I want to congratulate you and your newspaper for printing the article by Dr David Evans about some of the deficiencies in climate models. Your newspaper’s attempt to present both sides of the debate, one so often clouded by emotionalism and insult, is praiseworthy. In doing so you put most other newspapers to shame.
For far too long critics who have drawn attention to the deficiencies inherent in climate change models in particular, or in climate research in general, have being treated as ignorant fools. Dr Evans’ article reveals yet another example of the application of that well-known acronym applicable to all computer models, including those dealing with climate: GIGO or “garbage-in garbage-out”.
Even worse, I understand that climate models do not take into account radiation from our powerful near neighbour in space, the sun; the influence of cosmic radiation on cloud formation; indeed the effect of decade-long variation of cloud cover on climate. The latter appears to be ignored because there is no mathematical model that can account for this variability. (“We don’t know how to measure it so we leave it out!”). I mention just a few deficiencies.
I did some of the earliest work in Australia on computer modelling, but not on the subject of climate, so I know only too well how easy it is to vary their parameters until you get the results you want. Many critics of computer modelling have spoken up about such issues but their voices are rarely heard above the alarmist din, and their concerns rarely reported in the media.
All your readers should be indebted to Alan Frederick Martin of Banora Point for drawing Dr Evans’ article to our attention. Readers who want to learn more would be well advised to log on to Doctor Evans’ website: www.sciencespeak.com. I had not heard of Dr Evans before but I will now ensure that I keep abreast of his interventions on climate change.
His considered and rational opinions stand alongside those of distinguished Australian scientists such as Prof. Ian Plimer (“Heaven And Earth”) and Prof Robert Carter (“Climate: The Counter Consensus”) who, in their books, lay out the facts on climate change in a clear and dispassionate manner.
Once again, congratulations on your efforts to cover both sides of the debate. You have my permission in advance to publish this letter should you feel so inclined.
John Skinner
Kingscliff
