The Week That Was: 2014-12-06 (December 6, 2014) Brought to You by SEPP (www.SEPP.org) The Science and Environmental Policy Project
THIS WEEK:
By Ken Haapala, Executive Vice President, Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP)
The Game in Lima: The annual December meeting of the UN Conference of Parties (now COP-20) to the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has opened in Lima, Peru. This is the last major conference, but not the only one, before the 2015 Conference of Parties in Paris next December. The purpose of the Lima conference it to lay the groundwork for a legally binding agreement at the Paris Conference. The intended purpose of a new agreement is to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which failed and has expired. Based on one’s belief of whether or not human carbon dioxide emissions endanger humanity by causing drastic global warming/climate change, these conferences can be described in various ways ranging from the last hope of humanity to a final effort to destroy modern, industrial civilization, which heavily depends on the use of fossil fuels.
Western organizations that promote the dangers of human-caused global warming include the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the World Bank, the European Union, the US Administration, and various once notable scientific institutions. Other organizations include the traditional press. These can be collectively called the climate establishment.
Western organizations that question the dangers of human-caused global warming are generally beyond the reach of the massive government spending on global warming/science change and include the Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP) as well as many other notable organizations. There are clear exceptions to such a convenient division, such as the scientists at the Earth System Science Center in University of Alabama in Huntsville, who report global temperatures as observed by satellites, the most comprehensive global temperature record in existence. These data are independently published monthly and confirmed by data from weather balloons. Further, scientific societies in Russia and China are not strongly supporting the dangers of human-caused global warming. In the traditional western press, those who question the climate establishment are falsely labeled as in the pay of private corporations, including tobacco, coal, and oil companies. Little, if any, physical evidence is advanced to support such claims.
The Global Warming Policy Forum, headquartered in the UK, has likened the on-going climate conferences to a game of cards, such as poker. If so, the major Western nations have tipped their hand. The delegates from the EU are making it clear that they will agree to most anything as long as the agreed upon controls of carbon dioxide emissions are binding. In announcing an agreement with China, US President Obama agreed to limit US emissions of CO2, without obtaining a comparable limit to China’s emissions for at least 16 years. [It is generally agreed that China’s emissions of CO2 exceeded those of the US some years ago (23% v. 16% of world emissions in 2013)
Already in the early part of the Lima conference, China is calling for the West to pledge more money to developing countries, including China, to fund preparations for climate change. Similarly, India is demanding more compensation from the West. The West can only expect greater demands from other developing countries. If one views the conference in Lima as a game, then the delegates from China and India arrived to play high-stakes poker and the delegates from the West arrived with a bag of grammar school marbles. See Article # 5 and links under The China – US Agreement? and A New World Agreement? and http://www.statista.com/statistics/271748/the-largest-emitters-of-co2-in-the-world/
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Quote of the Week: “If the naysayers do manage to stop agricultural biotechnology, they might actually precipitate the famines and the crisis of global biodiversity they have been predicting for nearly 40 years.” Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution — H/t Margaret Wente
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Number of the Week: 826,000 Short
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Agreement Doubts: There are a number of doubts that may be present among other delegates that must be overcome by the US delegates before any binding agreement can be reached. Most serious is the President’s attitude that he can commit the US to a binding agreement. He failed to obtain US Senate approval to a cap-and-trade bill on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2009, when he was much more popular and his party had a clear majority of the Senate with opponents holding about 40 of 100 seats (the number of vacant seats varied). The President’s popularity has diminished significantly since. Any treaty requires a two-thirds approval by the Senate. It is doubtful if a treaty on carbon dioxide emissions will pass with the opposing party holding, what will be on January 3, 2015, a 54 to 46 majority.
In addition, nature is not cooperating with the announcements of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the climate models used, as well as various government entities that are promoting dangerous human-caused global warming. No doubt, the new Congress will look into the books of the US government entities that are promoting the unsubstantiated claim of human-caused dangerous global warming. Toss into this mix, the fact that hydraulic fracturing of dense shale is showing that the world is not running out of oil and natural gas, and global oil prices are tumbling. All this throws into question the claims that alternatives to fossil fuels are needed for western civilization because fossil fuels will run out and become ever more expensive.
Already many in Europe are questioning the EU position on energy policy, which is becoming a hardship on those with limited incomes and in energy intensive industries.
Mr. Obama continues to insist he has the executive powers to execute a binding international agreement, but Federal courts may have to decide. See Articles # 2, # 3 and # 5, and links under: A New World Agreement?, Problems in the Orthodoxy, Questioning European Green, and Funding Issues.
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Executive Powers – Challenged: Mr. Obama, and the Administration, have claimed he has the Executive Powers to enforce his climate plan which calls for significant reductions in US emissions of CO2. Laurence Tribe, a professor at Harvard Law School, has long been a stalwart of the Democratic Party and is hardly a conservative. According to reports, in comments on the EPA’s climate plan, Tribe stated:
“The defects in the proposed rule transcend political affiliations and policy positions and cut across partisan lines,” Tribe wrote, asking that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdraw the proposal…“It is a remarkable example of executive overreach and an administrative agency’s assertion of power beyond its statutory authority. Indeed, the proposed rule raises serious constitutional questions.”
In addition, Tribe argued that the rule ignores the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches and violates the limits on EPA’s authority. These comments were prepared for Peabody Energy Corp, a coal firm, and, no doubt, will be discounted by the EPA. However, the comments may be important in the Federal courts. See links under EPA and other Regulators on the March
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EPA Climate Plan: Comments on the EPA climate plan closed on December 1, for which EPA stated it received well over 1 million comments. Green groups announced they submitted over 3 million comments. TWTW is preparing a synopsis of some of the scientific comments to appear later. See links under EPA and other Regulators on the March.
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Climategate: This year marked the fifth anniversary of Climategate and the collapse of a pending international agreement on carbon dioxide emissions that was to occur in Copenhagen in December 2009. Judith Curry has comments on the importance of Climategate to her and how it helped her question the climate establishment. See link under Climategate Continued.
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Oh’ Mann: One of the outcomes of Climategate was the revelation of the extent to which the climate establishment would avoid using relevant data that draws into question its findings. Mr. Mann’s infamous hockey-stick is the most glaring example. Steve McIntyre has continued to dig into the data, which now includes a recent study of the Bristlecone Pines in the White Mountains along the California-Nevada border that were heavily featured in Mr. Manns hockey-stick. See links under Climategate Continued and Oh’ Mann.
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Temperature Measurements: The number of claims of the hottest year ever are becoming numbing – especially those that announce before the full data set is available. Roy Spencer shows that it is doubtful if satellite temperatures will support the claim that 2014 will qualify as the hottest year ever. David Whitehead discusses the lack of meaning of claims of hottest year when the error range in measurement may be 10 times that of the value of the increase. See links under Challenging the Orthodoxy and Measurement Issues.
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Number of the Week: 826,000 Short. With great fanfare President Obama and the Administration bragged that by 2015 the US would have 1,000,000 electric driven cars on the road by 2015. Writing in the Investor’s Business Daily, John Merline estimates that actual number will be about 826,000 short. (Only about 17% of the claimed number will be in use.) Mark Mills explains that the motor and battery pack in an electric auto is heavy when compared with a comparable gasoline auto with fuel tank. Further, gasoline engines are improving dramatically. According to the reports, Federal subsidies for electric autos total over $8 billion. These include a $7,500 Federal tax credit, which is used in lieu of taxes to be paid, rather than a deduction which reduces taxable income. Those who pay taxes consider a credit far superior to a deduction. The subsidies do not include state support, which is considerable in states such as California
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Dear Subscriber to The Week That Was,
As you know, support for the Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP) comes entirely from private donations; we do not solicit support from industry or government.
Therefore, we can honestly claim that we are not beholden to anyone and that our writings are clear from any outside influence.
We are also proud of the fact that SEPP is frugal: no fancy offices, no employees, no salaries paid to anyone; in fact, we donate book royalties and lecture fees to SEPP
The past few years have been very productive:
In collaboration with like-minded groups, we produced hard-hitting comments for the record and provided scientific testimony on proposed Federal climate and energy policy. We expect this material to surface in future litigation over excessive regulation.
SEPP has also spawned VA-SEEE (Scientists & Engineers for Energy & Environment), with 7 active chapters throughout Virginia, writing to local papers, testifying in Richmond, etc.
On a global level, we established NIPCC in 2007 (Non-governmental International Panel on Climate Change) to respond to the false claims of the UN-IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), and its followers — that use of fossil fuels, and CO2 emissions, will lead to climate disasters.
All four of the voluminous NIPCC reports and their Summaries are available at www.NIPCCreport.org.
In 2013, the Chinese Academy of Sciences translated and published a book based on two NIPCC reports and organized a Workshop in Beijing.
The Heartland Institute, our publisher, has organized nine well-attended ICCC events (International Conference on Climate Change), featuring many of the 50+ NIPCC authors.
A few weeks ago. Dr Fred Singer, our founder and president celebrated his 90th birthday After 25 years at the helm, he plans to retire as SEPP president, but hopes to continue as Chairman of the Board for as long as possible.
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Executive Vice President, Science and Environmental Policy Project
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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. Obama Puts Climate on the 2016 Ballot
The president’s unilateral approach ensures that a new global carbon pact will be a campaign issue in two years.
By Rupert Darwall, WSJ, Dec 1, 2014
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2. ‘Peak Oil’ Debunked, Again
The world relearns that supply responds to necessity and price.
Editorial, WSJ, Dec 4, 2014
http://online.wsj.com/articles/peak-oil-debunked-again-1417739810?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_opinion
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3. The Global Shakeout From Plunging Oil
New supply—rather than demand—is dominating the market, and OPEC has been caught by surprise.
By Daniel Yergin, WSJ, Nov 30, 2014
http://online.wsj.com/articles/daniel-yergin-the-global-shakeout-from-plunging-oil-1417386897
Link to report: Tight Oil Test: US output at lower oil prices
By Staff Writers, IHS, Nov 20, 2014
http://unconventionalenergy.blogs.ihs.com/2014/11/20/tight-oil-test-us-output-at-lower-oil-prices/
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4. Saudi Arabia Sees Oil Prices Stabilizing Around $60 a Barrel
OPEC’s Biggest Oil Producer Isn’t Likely to Push for Production Cuts as a Result
By Summer Said, Sarah Kent and Benoit Faucon, WSJ, Dec 3, 2014
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5. Ambition Meets Wariness as U.N. Climate Change Talks Begin in Lima
Little Evidence Other Developing Nations Will Follow China’s Lead in Carbon-Emissions Targets
By William Mauldin, WSJ, Dec 3, 2014
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NEWS YOU CAN USE:
Climategate Continued
The legacy of Climategate: 5 years later
By Judith Curry, Climate Etc. Dec 1, 2014
http://judithcurry.com/2014/12/01/the-legacy-of-climategate-5-years-later/#more-17270
Sheep Mountain Update
By Steve McIntyre, Climate Audit, Dec 4, 2014
http://climateaudit.org/2014/12/04/sheep-mountain-update/
Link to paper: Changing climate response in near-treeline bristlecone pine with elevation and aspect
By Salzer et al, Environmental Research Letters, Oct 9, 2014
http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/9/11/114007/article
Challenging the Orthodoxy
Vahrenholt Tells German Audience Of 1200: “Manmade Climate Catastrophe No Longer The Issue
By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Dec 1, 2014
2014 a Record Warm Year? Probably Not.
By Roy Spencer, His Blog, Dec 4, 2014
http://www.drroyspencer.com/2014/12/2014-a-record-warm-year-probably-not/
Gruberization of Climate
By Joseph D’Aleo, ICECAP, Dec 5, 2014
http://icecap.us/index.php/go/political-climate/gruberization_of_climate1/
“The data doesn’t matter. We’re not basing our recommendations on the data. We’re basing them on the climate models,” Professor Chris Folland of the British Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research
World Health Organisation Faulted for Willful Exaggeration
By Staff Writers, GWPF, Dec 1, 2014
http://www.thegwpf.com/world-health-organisation-faulted-for-willful-exaggeration/
Link to paper: Unhealthy Exaggeration: The WHO Report on Climate Change
By Indur Goklany, GWPF, 2014
http://www.thegwpf.com/content/uploads/2014/11/WHO-paper.pdf
Benny Peiser: Written Testimony On EU Climate Policy To US Senate Committee
By Benny Peiser, GWPF, Dec 3, 2014
http://www.thegwpf.com/benny-peiser-written-testimony-on-eu-climate-policy-to-us-senate-committee/
“Why would you locate a new investment in a place with both high labour costs and high energy costs, many of which are self-inflicted?”
Are Polar Bear Researchers Blinded by Belief, or Acting Dishonestly?
By Jim Steele, WUWT, Dec 1, 2014
Why “90% of the missing heat” cannot be hiding in the oceans
By Staff Writer, The Hockey Schtick, Dec 1, 2014
http://hockeyschtick.blogspot.com/2014/12/why-greenhouse-gas-missing-heat-cannot.html
Defending the Orthodoxy
Govt. Role in Energy R&D Is Key Amid Challenging Times
By Margot Anderson, Real Clear Politics, Dec 5, 2014
[SEPP Comment: Goals 1 & 2 in the recommended tax policy are mutually inconsistent. 1. Encourage development and deployment of domestic, clean and low-emission sources of energy; 2. Strive to be technology- and energy source-neutral. (Boldface added.) Tax incentives are a poor way to promote research. Often, realistic goals are not established.]
Why scientists are (almost) certain that climate change is man-made
By Staff Writers, The Economist, Nov 2, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
[SEPP Comment: Does not even begin to address past climate change, or the difference between doubling of CO2 in dry laboratory air and a doubling in the earth’s mostly humid air.]
Questioning the Orthodoxy
Another Explanation of the Global Warming Pause In Doubt
By Steven Hayward, Power Line, Dec 1, 2014
Another excuse for ‘the pause’ – the oceans ate the heat
By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Dec 3, 2014
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/12/03/another-excuse-for-the-pause-the-oceans-ate-the-heat/
Whither The Weather?
By Tim Ball, WUWT, Dec 4, 2014
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/12/04/whither-the-weather/
Claim: CO2 effects felt on decadal time scales, rather that centuries
By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Dec 3, 2014
Did ENSO and the “Monster” Kelvin Wave Contribute to the Record High Global Sea Surface Temperatures in 2014?
By Bob Tisdale, WUWT, Dec 5, 2014
The Appalling Truth About Energy Subsidies
By Euan Mearns, Energy Matters, Nov 17, 2014 [H/t Anne Debeil]
http://euanmearns.com/the-appalling-truth-about-energy-subsidies/
[SEPP Comment: This is consistent with what TWTW has discussed in the past. The three countries with the greatest fossil fuel subsidies are Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. ]
Western Hudson Bay polar bear population is stable: press release
By Susan Crockford, Polar Bear Science, Dec 5, 2014
The China – US Agreement?
China Broadens Pollution Pledge in Call for More Climate Funding
By Alex Morales and Reed Landberg, Bloomberg, Dec 4, 2014
[SEPP Comment: The headline by the GWPF may be more accurate: UN Climate Poker: Emboldened China Plays $100 Billion Trump Card. http://www.thegwpf.com/un-climate-poker-embolded-china-plays-100-billion-trump-card/]
A New World Agreement?
Hot Air on Climate Change in Lima
By Patrick J. Michaels, CATO, Dec 5, 2014
http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/hot-air-climate-change-lima
China Says Climate Aid Inadequate, Especially Australia
By Staff Writers, Reuters, Dec 4, 2014
Lima climate talks: EU and US at odds over legally binding emissions targets
EU says mandatory carbon emissions cuts should be set for all countries, whereas US wants individual countries to be free to adjust the scale and pace of reductions
By Dan Collyns, The Guardian, UK, Dec 2, 2014
“What we need is science-based rigorous regulations…”
[SEPP Comment: Just because politicians and some scientists call regulations science-based does not make it so.]
Developed countries should compensate for emissions: India
By Staff Writers, Economic Times of India, Dec 4, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
[SEPP Comment: The headline by GWPF may be more accurate: UN Climate Poker: India Demands Western Compensation For CO2 Emissions. http://www.thegwpf.com/un-climate-poker-india-demands-western-compensation-for-co2-emissions/]
Making Climate Promises Count
By Stephan Dion and Eloi Laurent, Project Syndicate, Dec 1, 2014
A growing number of experts – including those at the International Monetary Fund, the OECD, and the World Bank – agree that no climate plan can be successful without an effective and efficient carbon-pricing system. The IPCC has concluded that if a single global carbon price is not established soon, it will be virtually impossible to prevent global warming from surpassing 2ºC above preindustrial levels – the threshold beyond which the most devastating effects of climate change would become unavoidable.
[SEPP Comment: Avoiding the major question: Can any climate plan be successful without knowledge of the natural causes of climate change?]
UN climate change deal must have legally binding targets, says EU
Time is running out for agreeing legal framework for emissions cuts, EU official warns
By Arthur Neslen, The Guardian, UK, Nov 27, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
Scientific American: Hope after Lima – Preparing the loyalists for failure
By Eric Worrall, WUWT, Dec 3, 2014
Social Benefits of Carbon
Why don’t we hear about the beneficial side of climate change?
By Ross Clark, The Spectator, Nov 28, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
Problems in the Orthodoxy
Climate rhetoric faces the devil in the detail
By Staff Writers, Paris (AFP), Dec 01, 2014
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Climate_rhetoric_faces_the_devil_in_the_detail_999.html
Good news. Australia say NO to UN Green Climate Fund – bypasses Green Gravy Train
By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Dec 5, 2014
Link to Green Climate Fund web site:
Organized at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (2010)
India says carbon emissions will grow as it drives to beat poverty
By Tommy Wilkes, Reuters, Dec 5, 2014
http://www.trust.org/item/20141205132540-5dooi/
Seeking a Common Ground
Misuse of science
By Martin Livermore, The Scientific Alliance, Dec 5, 2014
http://scientific-alliance.org/node/898
The United Nations needs a shorter, stronger game plan for humanity
By Bjorn Lomborg, Washington Post, Nov 21, 2014
Niceness at home and abroad
By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Dec 2, 2014
http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2014/12/2/niceness-at-home-and-abroad.html
Give Gruber a Break
By Charles Battig, American Thinker, Dec 2, 2014
http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2014/12/give_gruber_a_break.html
Review of Recent Scientific Articles by C02 Science
Weeds, Pests & Pathogens Beware: The Air’s CO2 Content is Rising
The ongoing rise in the air’s CO2 concentration may well “increase plant resistance to specific weeds, pests and pathogens,” which is great news for future plants and the animals dependent upon them for food…
Goufo, P., Pereira, J., Moutinho-Pereira, J., Correia, C.M., Figueiredo, N., Carranca, C.,Rosa, E.A.S. and Trindade, H. 2014. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) phenolic compounds under elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. Environmental and Experimental Botany 99: 28-37.
http://www.co2science.org/articles/V17/dec/a6.php
Assessing Possible Climate Change Impacts on Chinese Food Supply
Overall, Chinese agriculture appears to be relatively resilient to climate change, which is a significant finding for the world’s most populous country in being able to adequately feed its inhabitants at the midpoint of the current century.
Ye, L., Tang, H., Wu, W., Yang, P., Nelson, G.C., Mason-D’Croz, D. and Palazzo, A. 2014. Chinese food security and climate change: Agricultural futures. Economics 8: 10.5018/economics-ejournal.ja.2014-1.
http://www.co2science.org/articles/V17/dec/a5.php
Technological Progress vs. Atmospheric CO2 Enrichment
Attavanich, W. and McCarl, B.A. 2014. How is CO2 affecting yields and technological progress? A statistical analysis. Climatic Change 124: 747-762.
http://www.co2science.org/articles/V17/dec/a4.php
Models v. Observations
UAH Global Temperature Update for Nov. 2014: +0.33 deg. C
By Roy Spencer, His Blog, Dec 2, 2014
http://www.drroyspencer.com/2014/12/uah-global-temperature-update-for-nov-2014-0-33-deg-c/
Measurement Issues
Overheated Media Reporting
By David Whitehouse, GWPF, Dec 4, 2014
http://www.thegwpf.com/warm-year-overheated-reporting/
“The fact is that if 2014 does become a record, it will be by an insignificant increase and it won’t be a record in all the global temperature databases. Satellite data, arguably a much better data set than the surface temperature measurements, show 2014 to be far from record-setting.
The really big story is that the post-1997 ‘pause’ in global surface temperatures continues undiminished when 2014 data is included.”
Dubious digits: Is this data really that accurate?
By Staff Writers, Math Drudge, Nov 8, 2013 [H/t Clyde Spencer]
http://experimentalmath.info/blog/2014/11/dubious-digits-is-this-data-really-that-accurate/
[SEPP Comment: False precision should alert the reader “Buyer Beware!”
Global Temperature Report: November 2014
By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Dec 3, 2014
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/12/03/global-temperature-report-november-2014/
On the Difference Between Lord Monckton’s 18 Years for RSS and Dr. McKitrick’s 26 Years (Now Includes October Data)
By Werner Brozek, edited by Just The Facts, WUWT, Dec 2, 2014
[SEPP Comment: The real issue is not the length of the pause or how it is measured. The real issue is that the understanding of climate science as claimed by the IPCC and governmental entities that follow it is not correct. Further, the climate models fail to accurately project temperature changes.]
RSS YTD Temps Only 7th Highest Since 1998
By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Dec 5, 2014
http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/rss-ytd-temps-only-7th-highest-since-1998/
Argo And Ocean Heat Content
By Willis Eschenbach, WUWT, Dec 4, 2014
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/12/04/argo-and-ocean-heat-content/
Satellites show 2014 was NOT the hottest ever spring (or winter or summer or autumn) in Australia.
By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Dec 4, 2014
Changing Weather
60-Hour Blizzard Paralyzes Northern China, Russian Orient: 90 cm Snow, 105 km/hr Winds, Minus 20°C!
By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Dec 4, 2014
The Myth of More Severe Storms
By Donn Dears, Power For USA, Dec 5, 2014
https://dddusmma.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/the-myth-of-more-severe-storms/
Europe’s Coldest Winter Of The 20thC
By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Dec 2, 2014
[SEPP Comment: Did John Holdren’s dreaded Polar Vortex saved Moscow from Hitler.]
Quiet 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season Comes to a Close
By Becky Oskin, Live Science, Nov 30, 2014 [H/t Clyde Spencer]
http://news.yahoo.com/quiet-2014-atlantic-hurricane-season-comes-close-151407412.html
[SEPP Comment: Nine years since a category 3 or larger hit the U.S.]
The Great Flood Of 1862 [California]
By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Nov 30, 2014
http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/the-great-flood-of-1862/
Changing Climate
Colorado mastodon bones show ancient warmer Earth
By Dan Elliott, Washington Post, Nov 28, 2014 [H/t Conrad Potemra]
[SEPP Comment: Wrong question: “…. . . if we haven’t seen all the natural variability in the system and we are causing warming, where are we going?” The real question is what natural variability have we ignored? Is CO2 significant?]
American mastodons made warm Arctic, subarctic temporary home
By Staff Writers, New York NY (SPX), Dec 03, 2014
Claim: Greenhouse gases linked to past African rainfall
By Anthony Watts, WUWT, Dec 4, 2014
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/12/04/claim-greenhouse-gases-linked-to-past-african-rainfall/
Link to paper: Coherent changes of southeastern equatorial and northern African rainfall during the last deglaciation
By Bette L. Otto-Bliesner, et al. Science, Dec 5, 2014
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/346/6214/1223.abstract?sid=237159bb-9d8c-478e-a7e8-cc0756d33bb0
Increasing greenhouse gases linked to rains over Africa thousands of years ago
Past may be prologue for climate in Africa
By Staff Writers, NSF, Dec 4, 2014
http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=133514&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51&WT.mc_ev=click
HH Lamb, Jet Stream Meridionality & Extreme Weather
By Paul Homewood, Not a Lot of People Know That, Dec 2, 2014
http://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2014/12/02/11646/
Localized climate change contributed to ancient southwest depopulation
By Staff Writers, Pullman WA (SPX), Dec 05, 2014
Changing Cryosphere – Land / Sea Ice
Antarctica Losing Mt. Everest’s Worth of Ice as Melt Triples
By Justin Doom, Bloomberg, Dec 2, 2014
Link to Press Release: West Antarctic Melt Rate Has Tripled
By Staff Writers, AGU, Dec 2, 2014
http://news.agu.org/press-release/west-antarctic-melt-rate-has-tripled/
Link to paper: Mass loss of the Amundsen Sea Embayment of West Antarctica from four independent techniques
By Tyler Sutterley, Geophysical Research Letters
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2014GL061940/abstract?campaign=%20wlytk-41855.5282060185
[SEPP Comment: The article, press release, and the abstract of the paper contain no discussion of what is happening in eastern Antarctic, or the bulk of the continent. The headline is what in English logic was called a hasty generalization.]
Antarctica: Heat comes from the deep
By Staff Writers, Kiel, Germany (SPX), Dec 05, 2014
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Antarctica_Heat_comes_from_the_deep_999.html
Also see: Robot Sub Finds Surprisingly Thick Antarctic Sea Ice
By Becky Oskin, Live Science, Nov 24, 2014
http://www.accuweather.com/en/features/trend/robot_sub_finds_surprisingly_t/37967874
Research casts alarming light on decline of West Antarctic glaciers
By Chris Mooney and Joby Warrick, Washington Post, Dec 4, 2014 [H/t Conrad Potemra]
[SEPP Comment: It is becoming apparent that the West Antarctic is unique, unrelated to the bulk of the continent and to atmospheric CO2.]
Changing Earth
Most of Earth’s carbon may be hidden in the planet’s inner core
By Staff Writers, Ann Arbor MI (SPX), Dec 02, 2014
Un-Science or Non-Science?
Research confirms how global warming links to carbon emissions
By Staff Writers, Liverpool, UK (SPX), Dec 02, 2014
[SEPP Comment: Equations are consistent with the models! The new model is consistent with prior models — that have never been validated?]
Better Management of Exposure to Potential Future Losses Is Needed for Federal Flood and Crop Insurance
By Staff Writers, GAO, Nov 20, 2014
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-28
[SEPP Comment: More non-science based on the National Climate Assessment.]
Lowering Standards
Has The Royal Society Abandoned Science?
By Paul Matthews, IPCC Report, Nov 27, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
http://ipccreport.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/has-the-royal-society-abandoned-science/
Royal Society epitomises ‘noble cause’ corruption
Warmists say they hope ‘evidence of trends in extreme weather’ will help to ‘galvanise’ worldwide ‘action’. What evidence, asks Christopher Booker.
By Christopher Booker, Telegraph, UK, Nov 29, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/11262103/Royal-Society-epitomises-noble-cause-corruption.html
Scientists Accused Of Plotting To Get Pesticides Banned
By Ben Webser, The Times, Via GWPF, Dec 3, 2014
http://www.thegwpf.com/green-scientists-accused-of-plotting-to-get-pesticides-banned/
The BBC’s latest green recruit
By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Dec 1, 2014
http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2014/12/1/the-bbcs-latest-green-recruit.html
The Green Blob expands: BBC wants Australian ratings. Their editor Wendy Frew heats August by 90C.
By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Dec 2, 2014
Communicating Better to the Public – Exaggerate, or be Vague?
Dismantling ski lifts and moving villages: Alps adapt to climate change
By Staff Writers, Innsbruck, Austria (AFP), Nov 28, 2014
[SEPP Comment: Question the first assertion: “With temperatures rising faster in the Alps than the rest of the world, alpine countries are working together to adapt to climate change and hope to set an example.”]
Hotter, weirder: How climate has changed Earth
By Seth Borenstein, AP, Dec 3, 2014 [Clyde Spencer]
http://news.yahoo.com/hotter-weirder-climate-changed-earth-080435621–politics.html
[SEPP Comment: Climate has been changing the earth for hundreds of millions of years.]
Communicating Better to the Public – Make things up.
Climate Death Forecast ‘Exaggerated’
By Ben Webster, The Times, Via GWPF, Dec 1, 2014
http://www.thegwpf.com/climate-death-forecast-exaggerated/
Obama: Your kids ‘could not breathe’ in Beijing
By Laura Barron-Lopez, The Hill, Dec 3, 2014
[SEPP Comment: Nothing to do with air in the US!]
Amstrup knows his polar bear predictions are flawed – but continues to promote them
By Susan Crockford, Polar Bear Science, Nov 29, 2014
Thousands will die if we don’t pay the UN enough
By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Dec 2, 2014
Boucher: Is natural gas really cleaner?
By Robin Scully Boucher, Roanoke Times, Nov 30, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
“Fracking requires the use of 2 billion to 3 billion gallons of water per day. The water is contaminated after use.”
[SEPP Comment: An absolutely false claim. After the wells are fracked, there is no need for additional water.]
Tea Partiers and traditional Republicans are split on science
By Chris Mooney, Washington Post, Dec 2, 2014 [H/t Charles Schafer]
“Conducted quarterly, the Poll randomly interviews approximately 500 respondents from across the state. .. All adult residents of New Hampshire with a working telephone (including new and unlisted numbers) are eligible” http://cola.unh.edu/survey-center/granite-state-poll
[SEPP Comment: From this we make great generalizations? 2013 US census estimate of population – New Hampshire, 1,323,459; USA, 316,128,839]
Valuing “subsidies”
By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Dec 4, 2014
http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2014/12/4/valuing-subsidies.html
[SEPP Comment: Using obtuse language.]
Communicating Better to the Public – Use Propaganda on Children
Obama Wants Kids to Learn About Global Warming
The administration wants students and teachers to toe the line on climate change.
By Allie Bidwell, U.S. News, Dec 3, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
Questioning European Green
Top Renewable Energy Expert Warns Of Collapsing Euro Energy Supply…Germany’s Energy Policy “Suicidal”
By Fritz Vahrenholt, Not Tricks Zone Dec 5, 2014
German climate action plan short on fine details
By Bernd Radowitz, ReCharge, Via GWPF, Dec 3, 2014
http://www.thegwpf.com/green-spin-masters-german-climate-plan-short-on-details/
Germany’s Energy Adventure Intensifies. Eon’s Announcement Plunges Power Supply Future Into Chaos, Uncertainty
By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Dec 3, 2014
“With 23 billion euros annually, the government subsidizes renewable energy that is worth only 2 billion on the market.”
E.ON to split
By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Dec 1, 2014
http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2014/12/1/eon-to-split.html
Questioning Green Elsewhere
The Gruberization of environmental policies
By Paul Driessen, WUWT, Nov 29, 2014
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/11/29/the-gruberization-of-environmental-policies/
The progressive war on science
By Margaret Wente, The Globe and Mail, Nov 29, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/the-progressive-war-on-science/article21821297/
Non-Green Jobs
German Renewable Energy Company Announces Insolvency: “Victim Of Changed Feed-In Act Conditions”
By P Gosselin, No Tricks Zone, Nov 29, 2014
When Emissions Disappear, So Do Jobs
By Donna Laframboise, NFC, Dec 4, 2014
http://nofrakkingconsensus.com/2014/12/04/when-emissions-disappear-so-do-jobs/
Funding Issues
Oopsie! $1 Billion in UN Funds to Fight Climate Change Built Coal Power Plants Instead
By Zoe Schlanger, Newsweek, Dec 20, 2014 [H/t Paul Homewood]
Rich Nations Will Make $100 Billion Climate Goal, U.S. Says
By Alex Nussbaum, Bloomberg, Dec 1, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
Abbott government chops UNEP funding by 80% to help reefs, forest. Greens hate it.
By Jo Nova, Her Blog, Dec 3, 2014
Climate Funds for Coal Highlight Lack of UN Rules
By Karl Ritter and Margie Mason, AP, Dec 1, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/climate-funds-coal-highlight-lack-rules-27270664
The Political Games Continue
Republicans to nix Obama climate plan
By Staff Writers, AP, Dec 3, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
http://www.news24.com/Green/News/Republicans-to-nix-Obama-climate-plan-20141203
Congress Moves to Block EPA’s Land Grab
By Ron Arnold, Daily Signal, Dec 2, 2014
Congress’ Sneaky Tactic to Grab More Land for the Government
By Robert Gordon and Nicolas Loris, Daily Signal, Dec 2, 2014
Subsidies and Mandates Forever
“End Wind Welfare!” Let Me Count the Reasons
By Robert Bradley, Jr, Master Resource, Dec 2, 2014
https://www.masterresource.org/promises-versus-reality/end-wind-welfare-advocacy-campaign/
[SEPP Comment: Free the wind, don’t try to shackle it!]
Government to Dole Out $6.4 Billion to Continue Subsidizing Wind Industry
By Nicolas Lonris, CNS News, Dec 4, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
GOP hoists ax over green tax break
By Zack Colman, Washington Examiner, Dec 3, 2014
It’s time for tough love on tax credits for the mature wind industry
By Marita Noon, Net Right Daily, Dec 2, 2014
http://netrightdaily.com/2014/12/time-tough-love-tax-credits-mature-wind-industry/
EPA and other Regulators on the March
Obama’s law professor blasts EPA climate rule
By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Dec 5, 2014
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/226168-obamas-law-professor-blasts-epa-climate-rule
[SEPP Comment: Contrary to what EPA spokeswoman Liz Purchia claimed, there was no obligation for the EPA to find carbon dioxide endangers human health.]
EPA: Climate rule input is ‘top priority’
By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Dec 1, 2014
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225607-epa-climate-rule-input-is-top-priority
Five threats to the EPA’s climate rule
By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Nov 30, 2014
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/e2-wire/225418-five-threats-to-the-epas-climate-rule
Energy commissioner blasts EPA climate rule
By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Dec 2, 2014
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225770-energy-commissioner-blasts-epa-climate-rule
Greens chide industry, boast 3M comments defending climate rule
By Laura Baron-Lopez, The Hill, Dec 5, 2014
“You can accurately judge the viability of a potential energy source by the attitude of green activists to it. If they attack it, it is viable. If they defend it, it is non-viable.” – John Brignell
The Environmental Protection-Racket Agency
By Paul Driessen, IBD, Dec 3, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
Viewpoints on the EPA’s Clean Power Plan Abridged
By Sonal Patel, Power, Dec 3, 2014
Energy Issues – Non-US
The Renewable Energy Myth
By Tony Thomas, Quadrant, Nov 28, 2014
http://quadrant.org.au/magazine/2014/11/renewable-energy-myth/
“It is beyond bizarre that activists prattle about freeing the world from the “tyranny of oil”, the most cost-efficient and convenient of all energy sources. The phrase makes as much sense as the “tyranny” of physics.”
Department for Exaggeration, Crookery and Conmen
By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Dec 2, 2014
[SEPP Comment; DECC is better known as the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change.]
Grid-lock
By John Brignell, Number Watch, Nov 11, 2014
http://www.numberwatch.co.uk/2014%20November.htm#Grid
[SEPP Comment: Has the UK National Grid lost its way? It claims to be an international electricity and gas company, playing “a vital role in connecting millions of people safely, reliably, and efficiently to the energy they use” http://www2.nationalgrid.com/UK/Our-company/ (It also covers parts of Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island in the USA – delivering to 3.4 million electricity consumers and 3.6 million natural gas consumers.) http://www2.nationalgrid.com/about-us/our-history/]
Japan’s fiscal ’13 greenhouse gas emissions worst on record
By Staff Writers, Japan Times, Dec 5, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
The Great Turnaround
By Paul Greenberg, Townhall, Dec 2, 2014
http://townhall.com/columnists/paulgreenberg/2014/12/02/the-great-turnaround-n1926378/page/full
Will Russia’s Putin Be Defeated By U.S. Fracking?
Editorial, IBD, Dec 3, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
Energy Issues — US
EPA’s goofy green-energy rules
The list of nonsensical excuses for pushing pricey power grows
By Stephen Moore and Kathleen Hartnett-White, Washington Times, Nov 30, 2014
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/30/stephen-moore-and-kathleen-hartnett-white-epas-ove/
Oil Price Collapse Poses Threats to U.S. Shale Gas Boom
By Tomas Overton, Power, Dec 2, 2014
Oil and Natural Gas – the Future or the Past?
Fracking Debunks Obama’s ‘We Can’t Drill Our Way Out’
Editorial, IBD, Dec 3, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
Natural gas reserves hit all-time high
By Timothy Cama, The Hill, Dec 4, 2014
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225996-natural-gas-reserves-hit-all-time-high
Link to report: U.S. natural gas reserves increase 10% in 2013 to reach a record 354 Tcf
By Staff Writers, EIA, Dec 4, 2014
http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=19051
As 1st municipal fracking ban in Texas takes effect, towns test state’s oil and gas supremacy
By Emily Schmall, AP, Nov 30, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/284260801.html
Which Huge, Embarrassingly Backward European Country Is Financing Massive Fracking Protests?
By Eric Owens, Daily Caller, Dec 1, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
Nuclear Energy and Fears
Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant: Solid as a Rock or Ready to Crumble?
By Aaron Larson, Power, Dec 4, 2014
[SEPP Comment: Confusing an earthquake with a tsunami, which caused the problems with Fukushima]
Alternative, Green (“Clean”) Solar and Wind
Finally the Truth About Renewables
By Donn Dears, Power For USA, Dec 2, 2014
https://dddusmma.wordpress.com/2014/12/02/finally-the-truth-about-renewables/
Shady Circumstances Cloud Huge Solar Energy Plant Bailout
By Larry Bell, Newsmax, Dec 2, 2014
http://www.newsmax.com/LarryBell/Google-DOE-Green-Energy-NRG/2014/12/02/id/610506/
[SEPP Comment: Such government “investments’ will eventually bankrupt anyone.]
Virginia mulls offshore wind energy
By Daniel J. Graeber, Washington (UPI), Dec 2, 2014
http://www.winddaily.com/reports/Virginia_mulls_offshore_wind_energy_999.html
[SEPP Comment: As Europe suffers from it.]
Alternative, Green (“Clean”) Energy — Other
Obama Is 826,000 Short of His 1 M Electric Car Promise
By John Merline, IBD, Dec 2, 2014 [H/t Timothy Wise]
The Future of Cars: Batteries Included?
By Mark Mills, Real Clear Politics, Dec 1, 2014
Health, Energy, and Climate
Doctor, get a grip of yourself
By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Dec 3, 2014
http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2014/12/3/doctor-get-a-grip-of-yourself.html
Oh Mann!
Tree ring proxies RIP
By Andrew Montford, Bishop Hill, Dec 5, 2014
http://www.bishop-hill.net/blog/2014/12/5/tree-ring-proxies-rip.html
Environmental Industry
Holiday Bummer! Neo-Malthusianism (consumption, climate-free conversation decried)
By Robert Bradley Jr, Master Resource, Dec 4, 2014
https://www.masterresource.org/climate-exaggeration/holiday-bummer-neo-malthusians/
When It Comes To Neonics, Activists Understand PR Better Than Chemical Companies Do
By Hank Cambell, Science 2.0, Dec 2, 2014
Other Scientific News
Chinese scientists create new global wetland suitability map
By Staff Writers, Beijing (SPX), Dec 05, 2014
Other News that May Be of Interest
Pro-GMO debaters win over NYC crowd
By Staff Writers, ASCH, Dec 4, 2014
http://acsh.org/2014/12/gmo-debate/
Russian Money Suspected behind Fracking Protests
By Andrew Higgins, NYT, Nov 30, 2014 [H/t GWPF]
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/world/russian-money-suspected-behind-fracking-protests.html?_r=0
################################################
BELOW THE BOTTOM LINE:
Global Warming Goofiness Around the Globe
By Bob Tisdale, WUWT, Dec 4, 2014
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/12/04/global-warming-goofiness-around-the-globe/
Honey, the Global Warming shrunk our kids
By Eric Worrall, WUWT, Dec 1, 2014
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/12/01/honey-the-global-warming-shrunk-our-kids/
###################################################
“No doubt, the new Congress will look into the books of the US government entities that are promoting the unsubstantiated claim of human-caused dangerous global warming. ”
I do have doubt.
Further, scientific societies in Russia and China are not strongly supporting the dangers of human-caused global warming.
Could you elaborate that? A reference, maybe? IIRC, it was a Russian climate model that was showing the lowest warming in AR4?
“…these conferences can be described in various ways ranging from the last hope of humanity to a final effort to destroy modern, industrial civilization, which heavily depends on the use of fossil fuels.”
While it may be true that these conferences have been described that way, I can guarantee that it won’t be a “final” effort to destroy modern civilization. That effort will continue as long as we have a modern society with people who hate humanity and view it as a virus that “infects” the planet. Their methods may change, but the effort will continue.
‘Hottest’ year indeed ! What’s ‘hot’ about 14-15C ???????
This is as philosophically infantile as those who say
WARMING when what they mean is ‘an increase in temperature’,
which is not the same thing. I can elaborate if anyone wishes,
“Already in the early part of the Lima conference, China is calling for the West to pledge more money to developing countries, including China, to fund preparations for climate change. Similarly, India is demanding more compensation from the West. The West can only expect greater demands from other developing countries”. If this assertion is accurate I hope someone asks the Chinese and the Indians why the developed countries should compensate them. They aspire to develop to the standards of the West. The very things they aspire to are largely a DIRECT result of cheap transportable energy that has been overwhelmingly produced from fossils fuels. It sounds to me they want to have their cake and eat it. There is no valid argument for the developed countries to compensate India and China. And since sea levels and temperatures are not increasing at any more than long term trend rates there is no valid reason, yet, for the developed countries to compensate any other country. At this point in time they want compensation in anticipation of a perceived potential disastrous outcome. Only when it is obvious that a bad outcome is occurring should the matter of compensation even been mentioned. The developed countries help the un-developed countries develop and then the developing countries wants to sting them. I feel like saying the west should withdraw all help to developing countries if they won’t acknowledge we can help them develop because we use fossil fuels. We should also demand that they pay back some of the compensation because of the increased crop yields that result from extra CO2. If it turns out that there is no temperature rise and the sea levels just stay at the long term rate then the west will be due a net compensation from the developing countries, if you want to use their argument. I happen to believe the west is trying to help other less developed countries but to be told we need to compensate them is irksome.
What is surprising is the US media being so out of their depth in not recognizing what was going on. Is the media and political talking heads that stupid to believe that China and other countries will sign onto to an agreement that maintains the status quo of US dominance without getting something in return?
It isn’t that they (the press) are stupid. Rather, they are supporting fellow travelers. ANYTHING that takes down the western world is A OK in their book and they will overlook any contrary data that gets in the way.
Reblogged this on gottadobetterthanthis and commented:
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Rebloging for the Quote of the Week: “If the naysayers do manage to stop agricultural biotechnology, they might actually precipitate the famines and the crisis of global biodiversity they have been predicting for nearly 40 years.” Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution.
Note: This is not a new quote. Several years have passed, and agricultural biotechnology is proving itself. Proving it is safe and effective. Our lives our better because of GM and other recent technological advances in agrisciences. Millions of people have been saved by it. It is a good thing.
I’ve been harping on this issue to no avail, but it’s the next elephant-in-the-room that mainstream “scientists” have barely addressed & are in no hurry to do so.