservative organizations trying to sell doubt about AGW and the efficacy of renewable energy are the same ones that dishonestly tried to cast doubt on the adverse health effects of tobacco products at the behest of powerful and selfish corporate interests.

Just follow the money, and there should be no reasonable doubt about who really has the most to gain by denying the realities of climate change. It is not ordinary people not directly involved in the finding, production and marketing of fossil fuels, nor the world in general!