Hansen notes that solar brightness has decreased and the effects are “not negligible.”
[You can’t expect global temperature to increase at a constant rate because] there’s too much natural variability. There are otehr forcing factors. It’s not only CO2 that’s changed. The sun’s brightness changed, ah decreased slightly over the last 10 years, about 0.1 watt/m2. That’s not as large as the climate forcing that you get from CO2, but it’s not negligible.
From BBC Radio’s Today program. Continue reading BBC Laugher: Less warming may cause more damage
“Suggestions that global warming has stalled are a “diversionary tactic” from “deniers” who want the public to be confused over climate change, according to the world’s best-known climate scientist. Prof James Hansen.” Continue reading Hansen: Stall in global warming a ‘diversionary tactic’ from ‘deniers’
“[Boxer] barreled over Vitter’s attempt to respond and pushed on to hold a vote, adding harshly, ‘Well then, can you hold your remarks until after we vote? Because there are certain senators that must leave. If you please, I will sit here for hours and listen to you.'” Continue reading Barbara Boxer, David Vitter wage verbal war at Gina McCarthy vote
The Boston Globe editorializes:
In fact, Obama has been relatively restrained in his use of EPA regulations, overruling some of Jackson’s recommendations in light of the weak economy. And McCarthy is hardly an environmental firebrand. The efforts to hold off her confirmation seem designed to force her into a defensive posture.
The Boston Globe editorializes: Continue reading Boston Globe says GOP Senators asking EPA nominee questions is ‘bullying’
Taxpayers pay $40K to glam up, slim down economy wrecking ball. Continue reading Former EPA chief Lisa Jackson gets official (painted) portrait
“Shortly after the IRS admitted to targeting conservative groups, it was reported that the EPA has routinely denied fee waiver requests from conservative groups seeking government records, while at the same time, approving such requests to environmental groups.” Continue reading Vitter: EPA FOIA scandal ‘no different than the IRS disaster’
“Acting Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Bob Perciasepe has asked the Inspector General for the EPA to investigate claims the agency hindered inquiries by conservative groups by charging fees routinely waived for watchdog and media groups.” Continue reading EPA inspector general investigating claims agency used fees to block FOIA requests
For Fred Singer, the German government has come full circle in 75 years. Continue reading German government targets skeptic Fred Singer in 2013; FLASHBACK: Germans forced Singer’s family to flee Austria in 1938
If you’re in Germany, you can just goose-step your way to the nearest bookstore — if it’s not already in flames or it’s front windows already shattered. Continue reading German government targets climate skeptics in 123-page pamphlet; ‘Spreaders of half-truths and misinformation’
CDC studies are “simply implausible” and likely the product of the ‘healthy-user effect’ (a propensity for healthier people to be more likely to get vaccinated than less healthy people). Continue reading Expert: Flu vaccine might be less beneficial and less safe than has been claimed, and the threat of influenza appears overstated.