The Hockey Season Is Not Over
by Einar Du Rietz
The Most Recent Results of the Poll
Opinion polls in general, and instant polls on the Internet in specific, ought to be handled with a fair dose of doubt. On top, just the fact that a bunch of people say this or that, does not mean they are right.
But I cant resist giving you this account (from climatescam.se there is a translation function on the site, but at the moment it seems to be down).
Mr Peter Stilbs draws our attention to an attempt by Don Mickulecky, to restore the father of the Hockey Stick, Michael Manns reputation.
Though the poll is just web based, it’s rather astonishing.
Sorry, Dr Mann, it’s nothing personal. Just news worth sharing. Take some comfort in the real Hockey season, going on right now. Though it looks rather frightening, it fun to watch occasionally. And those are real hockey sticks.
Ladies – Fight Back
by Einar Du Rietz
Please Come Back to Europe
Intended another story, but some issues just make me tired. Like the tiny news piece yesterday in the local paper, informing us that the local community – in a basically monopolized health care market – would no longer provide so called Laughing Gas, to women giving birth.
The reason given was that it hurts the environment.
I’m rather aware of the potential hazards, also to nurses and doctors, of all sorts of anesthesia. And of precautions taken. But why this word “environment“?
Earlier, the talk in the environmental debate was that the worst villain was women eating contraceptives.
I will never give birth, for the simple reason that I’m a man, but I know enough ladies to imagine the suffering (sure, sometimes, it’s just a walk in the park) and anxiety with a pregnancy and birth.
Neither can I eat contraceptive pills, because they are still women only, but again, I know enough women to know that there are health hazards involved. Diminishing, but still risky.
Now, why use “environment” to attack the vast 50 percent of the general population who are female? Never understood those male politicians who pledged to be “feminists”. I still don’t, but if you don’t stop harassing my lady friends, I will certainly reconsider.
When The Wind Blows Down The Neighbours
by Einar Du Rietz
All energy production involves risk and potentially harmfully side effects. However, it’s rather generally believed that “alternative energy” would be exempt from both hazards and liability.
Mr Jonny Fagerstrom of the landscape protection society (use translation tools for a quick view), tells another story:
Jonny Fagerström
- Approximately 15000 people are suffering, in Sweden, because of wind mills. Property prices are falling. Hey, we live on the country side – with all it’s hazzles – because we want peace and tranquility.
(CFACT EU): But you, the land owners, did have a deal, didn’t you, to get proper compensation?
- Yes, we, or the locals had a deal, in reality however, people are not getting the promised compensation.
Simply put; they wind companies don’t pay up. In more direct terms, they breach the contract.
Mr Fagerstrom is angry, and, I’d say, ritghly so, but we move on to other energy sources. And agree that indeed there are hazard everywhere. Mostly, however, the hazard is government, either handing out permits to pollute without asking the neighbours, or by,quite simply steeling (the euphemism here is “expropriation”) land.
It’s time to clean up the energy debate and admit that also so called alternatives can be run by rascals.
Scary Monsters
by Einar Du Rietz
Realist or Alarmist?
During my years in the climate debate, I’ve been called all sorts of things. Climate Hater, Weather Denier, to mention a few. Apparently all climate realists are now also “Anti-Science”, and according to Robin McKie, writing for the Observer, though this article was found in our fanzine The Guardian, people are getting scared.
“Most scientists, on achieving high office, keep their public remarks to the bland and reassuring. Last week Nina Fedoroff, the president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), broke ranks in a spectacular manner.
She confessed that she was now “scared to death” by the anti-science movement that was spreading, uncontrolled, across the US and the rest of the western world.”
If they had asked me, I could have delivered quite a few speakers, not very hateful, and certainly scientists. As a matter of fact, this service is constantly offered and provided by CFACT and our vast network of scholars.
To my disappointment though, CFACT Europe is not even mentioned by name, but the theme seems to have been that this plague is spreading into Europe too.
According to the article, the conference does not seem to have been a lot about science, just about being scared, so probably my services would not have been of great use. Never mind Climategate. Never mind the lack of significant global warming. Never mind that man can’t control the sun. We are here to share the horror stories. But my offer stands, and until we meet, feel free to browse our web site, quite full of not so hateful science and reflections.
A Little Ice Age Anyone?
by Einar Du Rietz
QED, mild winter is over. Freezing cold and snow falling on Oslo and Strasbourg, as well as – last time I checked – Athens.
Weather should not be confused with climate cycles, but observations are necessary to make scientific assessments. As even the IPCC has now admitted that there has not been any global warming for quite a while, it’s time to really change focus. No time for alarmism, but to stop the expensive CO2 hysteria. David Rose makes some important observations in The Daily Mail:
“Meanwhile, leading climate scientists yesterday told The Mail on Sunday that, after emitting unusually high levels of energy throughout the 20th Century, the sun is now heading towards a ‘grand minimum’ in its output, threatening cold summers, bitter winters and a shortening of the season available for growing food. READ MORE…
Cuddle Up
by Einar Du Rietz
To no surprise, the real winter cold enfolded most of Europe. Again.
In parts of Europe, people have died. Travelling is out of the question, as trains are stranded and the roads are dangerous. How comforting then to be able to enjoy the heating at home, cook up a warm soup, or even venture outside in solid armour, buy a paper around the corner and escape into an even cosier corner with a hot drink.
That’s because, regardless of the extreme weather, where I am, energy works. In many places it doesn’t. As half of the nuclear plants here are down, rivers frozen and – quite naturally – all windmills are standing still, it’s a blessing to be able to, at least partly, trust that different forms of energy will somehow find their way into my hide out.
A private energy market is simply a necessity on days like this. READ MORE…
Sunny News?
by Einar Du Rietz
Please Stay There Dear Friend
One of the major news of the week has, strangely, been that we are subject to a solar storm. Beautiful to watch the following weather phenomena, but not dangerous, as it’s not strong enough to penetrate the atmosphere. Good so, but an enlightening reminder that the planet’s best friend – and worst enemy – is the sun. Eventually it will blow, or fade out. Predictions, not to mention possible precautions, are difficult, at least today. Maybe not in 3000 years time.
However, in a way insignifant alarms like this, serve as a constant reminder, that indeed we cannot control the climate. There’s a more powerful – and unpredictable – force out there. And it’s name is not carbon dioxide.
After studying these news, however, eyes are immediately drawn to the proposed “Weather Law” in South Africa. Only the governmental weather bureau will be permitted to issue reports and warnings. Consequently, a friendly warning from a fellow sailor – or a neighbour, would be prosecuted.
At least the Durban COP 17 conference would have been banned.
You Win Again
by Einar Du Rietz
The most famous bet in the environmental debate is probably the one between the Late Julian Simon and alarmist Paul Erlich in 1980, over predicted shortage in natural resources. As much as the story still amuses me, it also serves as a constant reminder of the optimism we all deserve more of.
In this proud tradition, the no less proud Dr David Whitehouse, found himself in a global warming bet,staged by the BBC. Reports Whitehouse:
”…eventually the BBC’s radio programme “More or Less” got in touch. The programme is about numbers and statistics and they set up a series of interviews. You can hear the programme here.
Almost at the last minute the programme-makers came up with the idea of a bet. It was for £100 that, using the HadCrut3 data set, there would be no new record set by 2011. It was made between climatologist James Annan and myself. His work involves analysing climatic data and validating climate models. He accepted enthusiastically as he has a perchant for taking on ‘sceptics.’ The presenter said that if the global temperature didn’t go up in the next few years, “there would be some explaining to do.”
Later today, January 13th, “More or Less” returns to the bet,which I am pleased to say I won, though I note that this bet, or its conclusion, is not yet mentioned on Annan’s Wikipedia entry despite his other climate bet being discussed.”
Congratualtions! Considering the hilarious amounts of money circling around in the alarmist hemisphere, maybe serious gambling could be a solid way for realists to make a decent living.
What Good Is Experience If You Learn Nothing
by Einar Du Rietz
Denmark, taking over the rotating EU presidency has outlined its priorities for the next half year. Not surprising, really, but still awkward.
“Environment Minister Ida Auken called for making energy efficiency legally binding, dismissing concerns that weak economies and the eurozone debt crisis would trump the environment in EU policy debates in the months ahead.
‘It’s not enough to be focusing on the financial crisis right now, and then not look at just as important or just as severe a crisis – namely the environmental crisis,’she said at a briefing 12 days before the country’s EU presidency begins. ‘We have all possibilities to keep the environment on the agenda despite the hard times on the economic front.”
It might of course be that also the financial crisis is better handled with as little political intervention as possible, but remember COP 15 in Copenhagen. The presiding country at that time, Sweden, declared it the absolutely most important event during the period, in spite of having to handle the Lisbon treaty, and the host country, Denmark put loads of prestige on the table. Do I need to remind you that all agree it was an – expensive – fiasco.
Energy efficiency is better driven by market forces, in spite of the standard charades in Brussels. As for climate policy, admit that it’s just down to shuffling money in a loop none can get out of.
Meanwhile, Castro on Cuba has also declared his priorities for the next year: Prevent nuclear war and protect the environment.
Rather courageous for a dictatorial family that once drew the world closer than ever before, or after, towards a global nuclear war and has spent half a century destroying the environment for its subjects by persecuting, imprisoning and starving them.
Happy New Constructive Year
Dear Friends of CFACT Europe,
thank you for following us. The attention around both our site and other activities has indeed grown over the past years. The only regret is that there has not been time to answer all comments properly. Let me take the opportunity however, to compliment on the Durban Poem, submitted by one of our friends.
At the same time, it’s worth noticing that the hysteria in the climate debate has decreased simultaneusly. Remember December of Copenhagen. What remains now is basically the fancy, regular meetings and the fuzz over quite too much tax money for the delegates to play with.
But environmental – and political – problems remain. Pollution, starvation and misery prevail, wherever common decency and private property is replaced by reshuffling of tax money, expropriation and hasty legislation.
CFACT Europe remains devoted to sound science and decency, not only in the climate debate. During the year, we have been represented at joyful events, such as the Annual Liberty Ball in Brussels, and more solemn occasions such as the the funeral of the late Dr Otto von Habsburg, in Vienna. READ MORE…
Let’s Just Enjoy
by Einar Du Rietz
Sidewalks are slippery, with the newly arrived and thus unusual European winter. Traffic is as bad as every year and people are frantic to make last minute purchases.
Then comes another old tradition, with a new name. It used to be some mumbo jumbo about not exploiting something, now the young hooligans blocking traffic and shopping malls call it a Climate Action.
Could, in the midst of winter, these kids at least try to show some decency towards their fellow men and women, who are just out to – with or without wheelchair or crutches – risking their health in order to spend a nice holiday.
Grumpy? You bet. But, Yes, this is not a season for grumpiness. Please take my advice, go sit on Santa’s lap instead of harassing people. Who knows, we might even get peace, prosperity and a clear sky to contemplate on that star up above.
The fact that you didn’t make it in Durban does not give you the right to deny others to enjoy the pleasures of the season. Merry Decency to you all.
Have Some Fun In Durban EU
by Einar Du Rietz
Wiser from the Copenhagen hysteria, all sides – except President Zuma, who is forced to show some enthusiasm, and in a way The Holy Father, who wants a “credible” outcome (nothing wrong with credibility) - seem to agree that COP17 in Durban wont accomplish anything. As for me, I’m content with that, but it’s still fun to watch the show, including side appaerances from all places. Guess we can look forward to a lot of that.
In the UK, PM Cameron’s “Green Guru”, Steve Hilton suddenly comes out as a realist, saying he doubts the entire Global Warming idea.
Reports the Daily Mail:
‘I’m not sure I believe in it,’ he announced at a meeting of the Energy Department, prompting one aide to blurt out: ‘Did I just hear that correctly?’
Meanwhile, Canada seems to abandon ship as far as Kyoto goes.
“[Environment Minister, Peter] Kent said in the House of Commons on Nov. 22 he won’t sign a document at the Durban conference that extends the Kyoto targets.
‘Canada goes to Durban with a number of countries sharing the same objective, and that is to put Kyoto behind us,’ Kent said.” according to CTV News.
And this is just the beginning. Roughly, on the table is: Kyoto, expiring next year. The EU, not having any problems with the obligations, are for an extension, and the big players never joined. A global binding treaty that was hoped for in Copenhagen and now, if ever, might appear at least as a draft resolution in three years.
Remains the 100 billions, pledged, but still unclear how, to be spread over the earth. This is COP17. Guess the by now professional summit globerotters find that a fair sum for others to pay, in order to continue the circus.
CFACT cosponsors climate conference in Munich
Good sense on climate on the eve of COP17, the UN climate conference in Durban, South Africa
On Friday and Saturday, November 25th & 26th, as the UN prepared to kick off COP17, the UN Conference on Climate Change, in Durban, South Africa, CFACT, the European Institute for Climate and Energy (EIKE) and others co-sponsored a climate conference of our own in beautiful Munich, Germany. EIKE was launched in 2007 in Berlin. CFACT is a proud founding member.
Interview with
EIKE President Dr. Holger Thuss
CFACT: What has been the public mood in Germany about global warming?
For years, large parts of the population were buying into the IPCC’s position without question. Others had some doubt, but could not find any reliable source in their own language to educate themselves about anything about climate that did not favor the Green’s narrative. It was terribly one-sided.
Are things changing?
The media, while still often hostile, now takes serious interest in our activities and today is willing to openly question whether the IPCC and climate campaigners are always right. Today, more and more people in Germany realize they have been misinformed and I can say without exaggerating that our work played an important part in this. We see a real change, not just among ordinary citizens, but also business leaders, lawmakers, media executives and the consulting industry (which is very influential in Germany). People from every sector of society are giving positive feedback, attending events, buying our publications and are now not shy about giving us advice. People read the newspaper and decided for themselves that something didn’t smell right. EIKE with the help from CFACT gave them the facts and a way to meet one another, organize and communicate.
What was it like organizing the first real organization in Germany to question climate orthodoxy?
We had resistance from all sides. We needed 1 1/2 years to register and organize – it took that long to overcome bureaucratic resistance. It was even worse to deal with the hostile media which didn’t hesitate to tell outright lies about our funding, research and the qualifications of our experts – who are distinguished academics from prestigious universities! Some climate radicals tried to make a big deal about the relationship between EIKE and CFACT and just can’t seem to grasp that organizations can be friends too and cooperate together to do great work. Today EIKE is proud to welcome cooperation and support from many diverse and talented people and organizations. The momentum is on our side. READ MORE…
Friendly Smokers Hit back
by Einar Du Rietz
Hey Lady! Got a Light?
Don’t you agree? On the anti smoking issue, that is. On the one hand, people in general are just giving up, resigning in the face of oppression and harassment. On the other, some – maybe an increasing amount of people – are beginning to feel that enough is enough. Some even dare to say so in public.
Let me be one of them, enouraged by a – today non smoking – brother in arms.
Dr Sean Gabb of the Libertarian Alliance has made a bold effort to reintroduce science into the debate, otherwise carried out either by uninformed legislators or the, often just as uninformed, public.
The passive smoking, or as it is sometimes referred to, Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS), roughly took off about 30 years ago with a widely quoted EPA report in the US, quickly dismissed as nonsense by a subsequent analysis from the Congressional Research Center, not gaining much attention. Legislators followed. Air traffic came first, then public buildings, airports, trains, restaurants, now even pubs, and the hyenas are out sniffing for balconies, peoples homes, and now even their cars. Oh, yes, forgot the outdoor cafes, already banning smoking in some places, and probably the top thing next European summer. Sure, there has been a load of more or less scientific attempts since then.
Writes Gabb:
“The argument from “passive smoking” is based on falsehoods. There is no way of gathering meaningful data, nor even sound epidemiological evidence that passive smoking exists. The alleged figure of 300,000 children harmed every year in the UK by passive smoking is what is called a “junk statistic.” It is in the same league as the claims made in the 1980s about the number of people who would die of aids by 1990, or the claims made in the 1990s about the numbers who would soon be dead from mad cow disease. It is almost as gross a falsehood as the fraudulent global warming claims made by British scientists.” READ MORE…
Innovation Saves The World It Makes Go Round
by Einar Du Rietz
Driver Still Behind the Wheel
I love a sunny story and the most recent one I stumbled upon, cherished in the environmental movement, is a recent innovation – still under development – of a new method to turn toxic textile.factory effluent into clean water.
Go for it, Maria Jonstrup!
One of the most disturbing ingredients of the environmental debate, is the tendency to find a conflict between a decent environment and scientific and industrial innovations. While some, and indeed Dr Jonstrup’s, are admittedly labelled Green, others are seen as the enemy. What’s really the historical perspective, if we agree that environment means the living conditions for humans?
To make a travesty of Howard Roark’s court speech in The Fountainhead: Once upon a time, one man found out how to tame fire. He was probably burned at the stake by the local environmental organization. READ MORE…
