U3A Climate Study

Guide for the Perplexed

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Climate change: A guide for the perplexed

17:00 16 May 2007

Michael Le Page

Our planet's climate is anything but simple. All kinds of factors influence it, from massive events on the Sun to the growth of microscopic creatures in the oceans, and there are subtle interactions between many of these factors.

Yet despite all the complexities, a firm and ever-growing body of evidence points to a clear picture: the world is warming, this warming is due to human activity increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and if emissions continue unabated the warming will too, with increasingly serious consequences.

Yes, there are still big uncertainties in some predictions, but these swing both ways. For example, the response of clouds could slow the warming or speed it up.

With so much at stake, it is right that climate science is subjected to the most intense scrutiny. What does not help is for the real issues to be muddied by discredited arguments or wild theories.

So for those who are not sure what to believe, here is our round-up of the 26 most common climate myths and misconceptions.

There is also a guide to assessing the evidence. In the articles we've included lots of links to primary research and major reports for those who want to follow through to the original sources.

Can we trust the science?

• Chaotic systems are not predictable

• We can't trust computer models of climate

• Many leading scientists question climate change

• It's all a conspiracy

• They predicted global cooling in the 1970s

Is the sun to blame?

• Global warming is down to the Sun, not humans

• It’s all down to cosmic rays

Does CO2 cause warming?

• Human CO2 emissions are too tiny to matter

• CO2 isn't the most important greenhouse gas