Weekly Climate and Energy News Roundup

The Week That Was: 2013-06-01 (June 1, 2013) Brought to You by SEPP (www.SEPP.org) The Science and Environmental Policy Project

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Quote of the Week:. The great tragedy of Science – the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact. Thomas Huxley

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Number of the Week: $6.40/mcf

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THIS WEEK:

By Ken Haapala, Executive Vice President, Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP)

Making the Best of Otto: The paper by 17 Climate Establishment scientists, “Energy budget constraints on climate response” in Nature Geoscience, continues to disturb others in the Climate Establishment, particularly those who predict drastic global warming and drastic sea level rise (from global warming). By adding surface temperature data from 2000 to 2009 to the data from starting in 1970, the study stated the most probable temperature increase from a doubling of CO2 will be 2.0 °C, with a 5 to 95% confidence interval of 1.2 to 3.9 °C. These temperature increase estimates are significantly lower than those in the 2007 Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and lower than those included by the latest round of models (CMIP5) of 2.2–4.7 °C, as reported in the draft of the upcoming IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5),

A number of those who advocate strong government measures for controlling CO2 emissions in a hope to stop global warming/climate change are trying to put a positive twist on these findings. They are claiming that this lower estimate of the influence of CO2 on climate gives humanity a second chance before certain doom. The comments by Myles Allen, a participant in the study, as presented by Judith Curry, are more thought provoking than most. However, another view is that the danger of human (anthropogenic) emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) causing significant global warming (carbon-based AGW) is vastly overrated.

The issues concerning the above probability calculations aside, the restatement of highest likelihood demonstrates that the 90 to 99% certainty in the results of the models given in AR4 was misplaced. There is no reason to have high certainty in the latest calculations, despite the probability statements. The researchers may have adjusted the models for the latest data, but the statistical calculations remain a circular argument. The models are not sufficiently tested against past climate change. The time-frame of 1970 to 2009 is insufficient given historical changes in climate.

If nature continues to refuse to cooperate with the climate models, then another restatement would be needed in the future. Perhaps, one day, the Climate Establishment will be forced to admit that CO2 is not the “control knob” of climate and that natural influences are far more significant than man. Please see links under Problems in the Orthodoxy, http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ngeo1836.html and http://judithcurry.com/2013/05/19/mainstreaming-ecs-2-c/#more-11727

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CFC Not CO2?: A new paper in International Journal of Modern Physics B,by Qing-Bin Lu, a professor of physics and astronomy, biology and chemistry in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo (Canada) shows a far tighter correlation between chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), along with cosmic rays, and temperatures from 1950 to 2002 than the correlation between CO2 and temperatures. Of course, correlation is not causation and it may be just coincidence. Nevertheless, the paper is interesting and so has been the response from the Climate Establishment – silence.

Luboš Motl has an interesting take on this silence: “The apparent observation that no one can really safely show that the paper is wrong and why the paper is wrong highlights the immense degree of uncertainty about the truly dominant climate drivers on the decadal and centennial timescales.” Please see links under Challenging the Orthodoxy. [SEPP Comment: Handle with care!]

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Going Green: A new paper published in the Geophysical Research Letters further strengthens the extensive work done by Sherwood, Craig and Keith Idso on the environmental benefits of adding CO2 to the atmosphere. The authors of the paper state they had predicted that a 14% increase in CO2 would result in a 5 – 10% increase in green foliage in warm, arid environments. Satellite observations reveal an 11% increase, after adjusting for rainfall. The paper contradicts claims in the IPCC AR4 that the deserts are advancing.

Of course, the environmental benefits of enhanced atmospheric CO2, and subsequent environmental enrichment cannot go uncontested. The EPA is funding research on human health impacts of increased pollen. Please see links under Challenging the Orthodoxy and Below the Bottom Line.

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Litigation Issues: As expressed earlier, SEPP is an Additional Petitioner in a request that the Supreme Court review the decision by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia supporting the EPA finding that Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, primarily CO2, endanger human health and welfare (Petition for Writ of Certiorari). The writ was filed by the Southeastern Legal Foundation. A number of other requests for Supreme Court review have also been filed, but the one by Southeastern Legal Foundation addresses scientific issues as well as procedural issues.

The EPA has been granted a 30 day extension to file its response to these requests. Thus it is unlikely that the Court will grant, or refuse, the request prior to its summer recess.

A group of eleven scientists have filed an Amicus Brief (a friend in court) supporting the petition by the Southeastern Legal Foundation. The amicus brief addresses the three lines of evidence the EPA claimed supports its endangerment finding. These are: one, the distinct human fingerprint (hot spot of atmospheric warming over the tropics); two, the surface warming over the past several decades has been unusual and dangerous; and, three, the computer climate models simulate the likely response of the climate system to increasing CO2.

Until the EPA files its response, TWTW is not commenting on the filings. Please see links under Litigation Issues.

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Two Issues: On her web site, Climate Etc., Judith Curry has several interesting posts. One discusses the op-ed by US Representative Lamar Smith published in the Washington Post (linked last week), “Overheated rhetoric on climate change doesn’t make for good policies,” and the responses to it. Curry finds that, from a scientific perspective, Rep. Smith comes off far better than his critics.

The second post questions the concept of sustainability, the definition of which is elusive – it can mean virtually whatever the person who invokes it wants. [One could argue that from the concept of entropy, nothing is sustainable.] Curry suggests that a better concept may be resilience – being able to adjust to change and extreme events. This concept may be more politically practical given the great uncertainty of what nature may deliver, or mankind may develop. Please see links under Seeking a Common Ground.

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Absolutist Administration? President Obama declared that there can no debate about the cause of global warming/climate change – it’s human. He stated: “We also know that the climate is warming faster than anybody anticipated five or 10 years ago.” Apparently, the global warming pause has not reached the White House.

According to reports, the new Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, echoed the White House in addressing the White House Leadership Summit on Women, Climate and Energy “I’m not here to debate what’s not debatable.” … “The threat from climate change is real and urgent.” One wonders what Moniz would say about the findings by Otto, et al. Please see links under Defending the Orthodoxy.

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Argument by Accusation: As some may realize, those skeptical of carbon-based AGW are often accused of receiving major funding from fossil fuel industries, as if the source of funding is the final scientific argument. For three years Russell Cook has independently sought the source of multiple reports that many, if not most, skeptics are heavily backed by the fossil fuel industry. According to Cook, the source of most of these claims appears to be the environmental journalist Ross Gelbspan. In his honor, Cook has established a web site that will “focus on an accusation that is being used unjustly to stop debate and marginalize skeptical climate scientists in an important public policy debate.” Please see link under: Accusation Issues.

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Number of the Week: $6.40/mcf. (about $6.40/mmbtu) According to Thomas Tunstall, research director of the University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Economic Development, it will cost approximately $6.40 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) to deliver natural gas from the US to Japan. This is the cost to liquefy, transport and re-gasify the natural gas at the delivery point. Thus at this time, the estimatrd cost of transportation from the US to Japan alone is more than 50% above the cost of the gas at the US Henry Hub (about $4.00/mcf). At the delivery point the cost of the gas would be about $10.40/mcf,, 2.5 times the cost of the gas at the Henry Hub.

The transportation costs from the US to Japan undermine many of the arguments used by those who oppose the US export of liquefied natural gas (LNG). An industry that is a large user of natural gas, say the fertilizer industry, will locate where the gas is less expensive and ship the finished product elsewhere. Thus, the US exporting LNG will not deprive these industries of the advantages in locating where the cost natural gas is comparatively low. [The actual transportation costs may be somewhat lower or higher, but the concept applies.] Please see Article #1.

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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. Exporting Natural Gas Will Stabilize U.S. Prices

Limiting LNG exports will have the unintended effect of limiting supply.

By Thomas Tunstall, WSJ, May 29, 2013

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323611604578396441358002584.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEFTTopOpinion

2. The EPA’s Project Veto

A court ruling gives the agency vast new permitting power.

Editorial, WSJ, May 29, 2013

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324767004578485121293481346.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_AboveLEFTTop

3. Mississippi Clean Coal Slaw

The greens turn on their own green-energy project

Editorial, WSJ, May 29, 2013

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324659404578503261521429942.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_AboveLEFTTop

The real green energy policy seems to be none of the above

4. U.S. Oil Stockpile Highest in More Than 80 Years

By Jerry DiColo, WSJ, Money Beat, May 30, 2013

http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2013/05/30/u-s-oil-stockpile-highest-in-more-than-80-years/

[SEPP Comment: Contrary to what the article suggests, according to production statistics from the State of Pennsylvania, the oil production from Marcellus shale is relatively small. It is the natural gas production that is significant.]

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NEWS YOU CAN USE:

 

Commentary: Is the Sun Rising?

Researchers reveal model of Sun’s magnetic field

By Staff Writers, Leeds, UK (SPX), May 24, 2013

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Researchers_reveal_model_of_Suns_magnetic_field_999.html

Climategate Continued

Briffa 2013

By Steve McIntyre, Climate Audit, May 24, 2013

http://climateaudit.org/2013/05/24/briffa-2013/

[SEPP Comment: After several years of delay in responding to Steve McIntyre inquiries, the scientists at the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) dig deeper.]

Suppressing Scientific Inquiry

Liberal academics use ‘climate science’ to suppress independent thinkers

By Anthony Sadar, Washington Examiner, Apr 30, 2013

http://washingtonexaminer.com/op-ed-liberal-academics-use-climate-science-to-suppress-independent-thinkers/article/2528509

Challenging the Orthodoxy

John Christy: Climate Change Overview in Six Slides

By Marlo Lewis, Global Warming, May 31, 2013

http://www.globalwarming.org/2013/05/31/john-christy-climate-change-overview-in-six-slides/

AGW theory has failed all tests, so alarmists return to the ‘consensus’ hoax

By Staff Writer, ICECAP, May 31, 2013

http://icecap.us/index.php/go/new-and-cool/agw_theory_has_failed_all_tests_so_alarmists_return_to_the_consensus_hoax/

Study says global warming caused by CFCs interacting with cosmic rays, not carbon dioxide

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, May 30, 2013

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/05/30/study-says-global-warming-caused-by-cfcs-not-carbon-dioxide/

Link to paper: Cosmic-Ray-Driven Reaction and Greenhouse Effect of Halogenated Molecules: Culprits for Atmospheric Ozone Depletion and Global Climate Change

By Qing-Bin Lu, International Journal of Modern Physics B, May 30, 2013

http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0217979213500732

[SEPP Comment: Handle with care!]

AGW: due to cosmic rays and freons?

By Luboš Motl, Reference Frame, May 31, 2013

http://motls.blogspot.com/2013/05/agw-due-to-cosmic-rays-and-freons.html#more

[SEPP Comment: See link immediately above.]

Elevated carbon dioxide making arid regions greener

By Staff Writers, AGU Press Release, May 31, 2013 [H/t WUWT]

http://www.agu.org/news/press/pr_archives/2013/2013-24.shtml

Link to paper: CO2 fertilisation has increased maximum foliage cover across the globe’s warm, arid environments

By Randall Donohue et al., GRL, May 31, 2013

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/grl.50563/abstract

Defending the Orthodoxy

Climate change: we’re not doomed quite yet

By Tom Chivers, Telegraph, UK, May 27, 2013 [H/t Bishop Hill]

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/tomchiversscience/100218937/climate-change-were-not-doomed-quite-yet/

Comments by Andrew Montford: There are some gripes, however:

• the suggestion that Otto is a an outlier – a single paper – is demonstrably nonsense. There are now many papers showing climate sensitivity less than 2°C.
• the suggestion that the heat is all going into the oceans is at best only “possible”. All the studies with low climate sensitivity take ocean heat uptake into account (or, in Forster and Gregory’s case use a methodology that is unaffected by it). Trenberth’s new suggestion that the heat is below 2 km depth in the deep ocean is at best speculative.

http://www.bishop-hill.net/blog/2013/5/28/tom-chivers-on-climate-sensitivity.html

The tropical upper atmosphere ‘fingerprint’ of global warming

By Staff Writers, Manoa HI (SPX) May 24, 2013

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/The_tropical_upper_atmosphere_fingerprint_of_global_warming_999.html

[SEPP Comment: A new, distinct human fingerprint?]

Obama: No ‘patience’ for climate skeptics

By Ben Geman, The Hill, May 30, 2013

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/302537-obama-has-no-patience-for-climate-skeptics

The Guardian (2009): “World Will Warm Faster Than Predicted in Next Five Years, Study Warns”

By Paul Homewood, GWPF, May 29, 2013

http://www.thegwpf.org/guardian-2009-world-warm-faster-predicted-years-study-warns/

 

New Energy Secretary on Climate Change: ‘I’m Not Here to Debate What’s Not Debatable’

By Elizabeth Harringtton, CNS News, May 30, 2013 [H/t Timothy Wise]

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/new-energy-secretary-climate-change-i-m-not-here-debate-what-s-not-debatable

Moniz said the only “legitimate debate” regarding climate change involves solutions to the problem, not its cause.

Century-Old Science Helps Confirm Global Warming

By Staff Writers, Pasadena CA (JPL), May 27, 2013

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Century_Old_Science_Helps_Confirm_Global_Warming_999.html

Questioning the Orthodoxy

Science in the Service of Ideology: The National Climate Assessment

By Norman Rogers, American Thinker, May 31, 2013

http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/05/science_in_the_service_of_ideology_the_national_climate_assessment.html

So Far, Climate Scepticism is Right

By Christopher Monckton, SPPI, May 30, 2013

http://scienceandpublicpolicy.org/so_far_climate_scepticism_is_right.html

Is it a failure to communicate, or faulty climate science?

By Steve Goreham, Washington Times, May 29, 2013

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/climatism-watching-climate-science/2013/may/29/it-failure-communicate-or-faulty-climate-science/

Some Thoughts about Policy for the Aftermath of the ClimateWars

By Pointman, His Blog, May 10, 2013 [H/t Roger Cohen]

http://thepointman.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/some-thoughts-about-policy-for-the-aftermath-of-the-climate-wars/

[SEPP Comment: A long essay by the blogger who posted the Climategate II emails.]

Who Are the Real Climate Deniers?

By David Solwayd, PJ Media, May 24, 2013

http://pjmedia.com/blog/who-are-the-real-climate-deniers/

Problems in the Orthodoxy

Alarm Called Off! Leading Swiss Daily NZZ On Otto et al: “Climate Reacts Less To CO2 Than Thought”

By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, May 31, 2013

http://notrickszone.com/2013/05/31/alarm-called-off-leading-swiss-daily-nzz-on-otto-et-al-climate-reacts-less-to-co2-than-thought/

Myles Allen: why we’re wasting billions on global warming

By Judith Curry, Climate Etc., May 26, 2013

http://judithcurry.com/2013/05/26/myles-allen-why-were-wasting-billions-on-global-warming/#more-11772

[SEPP Comment: Allen looks to Carbon Capture & Sequestration (CCS) as the solution?]

Max Planck Institute For Meteorology: “Prognoses Confirm Model Forecasts” Warming Postponed “Hundreds Of Years”

By P. Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, May 26, 2013 [H/t Climate Depot]

http://notrickszone.com/2013/05/26/max-planck-institute-for-meteorology-prognoses-confirm-model-forecasts-warming-postponed-hundreds-of-years/

Scientists narrow global warming range

Press Release, Univ of Melbourne, AU, May 27, 2013 [H/t WUWT]

http://newsroom.melbourne.edu/news/scientists-narrow-global-warming-range

“…exceeding 6 degrees warming was now unlikely while exceeding 2 degrees is very likely for business-as-usual emissions.”

Link to letter: Uncertainty in temperature projections reduced using carbon cycle and climate observations

By Roger W. Bodman, Peter J. Rayner, David J. Karoly, Nature Climate Change, May 26, 2013

http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate1903.html

The climate change sceptics are winning – and the environmental lobby only has itself to blame

For all the Nobel prizes and predictions of global apocalypse and preaching to the converted, climate change remains a niche issue

By Liam Dennis, Independent, May 28, 2013

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-climate-change-sceptics-are-winning–and-the-environmental-lobby-only-has-itself-to-blame-8634681.html

[SEPP Comment: One this issue, where are the Nobel prizes in science?]

Seeking a Common Ground

Rep. Lamar Smith on climate change

By Judith Curry, Climate Etc., May 31, 2013

http://judithcurry.com/2013/05/31/rep-lamar-smith-on-climate-change/#more-11794

Forget sustainability – it’s about resilience

By Judith Curry, Climate Etc., May 29, 2013

http://judithcurry.com/2013/05/29/forget-sustainability-its-about-resilience/#more-10882

Climate researchers discover new rhythm for El Niño

Press Release, Univ of Hawaii –SOEST – May 26, 2013

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-05/uoh-crd052213.php

Link to paper: A combination mode of the annual cycle and the El Niño/Southern Oscillation

By Stuecker, et al, Nature Geoscience, May 26, 2013 [H/t WUWT]

http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ngeo1826.html

[SEPP Comment: Another natural feature ignored by the IPCC?]

Accusation Issues:

Accuse a Scientist of Corruption. Later, Replace His Name Without Explanation. Everybody OK With That?

By Russell Cook, GelbspanFiles, May 27, 2013

http://gelbspanfiles.com/?p=223

Expanding the Orthodoxy

Big firms should report environmental impact: UN panel

By Michelle Nichols and Allster Doyle, Reuters, May 30, 2013

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/05/30/us-un-idUKBRE94T0KT20130530

Link to the report: High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda

Eminent Persons from Around the World Call for a New Global Partnership to Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development

By Staff Writers, May 30, 2013

http://www.post2015hlp.org/featured/high-level-panel-releases-recommendations-for-worlds-next-development-agenda/

[SEPP Comment: According to the UN, we cannot help the poor unless we deny them the use of fossil fuels which are needed to eliminate their poverty.]

Impacts World, International Conference on Climate Change

Potsdam, May 27 – 30

http://www.climate-impacts-2013.org/

Laying the foundations for climate impacts research

By Freya Roberts, Carbon Brief, May 28, 2013

http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2013/05/laying-the-groundwork-for-climate-impacts-research-impacts-world-2013

This week’s conference is hosted by two major scientific institutions – the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).

Questioning European Green

The unravelling of EU energy policy

By Martin Livermore, Scientific Alliance, May 31, 2013

http://scientific-alliance.org/scientific-alliance-newsletter/unravelling-eu-energy-policy

Cheap Chinese Solar Panels Spark an EU Civil War

By Walter Russell Mead, Via Meadia, May 29, 2013 [H/t GWPF]

http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2013/05/29/cheap-chinese-solar-panels-spark-an-eu-civil-war/

Questioning Green Elsewhere

China Gives Greens False Hope on Climate Treaty

By Walter Russell Mead, Via Meadia, May 28, 2013 [H/t GWPF]

http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2013/05/28/china-gives-greens-false-hope-on-climate-treaty/

The Ungreening of Windpower: Dina Cappiello (AP) Blows the Whistle on Big Wind (and others are following)

By Robert Bradley Jr., Master Resource, May 28, 2013

http://www.masterresource.org/2013/05/ungreening-windpower-cappiello/#more-25672

Communicating Better to the Public – Exaggerate, or be Vague?

Rice’s Baker Institute Climate Embarrassment (Sass’s ad hominem response to Rep. Smith)

By Robert Bradley Jr., Master Resource, May 31, 2013

http://www.masterresource.org/2013/05/rice-baker-climate-embarrassment/#more-25865

‘Landmark consensus study’ is incomplete

By Shub Niggurath, Bishop Hill, May 27, 2013

http://www.bishop-hill.net/blog/2013/5/27/landmark-consensus-study-is-incomplete.html

[SEPP Comment: What about the tens of thousands of studies that do not match the search criteria.]

We all agree about communicating climate consensus, don’t we?

By Ros Donald and Roz Pidcock, Carbon Brief, May 24, 2013

http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2013/05/we-all-agree-about-communicating-climate-consensus,-dont-we

[SEPP Comment: Further justifying rigged surveys such as the one by John Cook that does not substantiate what is claimed.]

Global warming paradox: More sea ice around Antarctica in winter, study says

By Alister Doyle, Reuters, Apr 1, 20113 [H/t Clyde Spencer]

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/01/17546564-global-warming-paradox-more-sea-ice-around-antarctica-in-winter-study-says

‘Grave indicator’: Penguins’ survival at stake as Antarctic ice disappears

By Kerry Sanders, NBC News, Mar 11, 2013

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/11/17239373-grave-indicator-penguins-survival-at-stake-as-antarctic-ice-disappears

[SEPP Comment: Conflicting stories. The second article assumes that what is happening in the extreme tip of the Antarctic Peninsula is indicative of the entire continent.]

Communicating Better to the Public – Make things up.

Claim: 400 PPM CO2 gives the weather ‘personality’ of the extreme kind – rebuttal to CBS News Face the Nation

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, May 26, 2013

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/05/26/claim-400-ppm-co2-gives-the-weather-personality/

Report: Climate change affects Virginia disasters

By Bill Sizemore, Virginian-Pilot, May 29, 2013 [H/t Timothy Wise]

http://hamptonroads.com/2013/05/report-climate-change-affects-virginia-disasters

Communicating Better to the Public – Go Personal

Calling out climate change deniers in Congress

By Judith Curry, Climate Etc., May 27, 2013

http://judithcurry.com/2013/05/27/president-obama-calls-out-the-climate-change-deniers-in-congress/#more-11779

Blacklisted Science Journalists Taking German Environment Ministry To Court For Defamation, Violating Neutrality

By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, May 30, 2013

http://notrickszone.com/2013/05/30/blacklisted-science-journalists-taking-german-environment-ministry-to-court-for-defamation-violating-neutrality/

German Association Of Journalists Demands Apology From German Ministry Of Environment For “Black List Of Skeptics”!

By P. Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, May 28, 2013

http://notrickszone.com/2013/05/28/german-association-of-journalists-demands-apology-from-german-ministry-of-environment-for-black-list-of-skeptics/

Vahrenholt Hits Back At German Government’s Pillory Of Skeptics: “Why Did You Falsify My Biography?”

By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, May 25, 2013

http://notrickszone.com/2013/05/25/vahrenholt-hits-back-at-german-governments-pillory-of-skeptics-why-did-you-falsify-my-biography/

Changing Weather

Last three years provides evidence AGW not responsible for tornadoes

By Joseph D’Aleo, ICECAP, May 29, 2013

http://icecap.us/index.php/go/joes-blog/last_three_years_prove_agw_not_responsible_for_tornadoes/

Five myths about tornadoes

By Michael Smith, Washington Post, May 24, 2013 [H/t WUWT]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-about-tornadoes/2013/05/24/21f39502-c329-11e2-9fe2-6ee52d0eb7c1_story.html

Germany Now Recording Coldest Spring In 40 Years! “…Climate Experts Running Out Of Arguments…”!

By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, May 27, 2013

http://notrickszone.com/2013/05/27/germany-now-recording-coldest-spring-in-40-years-climate-experts-running-out-of-arguments/

French ski station to re-open slopes, in June!

By Staff Writers, The Local, May 29, 2013 [H/t No Tricks Zone]

http://www.thelocal.fr/20130529/as-summer-arrives-french-ski-station-opens-slopes

[SEPP Comment: A first!]

Would you believe ski areas plead for effort to combat climate change?

By Joseph D’Aleo, Weatherbell Analytics, May 30, 2013

http://icecap.us/index.php/go/new-and-cool/would_you_believe_ski_areas_plead_for1/

Changing Seas

City’s sea-level plans don’t hold water

By Bob Carter, Newcastle Herald, AU, May 28, 2013

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1522356/opinion-citys-sea-level-plans-dont-hold-water/?cs=308

Hansen falsified: His extreme sea level rise projections are drowning in hubris

By Patrick Michaels and Chip Knappenberger, WUWT, May 29, 2013

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/05/29/hansen-falsified-his-extreme-sea-level-rise-projections-are-drowning-in-hubris/

[SEPP Comment: Hansen’s use of an exponential curve makes it impossible to test his hypothesis in his lifetime. It can only be considered an oddity for the next few decades or so.]

Review of Recent Scientific Articles by NIPCC

For a full list of articles see www.NIPCCreport.org

Growth Responses of Tree Roots to Atmospheric CO2 Enrichment

Reference: Smith, A.R., Lukac, M., Bambrick, M., Miglietta, F. and Godbold, D.L. 2013. Tree species diversity interacts with elevated CO2 to induce a greater root system response. Global Change Biology 19: 217-228.

http://nipccreport.org/articles/2013/may/28may2013a1.html

Wind Speeds over China: AR5 Climate Models vs. Real-World Data

Reference: Chen, L., Pryor, S.C. and Li, D. 2012. Assessing the performance of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change AR5 climate models in simulating and projecting wind speeds over China. Journal of Geophysical Research 117: 10.1029/2012JD017533.

http://nipccreport.org/articles/2013/may/28may2013a2.html

Modeling Precipitation Over the Mediterranean Region

Reference: Barkhordarian, A., von Storch, H. and Bhend, J. 2013. The expectation of future precipitation change over the Mediterranean region is different from what we observe. Climate Dynamics 40: 225-244.

http://nipccreport.org/articles/2013/may/29may2013a1.html

More CO2 but Less Nitrogen: A Double Whammy for Diatoms?

Reference: Li, W., Gao, K. and Beardall, J. 2012. Interactive effects of ocean acidification and nitrogen-limitation on the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. PLOS ONE 7: e51590

http://nipccreport.org/articles/2013/may/29may2013a2.html

The Political Games Continue

Sessions: EPA nominee Gina McCarthy is ‘stonewalling’

By Ramsey Cox, IBD, May 31, 2013

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/302711-sessions-epa-nominee-gina-mccarthy-is-stonewalling

[SEPP Comment: Answered some questions, and ignored the most important ones.]

Litigation Issues

Submission of Legal Brief To the US Supreme Court.

By Tim Ball, A Different Perspective, May 27, 2013

http://drtimball.com/2013/submission-of-legal-brief-to-the-us-supreme-court/

Link to the Brief: BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE SCIENTISTS IN

SUPPORT OF THE PETITIONS FOR CERTIORARI

http://drtimball.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Amicus-Brief.pdf

Group goes to court over text messages of Obama’s EPA nominee

By Ben Geman, The Hill, May 29, 2013

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/302459-conservative-group-sues-for-epa-nominees-text-messages

Cap-and-Trade and Carbon Taxes

U.S. should heed failure of cap and trade in Europe

Editorial, Examiner, May 29, 2013

http://washingtonexaminer.com/examiner-editorial-u.s.-should-heed-failure-of-cap-and-trade-in-europe/article/2530749?utm_source=Washington%20Examiner:%20Opinion%20Digest%20-%2005/30/2013&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Washington%20Examiner:%20Opinion%20Digest

Subsidies and Mandates Forever

Are renewables subsidies on their way out?

By Ros Donald, Carbon Brief, May 29, 2013

http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2013/05/are-renewables-subsidies-on-their-way-out

[SEPP Comment: What type of accounting trick is there to use energy security to demand spending on a source of energy that stops without notice?]

EPA and other Regulators on the March

EPA’s back-room ‘Sue and Settle’ deals require reform

Editorial, Washington Examiner, May 26, 2013

http://washingtonexaminer.com/epas-back-room-sue-and-settle-deals-require-reform/article/2530505?utm_source=Washington%20Examiner:%20Opinion%20Digest%20-%2005/27/2013&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Washington%20Examiner:%20Opinion%20Digest

Oil industry frets over new smog standard

By Julian Hattem, The Hill, May 30, 2013

http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/302573-oil-industry-frets-new-smog-standard-

Link to study: Health Benefits from Large-Scale Ozone Reduction in the United States

By Berman, et al., Environmental Health Perspectives, Oct 2012

http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ehp.1104851.pdf

[SEPP Comment: Can the health researchers delineate a decrease in ozone-related premature mortality and morbidity resulting from prior regulations?]

Energy Issues – Non-US

Cold climate wind energy showing huge potential

By Staff Writers, Helsinki, Finland (SPX), May 29, 2013

http://www.winddaily.com/reports/Cold_climate_wind_energy_showing_huge_potential_999.html

[SEPP Comment: And huge costs!]

Energy Issues — US

The President’s Legacy on Energy

By Michael Economides, Energy Tribune, May 24, 2013

http://www.energytribune.com/77160/the-presidents-legacy-on-energy#sthash.koO7Y7ht.dpbs

Misguided Energy Policy: Alone, Enough to Cause American Failure

The responses of Barbara Boxer and Sheldon Whitehouse to the deadly tornado strike portend more disaster

By Tom Harris, PJ Media, May 31, 2013

http://pjmedia.com/blog/misguided-energy-policy-alone-enough-to-cause-american-failure/

Putting the Grid at Risk

By Donn Dears, Power for USA, May 28, 2013

http://dddusmma.wordpress.com/

Interior moves ahead on offshore drilling safety institute

By Ben Geman, The Hill, May 29, 2013

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/302369-interior-to-create-offshore-drilling-safety-institute

Oil and Natural Gas – the Future or the Past?

Who Loses from Rising Natural Gas Prices?

By Robert Rapier, Energy Tribune, May 29, 2013

http://www.energytribune.com/77255/who-loses-from-rising-natural-gas-prices#sthash.tDx5bbKH.dpbs

Natural Gas Bonanza from Hydrates

By Donn Dears, Power for USA

http://dddusmma.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/natural-gas-bonanza-from-hydrates/

Nuclear Energy and Fears

Ike grasped the potential of ‘Atoms for Peace’

By David Rossin, Herald Tribune, Sarasota, FL, May 18, 2013

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130518/COLUMNIST/305189998

Despite safety and other concerns, nuclear power saves lives, greenhouse gas emissions

By Staff Writers,Washington DC (SPX), May 30, 2013

http://www.nuclearpowerdaily.com/reports/Despite_safety_and_other_concerns_nuclear_power_saves_lives_greenhouse_gas_emissions_999.html

[SEPP Comment: Question the numbers in preventable deaths. James Hansen is one of the authors of the study.]

Alternative, Green (“Clean”) Solar and Wind

Desertec abandons Sahara solar power export dream

By Staff Writers, EurActiv, May 31, 2013 [H/t GWPF]

http://www.euractiv.com/energy/desertec-abandons-sahara-solar-p-news-528151

[SEPP Comment: The grand scheme was too grand and too impractical. At least taxpayer funds were not squandered in its execution.]

Google acquires kite-power generator

By Staff Writers, BBC, May 23, 2013 [H/t Number Watch]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22636565

[SEPP Comment: For twelve years, John Brignell of Number Watch has brought up a major issue regarding these schemes: How much do the tethering cables weigh?]

http://www.numberwatch.co.uk/cables.htm

Solar Industry Anxious Over Defective Panels

By Todd Woody, NYT, May 28, 2013

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/business/energy-environment/solar-powers-dark-side.html

Turbine Plans Unnerve Fans of Condors in California

By Felicity Barringer, NYT, May 25,2013 [H/t Cathrine French]

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/us/turbine-plans-unnerve-fans-of-condors-in-california.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130526&_r=1&

[SEPP Comment: Could the Grey Lady be recognizing that “green energy” is not environmentally benign?]

Alternative, Green (“Clean”) Vehicles

‘My scientists made me shrink your car’

How government scientists plunder the till in the name of science

By Patrick Michaels, Washington Times, May 28, 2013

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/may/28/my-scientists-made-me-shrink-your-car/

Carbon Schemes

CO2 sequestration process produces supergreen hydrogen fuel, offsets ocean acidification

By Anne M Stark for LLNL News

Livermore CA (SPX) May 29, 2013

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Livermore_scientists_develop_CO2_sequestration_technique_that_produces_supergreen_hydrogen_fuel_offsets_ocean_acidification_999.html

California Dreaming

Democrats Block California’s ‘Economic Miracle’

Editorial, IBD, May 31, 2013

http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/053113-658403-california-wont-be-the-next-north-dakota.htm?p=full

Other Scientific News

Radiation on trip to Mars near lifetime limit

By Staff Writers, Washington (AFP) May 30, 2013

http://www.marsdaily.com/reports/Radiation_on_trip_to_Mars_near_lifetime_limit_999.html

Peer review falls for recycled manuscripts

By Anthony Watts WUWT, May 29, 2013

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/05/29/peer-review-falls-for-recycled-manuscripts/

Plants frozen for centuries come back to life

By Staff Writers, Edmonton, Alberta (UPI) May 28, 2013

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Plants_frozen_for_centuries_come_back_to_life_999.html###################################################

BELOW THE BOTTOM LINE:

Climate Change Leading to Pollen Plague?

By Wendy Koch, USA Today, May 31, 2013

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=238669

[SEPP Comment: The journalist may know about the birds and the bees, but not about the flowers and the trees. More EPA financing of a potential fear campaign.]

Climate Craziness of the Week: James Hansen calls for new political party to combat climate change

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, May 30, 2013

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/05/30/climate-craziness-of-the-week-james-hansen-calls-for-new-political-party-to-combat-climate-change/

Domino makes carbon-free cane-sugar. It’s certified.

By Jo Nova, Her Blog, May 26, 2013

http://joannenova.com.au/2013/05/domino-makes-carbon-free-cane-sugar-its-certified/

[SEPP Comment: Next step, carbon-free meat, then carbon-free carbohydrates, and then carbon-free life!]

Friday Funny – The Global Warming Escalator -vs- The Rocket

By Anthony Watts, WUWT, May 31, 2013

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/05/31/friday-funny-the-global-warming-escalator-vs-the-rocket/

[SEPP Comment: Playing games with chartmanship, the art of adjusting a chart to give a frightening impression.]

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