Climate Confusion: How Global Warming Hysteria Leads to Bad Science, Pandering Politicians and Misguided Policies that Hurt the Poor by Roy Spencer

Why the fear factor?
A reviewer, an engineer in bldg construction., 08/06/2008

Cliamte Confusion provides a realistic look at the Global Warming Alarmist understanding of climate and the minimal implact that man really has on the world's climate.

mixed bag
Paul, A reviewer, 07/30/2008

In 'Climate Confusion', climate scientist Roy Spencer does a good job of making the case that the science isn't necessarily settled on the issue of humanity's role in influencing global climate by increasing the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels. He explains how little we actually know about one of principal drivers of climate--precipitation, and how efforts to predict future climate through computer modeling is suspect because of the significant gaps in knowledge about the climate system. However, as Mr. Spencer criticizes bureacrats, environmentalists, and politicians, the U.N., etc. for making policy prescriptions to address climate change based on their left leaning political views, he nevertheless has no problem with advocating a response to the issue that is straight out of the playbook of conservative ideology, even going so far as to devote an entire chapter on the virtues of conservative economic policy. He also can barely contain his disdain for government institutions like the EPA and generally regards its work as part of the problem. I beg to differ. Spencer is right to point out the hypocrisy of many celebrity actors/environmentalists who implore us to cut back on our carbon use, as they themselves fly around on private jets. They don't have the moral high ground on this issue, but neither does he. I agree that some environmental groups are indeed too extreme in their oppostion to just about everything, like oil extraction from ANWR, nuclear power, etc., but Mr. Spencer seems to hold them in utter contempt. He likens the banning of DDT to a modern-day holocaust perpertrated by radical environmentalists who are indirectly resonsible for the deaths of millions of Africans. Without question, we can look at whether the ban should be lifted under certain conditions, but this type of inflammatory rhetoric is not worthy of being part of the debate on these important issues. I respect Mr. Spencer's acumen on the subject of the human contribution 'or lack thereof' to global warming and I learned from reading his book. However, I think that his arguments lose some of their impact when they are dressed in his own biases and partisanship.

An informed and balanced analysis
S., an avid reader of science books, 03/25/2008

Anyone who is able to open their minds and venture out of their narrow belief system will find Spencer's book a very informed and balanced analysis of this complex issue--complex not just because because of the science, but because of the political and economic aspects of this issue.

Also recommended: Cool It, by Bjorn Lomborg

Science not ruled by consensus
A reviewer, A reviewer, 03/25/2008

This might be a hard pill to swallow for some, but science is not ruled by popular consensus. You can cobble together 10,000 scientists who agree that the sun revolves around the earth. That wouldn't make it so. This is not to say Dr. Spencer is the new Galileo, but if we're going to have a serious debate on global warming - and, with all due respect, Mr. Gore, we DO need to vet this issue - we should consider dissenting views. If these global warming alarmists are so certain that climate change is primarily man made, that this threat is apocalyptic and imminent - then address Dr. Spencer's arguments. Why not put the ad hominem attacks aside and make a real case? The most important question, for me, is how will global warming policies hurt the world's impoverished citizens? Let's consider the costs and benefits before we wildly, and emotionally, overreact to what my or may not be happening in the atmosphere. If you have any questions about climate change or are concerned over how well man-made policy can actually deal with vast environmental issues, then I highly recommend this book. As far as I am concerned the REAL debate over climate change has only just begun. Climate Confusion, and Dr. Spencer, are invaluable additions in this ONGIONG conversation. 5 stars.

Also recommended: Cool It

Wow! A treasure trove.
Brian T., An Engineer, and Scientist., 03/25/2008

Wow. A treasure-trove of facts you won't hear from the Mainstream Media! MUST reading.

Also recommended: State Of Fear, Michael Crichton.