CO2 Absorption Models Must Be Defended

The fallout over “ClimateGate” is growing in America. Besides the treasure trove of very unsettling emails connected with Phil Jones and the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglila, there’s been no response to the early November research from Dr. Wolfgang Knorr and his diametrically-opposed to current models of the world’s CO2 absorption rates.

Dr. Knorr didn’t use a futuristic model. He got out the ruler, so to speak, and began measuring the old-fashioned way. Dr. Knorr’s analysis is based on Mother Earth’s real performance to date.

I moved immediately on this subject, broadcasting concern two weeks ago upon seeing the “new science” right before Copenhagen: Controversial New Climate Change Data: Is Earth’s Capacity to Absorb CO2 Much Greater Than Expected via Science Daily.

Let’s be clear that I’m not an earth scientist, and you’re probably not either. I find it amazing that there is almost nothing in Google News for the last week, even addressing this admittedly controversial research around our planet’s rate of CO2 absorption.

I consider myself pro-environment, but I do insist on understanding the science.

via Flickr’s superlocalIf Dr. Wolfgang Knorr’s peer-reviewed analysis was easily dismissed, I can’t imagine that scientists wouldn’t be discrediting it right and left.Instead, the international press and climate change experts are quiet.

This research contradicts the basic premises of current models of the earth’s ability to absorb CO2.

I repeat that I have no vested interest one way or the other in the research or actions taken in Copenhagen. I’m a concerned citizen trying to understand global warming and what to do about it.

Economic Considerations

I’m also a pragmatic, entrepreneurial businesswoman who understands how things work in the US. My concern is to do what’s right for the environment from a global mindset, without inflicting additional stress on a global economy that is very fragile.

Consider the ripple effect from a Dubai World financial meltdown, if you really want something to worry about. In case this topic isn’t on your radar, the nation of Dubai cannot meets its financial obligations. Technically, Dubai World — the financial investment arm of the country — is bankrupt, meaning that it’s unable to meet its financial obligations to lenders.

Wall Street is shuddering far moreso than it reveals right now.

Environmentalists who aren’t viewing Copenhagen within a global financial mindset, today and into the future, are being highly unrealistic about US action. Money is very scarce right now and must be invested wisely and with confidence that the science around climate change is solid.

via Flickr’s Be BirminghamPhil Jones Steps Aside Temporarily

At a time when nothing seems to be working “right” in our financial and governmental institutions (did we ever deliver Swing Flu vaccine?), now is not the time for a bungled up bunch of controversial evidence on climate change.

Phil Jones, head of the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglila has agreed to relinquish his post while the UK school conducts an investigation into allegations of scientific and professional misconduct.

For all environmentalists who consider this action the heavy hand of right-wing politics in America, let me say that the emails absolutely convey a sense that pro-climate-change researchers are so wedded to their findings that they will not entertain another look at the same data.

This unscientific mindset is not acceptable under any circumstances. Period.

In fact, the tone and words of the email fuel the debate, turning it now into an intellectual bonfire, flaming with accusations and buzz words by anti-climate change advocates.

Perhaps the data on global warming is overwhelmingly confirming of the trend, but MIT professor of meteorology Richard S. Lindzen said not so fast in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal: The Climate Science Isn’t Settled.

US Political Reactions

Politico reports that Republicans and some Democrats are running from climate bills in droves, as they face more conservative challengers. Previously, we reported that Arizona Senator John McCain has pulled his support for climate change.

Having returned from a splendid time in Tucson, Arizona yesterday, confident that Arizonians care about the environment more than most Americans. Arizona has a long tradition of environmental activism, and I’m not suggesting that Senator McCain’s turn about speaks for citizens of his state.

Reading Obama Press Secretary Robert Gibbs’ response that in spite of the leaked emails, the administration remains convinced that ‘climate change is happening’, I’m more impacted by the 681 comments on the post. If you want to understand the level of instution-focused anger brewing in ths US, take a look.

This many comments is Huff Po size-response. The Hill Blog has an Alexa.com web traffic rank of 8136 vs. Huff Po’s 224. I’m cruising Huff Po this moment and find posts ClimateGate: Phil Jones, UK Climate Scientist, Temporarily Steps Down and ClimateGate: The 7 Biggest Lies About The Supposed “Global Warming Hoax”.

Comments at Huff Po are much fewer and calmer, reflecting my own view: I AM TOTALLY CONFUSED about climate change science, not only because of the emails, but because of conflicting evidence from reputable scientists.

I am saying that the world’s environmentalists had best take VERY seriously what’s happening, not only with the hacked emails from East Anglila but also from new interpretations of the SAME data coming out of Antarctica.

In an effort to being some understanding to the issue, I’m reading an in-depth article Seven Answers to Climate Contrarian Nonsense at Scientific America.

Besides the emails, the article doesn’t focuse on Dr. Knorr’s CO2 absorption claims. It does address the issue of the planet’s temperatures remaining stable in the last decade, as a typical statistical blip.

More Reading: Copenhagen and Climate Change Scientific American

The international press not writing about the current scientific questions around climate change doesn’t mean that the challenge will go away. I wrote the other day that we have choppy waters on the way to Copenhagen. Consider the very serious possibility that a tsunami is brewing. Anne

Confusing News Heading Towards Copenhagen

Global Warming Science Pot Bubbling with Arguments

Controversial New Climate Change Data Challenges Basic Premise Around CO2 Absorption