BraveNewClimate

Seminar reminder and Discussion Thread.

Friday 24 October: Greenhouse denial versus good science: The ‘pretend debate”

“Even the scientists don’t agree.”

Perfect agreement is hard to achieve, particularly on subjects as complex and expansive as climate change. However, a vast majority of scientists do agree that human activity is causing global climate change, that the consequences will be negative and far reaching and that urgent action must be taken. Yet, there are those who claim there is no evidence, no consensus, no proof. Others say scientists are ‘alarmist,’ or that there is a scientific conspiracy.

This final seminar focuses on the claim of discord in the scientific community, and whether climate change denial really represents a coherent alternative theory to mainstream science.

The guest speaker will talk of another critical, yet poorly addressed resource crisis – peak oil.

An extended question-and-answer period will be included in this final seminar of the series.

Some of the sceptical or recalcitrant positions to be covered include:

• There is no consensus (…there is still scientific debate)

• There is no proof (…there is ‘insufficient’ evidence)

• Past consensuses have been wrong (Galileo, Ice Age predicted in 1970s)

• 31,000 scientists (the majority scientists) dispute a human role in climate change

• Global warming is a conspiracy or massive hoax

• Climate sceptics are persecuted or suppressed (position statements hide debate)

• The ‘Great Global Warming Swindle’ was an accurate documentary

Time and place:
5.30 -7.00 pm, Friday 24 October 2008
Lecture Theatre 102, Napier Building, University of Adelaide (North Terrace Campus, City)

Note: The talk by Prof Brook will be brief than usual (about 20 min + 30 min from Dr Lardelli), to allow sufficient time (~40 min) for an extended audience engagement in this closing of the series.

Any questions or comments, ask away!