Thoughts About Climategate

Climategate is an issue that continues to percolate in the blogosphere, and is even finally getting some coverage in the papers.

A few thoughts. First, I have always been a bit sceptical about some of the more outrageous claims made by the climate alarmists. I don't think of myself as a full-fledged denier, I'm just a bit sceptical.

The most alarming scenarios are based on projections made by computer models. I question the reliability and accuracy of those models. Weather is an extremely complex phenomenon, and there are variables and even outside factors at work. I don't think that we understand our world enough to construct a reliable model.

That being said, pumping lots of carbon dioxide will eventually have some kind of effect on our planet. At some point, and in some way.

Second, there are other approaches and technologies that we could use to effect our weather, and counter any unwanted warming caused by carbon emissions, that would be cheaper, and even more effective, than dismantling our entire way of life.

I think many of the climate-change alarmists are motivated more by a dislike of industry, our lifestyle, and our economy, than they are by true concerns over the weather. Climate change is often used by many as an excuse to advocate economic and social changes that they would like to take place regardless of the effect on the climate.

All that being said, we still should begin moving away from our fossil fuel-dependent economy. There is much overlap over my desire for energy independence and some of the policies advocated by climate change alarmists. Regardless of whether you believe in climate change, or are sick of our energy dollars supporting hostile and corrupt regimes, we would benefit by reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

That is why, Climategate or no, I still support energy conservation, and increased use of wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and nuclear energy. That is why I still support a gradual move to electric vehicles. And why I continue to believe that a proper, reasonable carbon tax, with the proceed used to offset taxed on lower incomes and to support mass transit, is good public policy.

But I support these policies because I want greater energy independence. Not because some climate scientists in England have been lying to me.