Global warming quote of the day . . .

July 16th, 2008, 8:22 am · 5 Comments · posted by Mark Landsbaum

It’s a new day! Time for a new Global Warming Quote of the Day!

(Sorry for all the exclamation points. But ain’t this fun?)

Today’s quote comes from atmospheric scientist Hendrik Tennekes, a scientific pioneer in the development of numerical weather prediction, former director of research at The Netherlands’ Royal National Meteorological Institute and internationally recognized expert in atmospheric boundary layer processes.

“Successive IPCC reports have presented no scientific basis for dire warnings concerning climate collapse. . . . The so-called scientific basis of the climate problem is within my professional competence as a meteorologist.”

“It is my professional opinion that there is no evidence at all for catastrophic global warming. It is likely that global temperatures will rise a little, much as IPCC predicts, but there is a growing body of evidence that the errant behavior of the Sun may cause some cooling in the foreseeable future.

“It is also my professional opinion that the severely limited predictive capacity of the natural sciences is no adequate basis for globally orchestrated mitigation efforts concerning greenhouse gases. . . . “

“The incessant emphasis on CO2 and its effects on globally averaged temperatures leads many to ignore the fact that changes in the distribution of precipitation are far mmore threatening to agriculture and biosphere than any slight temperature changes. In precisely that part of the problem, however, the predictive capabilities of global climate science are practically nonexistent. Here in the Netherlands, where I happen to live high and dry, some forty feet above sea level, the threat of catastrophic sea level rise has anchored itself in the public mind. This threat is imaginary, too.”

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About this blog

Orange Punch bloggers write from a particular libertarian point of view. We’re dedicated to advancing human freedom and believe that the primary role of government is to defend Americans’ liberties. We seek a smaller, more limited government, expanded and freer trade at home and abroad, open markets and secure property rights. We believe in the power and goodwill of the individual; that he or she will aspire to a better tomorrow for themselves, for their family and for the community. We would hope for people to exercise integrity and self-responsibility along the way. The bloggers are Alan Bock, Brian Calle and Mark Landsbaum. The genesis of this particular brand of libertarianism is R.C. Hoiles, founder, Freedom Communications, Inc., parent company of the Orange County Register.

Dan says:

July 16, 2008 at 10:58 am

Though Hendrik Tennekes was the director of research at the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute, he has been long retired and has not done research in almost 20 years so he may not be the best industry expert to cite.

I know Mr. Landsbaum hates the ad hominem arguments but in this case it is relevant in the cooling from the sun proposition. The sun’s effects on variation in earth temperatures has long been known and documented, HOWEVER, in the last few years it has been clarified that the effects are small compared with the overall changes (Tennekes is behind on the research on this). It is like a light bulb in a large room in the summer. Sure the bulb gives off heat, but turning it off will not cause the room to cool off.

In addition, he is part of the Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP). The SEPP has a long history of attacking the science of global warming. SEPP has also denied the link between second-hand tobacco smoke and receives funding from oil companies.

rlh says:

July 16, 2008 at 11:28 am

Thanks Dan - I’m glad I’m not the one to point out these fairly obvious problems with SEPP and Mr.Tennekes - Mr. Landsbaum gets so bent out of shape when I do it. Wait til lhe uses the other stock “Oh Yeah?” rejoinder by demanding to know who you are.

But the exclamation point part was, admittedly, fun. Let’s do tricks with chicks and clocks, sir! Let’s do tricks with bricks and blocks, sir!! Let’s cite long retired fellows with outdated professional qualifications!!!! Let’s indulge the monomania some more!!!!!!!!!

Catfish says:

July 16, 2008 at 12:42 pm

I don’t understand why we can’t trust the expert opinion of Hendrick Tennekes. Mr. Landsbaum writes that he is “a scientific pioneer in the development of numerical weather prediction, former director of research at The Netherlands’ Royal National Meteorological Institute and internationally recognized expert in atmospheric boundary layer processes.” He may be retired but I don’t understand why we should diminish the opinion of someone who is a “pioneer “in this field. There are pioneers in other fields like economics and medicine who are retired and yet their opinions carry great weight today. Why does Mr. Tennekes opinion carry any less weight?

VINCENT EHLY says:

July 17, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Dear Sirs,

Just a quick note.

It took me 20 seconds to find all the background information on Mr. Tenekkes. This article is obviously biased. We expect better reporting in an urban region like Orange County.

Orange County Register