Brought to You by SEPP (www.SEPP.org) The Science and Environmental Policy Project
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Quote of the Week: If we take into our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Consign it then to the flames: For it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion. David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Section XII (1748)
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Number of the Week: 3.6° C
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THIS WEEK:
By Ken Haapala, Executive Vice President, Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP)
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Trenberth and Fasullo: Last week TWTW linked to a study by Kevin Trenberth and John Fasullo of US National Center for Atmospheric Research that claimed that the most sensitive of the climate models are supported by their research in 10 years of changes in relative humidity. This was widely reported as proof that increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere would cause drastic global warming because increases in water vapor will amplify the effects of increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (a positive feedback). Without a positive feedback the theoretical warming from a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide is only 1.1 deg C (2 deg F).
In his comments, John Christy pointed out that the projections from the most sensitive models are diverging greatly from actual observations. The divergence is statistically significant. Trenberth and Fasullo failed to mention this divergence in their study.
This week, Richard Lindzen sent to TWTW an article by Trenberth and Fasullo that appeared in Geophysical Research Letters on April 14, 2009 titled “Global warming due to increasing absorbed solar radiation.” The main part of the abstract reads:
“There is an increase in net radiation absorbed, but not in ways commonly assumed. While there is a large increase in the greenhouse effect from increasing greenhouse gases and water vapor (as a feedback), this is offset to a large degree by a decreasing greenhouse effect from reducing cloud cover and increasing radiative emissions from higher temperatures. Instead the main warming from an energy budget standpoint comes from increases in absorbed solar radiation that stem directly from the decreasing cloud amounts.”
This is a re-statement of Lindzen’s “Iris Effect”, first published in 2001. Strangely, in the 2009 article Trenberth and Fasullo failed to mention the prior work of Lindzen. Could it be that Lindzen asserts that the iris effect cancels the water vapor feedback? Lindzen’s research indicates that warming from doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide will be significantly less than the theoretical 1.1 deg C and much less than that projected by the models. Please see links in last week’s TWTW and http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2009/2009GL037527.shtml.
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WUWT TV: To counter Al Gore’s Dirty Weather telethon, Anthony Watts had a 24 hour program featuring scientists addressing key scientific issues involving the threat of global warming / climate change. The entire program can be viewed from Anthony’s web site, WUWT. Shortly, individual segments will be available on UTube.
According to some who saw parts of both, Anthony’s program was not as slick as the expensive and expertly produced Gore program. But all too often Hollywood slickness is used to cover-up scientific faults. The Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee, appointed by the Parliament of Norway, should have learned this by now. Please see links under Challenging the Orthodoxy.
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A Note of Thanks: Roger Pielke Sr. is retiring his popular web blog, Pielke Climate Science, to focus on research. Since July 2005, his blog has been a source for valuable information that often did not appear elsewhere. Now, he finds a number of excellent blogs exist and prefers to concentrate on other matters. His comments have always been professional and courteous, a high standard missing in many climate blogs. We are looking forward to the third edition of his modeling book. Please see link under Seeking a Common Ground.
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EIKE – Heartland Conference: As stated above, The Heartland Institute is partnering with the European Institute for Climate and Energy (EIKE) to host a conference on Climate Change in Munich. For details please see the link under Challenging the Orthodoxy.
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BBC Special: The BBC climate scandal continues to unfold. In 2006, BBC announced that based on a panel of experts, it would no longer give equal time to climate change skeptics. As linked in TWTW last week, a lonely British subject, who pays taxes supporting BBC, inquired who was on the panel. He has been thwarted by the BBC and the courts on claims by BBC executives that the panel met only under commonly used conditions of secrecy. This week, a blogger discovered the names of the panel from apparently completely legal and open sources. As expected, few on the panel were climate experts and many were from organizations hostile to use of carbon based fuels. It is sad to witness a once venerable institution, noted for its integrity, headed the way of supermarket tabloids by defending politicized climate science and policy. Please see links under BBC Special.
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Quote of the Week: The quote was used in a lecture at Oxford on science and rhetoric by Mark Thompson in which he criticized the Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF). Mr. Thompson is the former head of the BBC. Apparently, Mr. Thompson does not realize that complex numerical models can be another form of sophistry and illusion – particularly if their assumptions have not been empirically verified, and when the models require updating as observations significantly diverge from predictions. Please see link under Defending the Orthodoxy.
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IEA: The International Energy Administration (IEA) has issued a large study titled World Energy Outlook, 2012. According to the outlook, largely due to deep underground hydraulic fracturing of dense shale and deepwater drilling, by the early 2020s, the US will be producing more oil than Saudi Arabia. Based on its Executive Summary and Fact Sheet, the IEA completely accepts the claims of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that carbon dioxide emissions are causing unprecedented and dangerous global warming. This may give pause in accepting the IEA claims by those who question the reliability of the IPCC models. Please Article # 2 and links under Energy Issues – Non-US.
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Number of the Week: 3.6° C. Peter Foster writes in the Financial Post: “According to the IEA report, given present consumption trends, the Earth is headed for 3.6C of temperature increase in the “long term.” Just what the long term means is buried in a convoluted and confusing graph on page 247, where it is revealed that that 3.6C is in fact a probability and refers to the year … 2200. Yes, that’s 188 years from now.” Please see link under Energy Issues – Non-US.
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ARTICLES:
For the numbered articles below please see this week’s TWTW at: www.sepp.org. The articles are at the end of the pdf.
1. We’d Like to Write Rosy EPA Letters
By Philip D. Guerin, Letter, WSJ, Nov 11, 2012
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324439804578106811022163062.html?mod=ITP_opinion_1
2. Saudi America
The U.S. will be the world’s leading energy producer, if we allow it.
Editorial, WSJ, Nov 13, 2012
3. The Fracker’s Guide to a Greener World
Greenhouse-gas emissions are growing rapidly in the developing world. The only realistic alternative to this trend is natural gas.
By Richard Muller & Mitch Daniels, WSJ, Nov 11, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]
[SEPP Comment in the WSJ: Professor Muller’s research could be used to support the research of Professor Lars Franzén of the University of Gothenburg, and others, who state that without carbon dioxide emissions the earth would be entering a new ice age. Why is this trade-off not mentioned?]
4. Can Medieval Heat Cool Warming Worries?
By Matt Ridley, WSJ, Nov 9, 2012
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204349404578100862654023702.html
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NEWS YOU CAN USE:
Science: Is the Sun Rising?
Solar Activity – Past, Present, Future
By Leif Svalgaard, WUWT, Nov 11, 2012
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/11/solar-activity-past-present-future/
Suppressing Scientific Inquiry
Professor Vahrenholt: Climate Science “A Real Effrontery”… “Scientists Leave The Room When They See Me”
By P. Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 11, 2012
[SEPP Comment: Although Professor Vahrenholt states that carbon dioxide is causing warming, in his book, Die kalte Sonne, he asserts that the sun has a major role in climate change – something the IPCC rejects.]
Challenging the Orthodoxy
WUWT-TV’s answer to Al Gore’s ‘Dirty Weather Report’ is ON THE AIR
By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 14, 2012
Music star Al Gore plans a virtual reality drop
By Luboš Motl, Reference Frame, Nov 16, 2012
http://motls.blogspot.com/2012/11/music-star-al-gore-plans-virtual.html#more
Heartland Institute Hosts Eighth International Conference on Climate Change in Germany
The Heartland Institute is partnering with the Germany-based European Institute for Climate and Energy (EIKE) to host the Eighth International Conference on Climate Change November 30 – December 1
Press Release, Heartland, Nov 15, 2012
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10139236.htm
Little Change in Drought Over 60 Years
By Roger Pielke Jr, His Blog, Nov 15, 2012
http://rogerpielkejr.blogspot.com/2012/11/little-change-in-drought-over-60-years.html
Nature paper: Global droughts unchanged in 60 years
By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Nov 16, 2012
http://joannenova.com.au/2012/11/nature-paper-global-droughts-unchanged-in-60-years/
Meteorologist Challenges Obama’s Climate Change Claims
By Mandy Nagy, Breitbart, Nov 14, 2012 [H/t ICECAP]
Defending the Orthodoxy
Mark Thompson on the GWPF
By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Nov 12, 2012
http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2012/11/12/mark-thompson-on-the-gwpf.html
Carbon buried in the soil rises again
By Staff Writers, Davis CA (SPX), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Carbon_buried_in_the_soil_rises_again_999.html
Climate Change Report Outlines Perils for U.S. Military
By John Broder, NYT, Nov 9, 2012 [H/t SPPI]
[SEPP Comment: Another alarmist study from the once respectable National Research Council.]
Global Warming Could Wipe Out Govt.
By Staff Writers, Judicial Watch, Nov 8, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]
http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2012/11/global-warming-could-wipe-out-govt/
[SEPP Comment: An amusing twist on an alarmist sea level rise study with projections as large as a 5 meter rise. Among the alarmists statements in the study is that by 3000 North African rainfall will get worse (from a study in Nature Geoscience). The Sahara getting rainfall is a bad thing? ]
German Climate Institutes Revise: CO2 Will Now Cause Warmer Winters With “More Frequent Cold”
By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 14, 2012
[SEPP Comment: If it is a warm winter, the cause is global warming. If it is a cold winter, the cause is global warming.]
Questioning the Orthodoxy
Global Cooling: A Far More Dangerous Fate
Humans thrive during warm spells. We die in the cold.
By Tim Ball and Tom Harris, PJ Media, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]
http://pjmedia.com/blog/global-cooling-a-far-more-dangerous-fate/
Analysis of US and State-by-State Carbon Dioxide Emissions & Potential “Savings” in Future Global Temperature & Global Sea Level Rise
By Paul Knappenberger, SPPI, Nov 16, 2012
http://scienceandpublicpolicy.org/originals/state_by_state.html
Using assumptions based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports, if the U.S. as a whole stopped emitting all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions immediately, the ultimate impact on projected global temperature rise would be a reduction, or a “savings,” of approximately 0.08°C by the year 2050 and 0.17°C by the year 2100—amounts that are, for all intents and purposes, negligible.
Spiegel Scare: 2011 Sees New “Gigantic” CO2 Emissions Record (Pssst – But Global Temperatures Dropped)
By P. Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 13, 2012
[SEPP Comment: No warming trend may be more accurate than temperatures dropped.]
Nobel winners here, there, everywhere!
By Tony Thomas, Quadrant, Nov 12, 2012
http://www.quadrant.org.au/blogs/doomed-planet/2012/11/nobel-winners-here-there-everywhere
Questioning European Green
Commissioner Oettinger rails against state subsidies
By Staff Write, Press Europe, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t GWPF]
Moody’s: Wind and solar power will continue to erode thermal generators’ credit quality
By Scott Phillips, et al, Moody’s Investor Service, Nov 6, 2012
http://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-Wind-and-solar-power-will-continue-to-erode-thermal–PR_259122
Renewables growth in Europe: good news for wholesale electricity prices?
By Freya Roberts, Carbon Brief, Nov 12, 2012
[SEPP Comment: According to this article, Moody’s report states renewable are driving down the cost of electricity in Europe. However, it has not reduced the cost of electricity to the consumers.]
‘Job done’ on wind farms, says John Hayes
A Conservative minister last night defied Liberal Democrat Energy secretary Ed Davey to insist no more onshore wind farms would be built beyond those already planned.
By Christopher Hope, Telegraph, UK, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t GWPF]
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9676256/Job-done-on-wind-farms-says-John-Hayes.html
Questioning Green Elsewhere
Adapting to Climate Change Is Less Costly than Spending Trillions on Emission Targets
By Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar, From Economic Times, India, Nov 7, 2012
Expanding the Orthodoxy
What Scandal? CIA Hard At Work Exposing Security Risks of “Climate Phenomena”
By Staff Writers, Judicial Watch, Nov 14, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]
Cultural dimensions of climate change are underestimated, overlooked and misunderstood
By Staff Writers, Exeter UK (SPX), Nov 14, 2012
Trouble in the Orthodoxy
President of UN climate summit in Qatar says shale gas is “good news”
By Ed King, RTCC, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t GWPF]
http://www.rtcc.org/president-of-un-climate-summit-in-qatar-says-shale-gas-is-good-news/
[SEPP Comment: Not exactly great news for the greens.]
Doha conference: carbon cuts talks must wait, says key negotiator
Brazil’s Luiz Alberto Figueiredo says a Kyoto protocol extension must take priority at the Doha climate negotiations
By Jonathan Watts, Guardian, UK, Nov 15, 2012 [H/t GWPF]
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/nov/15/doha-carbon-cuts-climate-change?intcmp=122
Kyoto: Australia “IN” New Zealand “Out”
By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Nov 12, 2012
http://joannenova.com.au/2012/11/kyoto-australia-in-new-zealand-out/#more-25185
Washington weighs moving climate politics beyond UNFCCC
By Arthur Neslen, EurActiv, Nov 16, 2012 [H/t GWPF]
http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/washington-weighs-moving-climate-news-516077
Seeking a Common Ground
The Weblog Is Retiring
By Roger Pielke Sr, Pielke Climate Science, Nov 13, 2012
http://pielkeclimatesci.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/the-weblog-is-retiring/
Publication of “Reply to “Comment On ‘Ocean Heat Content And Earth’s Radiation Imbalance. II. Relation To Climate Shifts’ ” by Nuccitelli Et Al. By Douglass and Knox 2012
By Roger Pielke Sr, Climate Science, Nov 12, 2012
[SEPP Comment: The concept of climate shifts gives great difficulty to those who advocate that carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of global warming / climate change.]
PBL, KNMI and Crok launch Climate Discussion platform Climate Dialogue
Press Release, PBL, Netherlands, Nov 11, 2012 [H/t GWPF]
Communicating Better to the Public – Exaggerate, or be Vague?
Climate Change: Lessons From Ronald Reagan
By Cass Sunstein, NYT, Nov 10, 2012 [H/t Willie Soon]
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/opinion/sunday/climate-change-lessons-from-ronald-reagan.html?_r=0
[SEPP Comment: When Freon was banned in the US as patents expired, chemical companies already had alternatives – patent protected and more expensive, of course.]
John Boehner’s discouraging view of climate science
Editorial, Washington Post, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t Timothy Wise]
[SEPP Comment: According to the editorial: “the models and the quality of the information that feeds into them have gotten progressively better.” The editorial ignores the fact that there has been no warming for at least a decade.]
Communicating Better to the Public – Make things up.
What Paleotempestology Tells Scientists about Today’s Tempests
By Staff Writers, Boulder, CO (SPX), Nov 12, 2012
[SEPP Comment: The study of past storms is now Paleotempestolog?]
Commentary: Sandy’s S.O.S.
By Arnaud De Borchgrave, Washington (UPI), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Commentary_Sandys_SOS_999.html
[SEPP Comment: Linking climate change to nuclear testing and wars.]
BBC Special
BBC – the stench of decay
By John Brignell, Number Watch, Nov 12, 2012
http://www.numberwatch.co.uk/2012%20November.htm#stench
BBC secret exposed: Greenpeace, activists, BP decide what “science” brits see — Hello TwentyEightGate
By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Nov 17, 2012
BBC’s 30 “experts” who decided in 2006 that balance on AGW wasn’t needed
By Lubos Molt, Reference Frame, Nov 13, 2012
http://motls.blogspot.com/2012/11/bbcs-30-experts-who-decided-in-2006.html#more
The List of Names the BBC Did Not Want You to See
Scientist Exposed by Climategate Set BBC Policy
By Guido Fawkes, Order-Order.com, Nov 13, 2012
[SEPP Comment: We recognize only one bona fide climate scientist in the whole bunch]
Storming Sandy
The Impact of Sandy on Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies Along Its Track
By Bob Tisdale, WUWT, Nov 11, 2012
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/11/11/inverse-hockey-stick-hurricane-sandy-cools-the-ocean/
The Moral of Sandy
By Bjørn Lomborg, Project Syndicate, Nov 13, 2012
[SEPP Comment: Those who jumped at blaming hurricane / extra-tropical storm Sandy on global warming may be better described as climate opportunists than climate scientists.]
Schumer urges weather agency to keep Sandy labeled a tropical storm
By Zack Colman, The Hill, Nov 11, 2012
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/267261-schumer-presses-weather-agency-to-keep-sandy-a-storm
[SEPP Comment: Insurance deductibles are larger for a hurricane than a tropical storm, thus labeling Sandy as a tropical storm will benefit those whose properties were damaged. The downside is that a tropical storm does not have the same alarmist tone as a hurricane or super storm.]
New York governor seeks $30 bn in aid after Sandy
By Staff Writers, New York (AFP), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/New_York_governor_seeks_30_bn_in_aid_after_Sandy_999.html
Government Fails In Long Island
By Donn Dears, Power For USA, Nov 16, 2012
http://dddusmma.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/government-fails-in-long-island/
Changing Weather
Tropical Indo-Pacific climate shifts to a more El Nino-like state
By Staff Writers, Manoa HI (SPX), Nov 15, 2012
A Big Picture Look At “Earth’s Temperature” – “Extreme Weather” Update
By WUWT regular “Just The Facts”, WUWT, Nov 10, 2012
[SEPP Comment: Extensive compilation of various climate indices in graphs.]
2012 vs . 2011 tornadoes: A study in contrasts
By Jason Samenow, ICECAP, Nov 15, 2012
http://icecap.us/index.php/go/joes-blog/2012_vs_2011_tornadoes_a_study_in_contrasts/
[SEPP Comment: After a promising start for climate alarmists, the 2012 tornado season is a failure.]
Changing Climate
Climate change and the ancient Maya
By Staff Writers, Philadelphia PA (SPX), Nov 14, 2012
[SEPP Comment: Another example that climate change is not a recent phenomenon as alarmist pretend it is.]
Changing Sea Ice
Press Release – Why Antarctic sea ice cover has increased under the effects of climate change
By Staff Writers, British Antarctic Survey, Nov 11, 2012
http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/press/press_releases/press_release.php?id=1967
NASA, BAS agree that the Antarctic ice growth contradicts climate models
By Lubos Molt, Reference Frame, Nov 12, 2012
http://motls.blogspot.com/2012/11/nasa-bas-agree-that-antarctic-ice.html
Bipolar disorder – as in the Arctic, the Antarctic sea ice extent is affected by wind, unless of course it’s ‘climate change’
By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 12, 2012
Changing Earth
Himalayan glaciers will shrink even if temperatures hold steady
Press Release, Brigham Young University, Nov 15, 2012 [H/t WUWT]
http://news.byu.edu/archive12-nov-bhutan.aspx
[SEPP Comment: Glaciers will shrink until the next ice age comes. There are significant challenges to the claims of major melt over the next few decades and annual melt water loss.]
Agriculture Issues & Fear of Famine
Danger, hazardous regulations ahead
By Martin Livermore, Scientific Alliance, Nov 16, 2012
http://www.scientific-alliance.org/scientific-alliance-newsletter/danger-hazardous-regulations-ahead
Walker’s World: Food crisis again
By Martin Walker, London (UPI), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Walkers_World_Food_crisis_again_999.html
The Political Games Continue
Members Question Use of Secret Email Accounts by Top Obama Administration Officials
Call for Release of Records and Independent Reviews Regarding Conduct of Official Business through Covert Means
Press Release, House Committee on Science, Nov 16, 2012
Briefs: Energy Policy in the Lame Duck Session
By Sonal Patel, Energy News, Nov 15, 2012
http://www.powermag.com/POWERnews/5141.html?hq_e=el&hq_m=2562950&hq_l=5&hq_v=5e660500d0
Cap-and-Trade and Carbon Taxes
Think tank to sue Treasury to make carbon tax proposal emails public
By Mark Tapscott, Washington Examiner, Nov 12, 2012
Carbon Tax Will Kill The Economy, Boost Inflation
By Steve Milloy, IBD, Nov 13, 2012
New carbon tax would be folly
Such a levy can’t be justified on basis of altering climate; real goal is a revenue stream to fund European-style government.
By Christopher Horner, Orange County Register, Nov 14, 2012
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/tax-377765-carbon-new.html
Brussels moots pollution credit cut to up carbon price
By Staff Writers, Brussels (AFP), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Brussels_moots_pollution_credit_cut_to_up_carbon_price_999.html
Experts believe that the price should be between 24 and 30 euros in order to make investment in clean technologies worthwhile.
EU ‘Stops The Clock’ On Emissions Scheme For Incoming And Outgoing Flights
By David Jones, Business Travel News, Nov 12, 2012
Subsidies and Mandates Forever
Governors Demand Wind PTC to Cover State Costs
By Lisa Linowes, Master Resource, Nov 16, 2012
http://www.masterresource.org/2012/11/governors-ptc-cost-extension/#more-22745
[SEPP Comment: What Irony! Many states have instituted “feel good” policies of requiring renewable sources such as wind, for producing electricity. Now, governors of some of these states are realizing that these policies are increasing electricity costs in their states. To off-set these costs, they are demanding greater Federal subsidies for wind power. This action is a clear example that wind power increases the costs of electricity to consumers – so much for free energy. It is time that the states bear the costs of their financially irresponsible “feel-good” policies.]
New Rule Could Reenergize Clean-Energy In New Jersey
By Staff Writers, Newark NJ (SPX), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/New_Rule_Could_Reenergize_Clean_Energy_In_New_Jersey_999.html
Natural Gas Industry Cozies Up to Washington
By Veronique de Rugy, Reason, From NCPA, Nov 14, 2012
[SEPP Comment: Beyond R & D, there is no justification for subsidizing the conversion of vehicles to natural gas. If it is economical, it will happen.]
EPA refuses to waive ethanol mandate
By Ben Geman, The Hill, Nov 16, 2012
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/268453-epa-rejects-bids-to-waive-ethanol-mandate
EPA and other Regulators on the March
Why You Should Care That Courts Overturn EPA’s Carbon Pollution Standard
By Marlo Lewis, Forbes, Nov 14, 2012 [H/t Cooler Heads]
The EPA’s Dirty Big Secrets
By Peter C Glover, Energy Tribune, Nov 14, 2012
http://www.energytribune.com/65200/the-epa-dirty-big-secrets
EPA Charged With Lethal Experiments On Hundreds Of Unsuspecting Subjects
By Larry Bell, Forbes, Nov 13, 2012
New York Misses Out on Natural Gas Revolution as Junk Science Carries the Day
By Kevin Monney, Net Right Daily, Nov 14, 2012
Energy Issues – Non-US
World Energy Outlook 2012
By Fatih Birol et al, IEA, Nov 12, 2012
http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org/publications/weo-2012/
Anti-markets drivel
By Peter Foster, Financial Post, Nov 13, 2012
http://opinion.financialpost.com/2012/11/13/peter-foster-anti-markets-drivel/
Seven essential graphs from the IEA’s World Energy Outlook
By Robin Webster, Carbon Brief, Nov 12, 2012
http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2012/11/favourite-graphs-from-iea
[SEPP Comment: Carbon Brief is a European organization promoting the goals of the IPCC.]
Saving Energy is Good
By Donn Dears, Power For USA, Nov 13, 2012
http://dddusmma.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/saving-energy-is-good/
Quebec minister lashes out against plans to bring Alberta oil to province
By Nicolas Van Praet, Financial Post, Nov 14, 2012
Energy Issues — US
Shale gas boom rejuvenating US industry
By Staff Writers, Washington Post news group, Nov 16, 2012 [H/t GWPF]
http://www.dailymail.com/Business/201211150234
Enviros quickly press victorious Obama to nix Keystone pipeline
By Ben Geman, The Hill, Nov 7, 2012
Oil and Natural Gas – the Future or the Past?
Third Way’s Freed discusses policy recommendations for price stability
By Staff Writers, EENews, Nov 15, 2012
http://www.eenews.net/tv/transcript/1603
The end of the cheap hydrocarbons era
By Staff Writers, Moscow (Voice of Russia), Nov 13, 2012
http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/The_end_of_the_cheap_hydrocarbons_era_999.html
[SEPP Comment: The Russian take on the US oil & gas boom. Look for environmentalists to repeat it.]
Arctic project carries Alaska-size challenges
By Jennifer Klouhy, Fuel Fix, Nov 12, 2012
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/11/12/arctic-project-carries-alaska-size-challenges/
Alaska ice tested as possible new energy source
By Staff Writers, AP, Nov 12, 2012
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/11/12/alaska-ice-tested-as-possible-new-energy-source/
[SEPP Comment: The headline is misleading. The article discusses the possible use of methane hydrates.]
An American Oil Find That Holds More Than All of OPEC
By Alan Farnham, ABC News, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t GWPF]
[SEPP Comment: Two major questions: Can it be extracted at a competitive price and will Washington allow it? Interior has already put a major portion of the formation off-limits.]
Warning issued on ‘experimental’ fracking
By Staff Writers, Erie, Pa. (UPI), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Warning_issued_on_experimental_fracking_999.html
[SEPP Comment: Academic ignorance! Over 60 years of experience does not give a basis of knowledge? The article does not correctly describe the used techniques.]
Washington’s Control of Oil, Gas and Coal
Obama’s war on energy is a war on jobs
Natural gas gives the economy much-needed boost
By William Triplett, Washington Times, Nov 15, 2012
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/15/obamas-war-on-energy-is-a-war-on-jobs/
More research on arctic oil spills urged
By Staff Writers, Anchorage, Alaska (UPI), Nov 14, 2012
http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/More_research_on_arctic_oil_spills_urged_999.html
[SEPP Comment: Another excuse for stopping or slow-rolling drilling. Over 40 years of experience is not enough?]
API’s Gerard discusses future of Keystone XL
By Staff Writer, EENews, Nov 14, 2012
http://www.eenews.net/tv/transcript/1602
Return of King Coal?
With China and India Ravenous for Energy, Coal’s Future Seems Assured
By Peter Galuszka, NYT, Nov 12, 2012
Oil Spills, Gas Leaks & Consequences
BP, US reach $4.5B settlement for Gulf spill
By Ben Geman, The Hill, Nov 15, 2012
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/268123-bp-nearing-criminal-settlement-over-2010-gulf-spill
Guilty plea to cost BP $4B for explosion
By Jerry Seper, Washington Times, Nov 15, 2012
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/15/guilty-plea-to-cost-bp-4b-for-explosion/
Coast Guard: Two missing in Gulf oil platform explosion
By Ben Geman, The Hill, Nov 16, 2012
[SEPP Comment: Another round of political oil bashing from those who demand complete safety which is impossible, even in Congress.]
Nuclear Energy and Fears
Chernobyl cleanup workers had significantly increased risk of leukemia
By Staff Writers, San Francisco CA (SPX), Nov 13, 2012
[SEPP Comment: According to the article, 16% of 137 cases of leukemia among 111,000 workers was attributed to Chernobyl. This works out to 22 cases or 0.02% of those studied.]
IEA cuts nuclear power growth forecast
By Staff Writers, WNN, Nov 12, 2012
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/EE-IEA_cuts_nuclear_power_growth_forecast-1211124.html
Alternative, Green (“Clean”) Solar and Wind
Australia scraps Solar Dawn project
By Staff Writers, Brisbane, Australia (UPI), Nov 13, 2012
http://www.solardaily.com/reports/Australia_scraps_Solar_Dawn_project_999.html
Bosch quits Desertec
By Quirin Schiermeier, Nature News Blog, Nov 13, 2012
http://blogs.nature.com/news/2012/11/bosch-quits-desertec.html
[SEPP Comment: Among other investors in this huge project is the re-insurance company Munich Re which recently issued a widely cited report claiming dangerous global warming / climate change from carbon dioxide emissions.
Is Colorado’s “new energy economy” still viable in light of recent setbacks in the industry? No
Green is still unsustainable
By William Yeatman, Denver Post, Nov 11, 2012 [H/t Cooler Heads]
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_21960082/no-green-is-still-unsustainable
Alternative, Green (“Clean”) Vehicles
JD Power study: Electric vehicle economics don’t pencil out
By Jerry Hirsch, LA Times, Nov 8, 2012
http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-mo-autos-electric-vehicle-costs-20121108,0,4965785.story
[SEPP Comment: Why should politicians be concerned with consumer economics?]
California Dreaming
Pulling billions out of thin air
California unleashes cap-and-trade scheme
Editorial, Washington Times, Nov 12, 2012
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/12/pulling-billions-out-of-thin-air/
[SEPP Comment: As many organizations are lining up to get part of the “free money” that will cost California consumers dearly.]
Latest tool to fight global warming: an auction
By Michael Gardner, U-T San Diego, Nov 13, 2012 [H/t John Coleman]
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/13/latest-tool-fight-global-warming-auction/?page=1#article
California Debuts Cap-and-Trade Program Amid Legal Challenge
By Sonal Patel, Power News, Nov 15, 2012
http://www.powermag.com/POWERnews/5144.html?hq_e=el&hq_m=2562950&hq_l=4&hq_v=5e660500d0
Environmental Industry
Trouble at Brazil mega-dam stops construction for now
By Staff Writers, Rio De Janeiro (AFP), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Trouble_at_Brazil_mega-dam_stops_construction_for_now_999.html
[SEPP Comment: Destroying buildings is just another way for greens to protest.]
C2ES’ Roy discusses expectations for new Senate Energy committee leadership
By Staff Writer, EENews, Nov 13, 2012
http://www.eenews.net/tv/transcript/1601
[SEPP Comment: The re-named Pew climate lobbying group defending the EPA.]
Canada’s push for dirty tar sands oil is out of step
By Staff Writers, Ottawa, Canada (SPX), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Canadas_push_for_dirty_tar_sands_oil_is_out_of_step_999.html
[SEPP Comment: Green journalism.]
Other Scientific News
Superbug MRSA Identified in U.S. Wastewater Treatment Plants
By Staff Writers, College Park MD (SPX), Nov 12, 2012
A New Technique to Protect Astronauts from Space Radiation
By Shannon Ridinger for Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville AL (SPX), Nov 12, 2012
http://www.spacemart.com/reports/A_New_Technique_to_Protect_Astronauts_from_Space_Radiation_999.html
Corals attacked by toxic seaweed use chemical 911 signals to summon help
By Staff Writers, Atlanta GA (SPX), Nov 15, 2012
Other News that May Be of Interest
Research suggests that humans are slowly but surely losing intellectual and emotional abilities
By Staff Writers, London, UK (SPX), Nov 15, 2012
[SEPP Comment: Are we losing our intellectual skills as we cease to be hunter-gatherers.]
Historic coral collapse on Great Barrier Reef
By Staff Writers, Brisbane, Australia (SPX), Nov 15, 2012
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Historic_coral_collapse_on_Great_Barrier_Reef_999.html
[SEPP Comment: From development on land.]
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BELOW THE BOTTOM LINE:
That CO2 is powerful stuff, now causes satellites to be threatened in orbit due to lingering space debris
By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Nov 12, 2012
China’s endangered pandas face bamboo shortage threat
By Staff Writers, Paris (AFP), Nov 11, 2012
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Chinas_endangered_pandas_face_bamboo_shortage_threat_999.html
[SEPP Comment: From global warming / climate change, of course.]
Denmark Scraps Much-Maligned ‘Fat Tax’ After a Year
By Clemens Bomsdorf, WSJ, Nov 11, 2012
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323894704578113120622763136.html?mod=ITP_pageone_2
Products such as butter, oil, sausage, cheese and cream were subject to increases of as much as 9% immediately after the new tax was enacted.
[SEPP Comment: According to the article, all products with more than 2.3% saturated fat were subject to the tax. Apparently, Denmark was trying to eliminate the traditional egg breakfast.]
Love potion #10: Hormonal treatment to ensure fidelity?
By Staff Writers, ACSH, Nov 16, 2012
http://www.acsh.org/love-potion-10-hormonal-treatment-to-ensure-fidelity/
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On the Road Again: On November 28, Fred Singer will be leaving for another lecture tour in Europe. On November 30 he will be speaking at the EIKE Conference in Munich, co-sponsored by Heartland. On December 3, he will be in Geneva giving three talks: luncheon talk to the BSCC, an afternoon talk with the WMO, and an evening talk “The Climate Debate.” On December 5, he give a 3pm open lecture on “Skeptical about Climate Catastrophes” at the Google building in Zurich To RSVP contact Johan Branstroem +41 76 79 89 579. He will give another open talk in Vienna on Dec 7 at 6 pm. To RSVP contact Gabriella Engler at the F. von Hayek Institute. For additional information please contact Ken@SEPP.org.
Hmm, David Hume’s quote dies by virtue of its own logic, for that paragraph contains no ‘abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number’ nor in fact any ‘experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence.’
Trenberth and Fasullo: Last week TWTW linked to a study by Kevin Trenberth and John Fasullo of US National Center for Atmospheric Research that claimed that the most sensitive of the climate models are supported by their research in 10 years of changes in relative humidity. This was widely reported as proof that increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere would cause drastic global warming because increases in water vapor will amplify the effects of increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (a positive feedback).
Only problem is the negative correlation of increasing CO2 vs. reduced RH%.
http://i48.tinypic.com/2qlfnzn.jpg
Quote of the Week: If we take into our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Consign it then to the flames: For it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion. David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Section XII (1748)
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So Ken is not impressed by Alec Rawl’s hand waving either.
No Real Scientist will ever be convinced by a negative correlation, zero correlation, or the absence of data. None of the things we’re discussing here is even mildly distracting for the serious people in serious societies doing their important work.
From the mass mailing I received at work today:
~~~~~~~~~~
Zero carbon society speaker series.
The talk this week (Wednesday 21st November) will be give by Jon Coello and David Turner from the Department of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, they will be discussing ‘Carbon Foot-printing’, measurement techniques and examples.
The final session of Michaelmas term (Wednesday 28th November) will be lead by Emma Cross from the Department of Earth Science and the British Antarctic Survey. She will be discussing the effects of Ocean Acidification and possible future scenarios.
All talks begin at 13:10 in the Wordsworth Room, St Johns College and will be followed by a 15 minute discussion session that will finish no later than 13:50.
LazyTeenager says:November 18, 2012 at 11:53 pm
So Ken is not impressed by Alec Rawl’s hand waving either.
Alec Rawls is not mentioned here, you must be in the wrong thread.