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Argument from (Ridiculous) Example

11 Feb

I’m sure that by now you’ve seen the rampant political cartoons wondering where global warming went. These are excusable, and even amusing, in that they point out the irony that global warming may cause cold temperatures.

But today the New York Times has an article on the subject: “Climate Fight is Heating Up in Deep Freeze“. While justifiable, I suppose, as “news” to report on, the arguments it presents are inane.

The idea that a large snow storm disproves global warming is argument from example at its best. It’s comparable to stating that because one large company failed capitalism has been proven wrong. All hail Marx and the socialist revolution! (more…)

China and Climate Change

23 Dec

An insider’s account from Copenhagen:

Copenhagen was a disaster. That much is agreed. But the truth about what actually happened is in danger of being lost amid the spin and inevitable mutual recriminations. The truth is this: China wrecked the talks, intentionally humiliated Barack Obama, and insisted on an awful “deal” so western leaders would walk away carrying the blame. How do I know this? Because I was in the room and saw it happen.

Sadly, this makes complete sense to me. It’s just how politics (international or otherwise—look at the recent health care hijackings) work. I wish it wasn’t so.

Climate Change Deniers vs The Consensus

23 Dec

From Information is Beautiful, we get this Climate Change Deniers vs The Consensus graph.

They’ve done a good job of laying out both sides of the argument without bias or name-calling. What is interesting to me is that throughout the entire thing, “The Consensus” is on the defensive. That seems to be true in the debate as a whole, from my understanding. It’s an unfortunate predicament to be in, because it detracts from one’s credibility even if there is no reason to do so.

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