There
is at least a 90% chance that more than half of the increase in
global temperature since 1950 is due to human activity. [Literal
translation.]
—Climate
Change 2007: U.N. Synthesis Report, IPCC
A
myth has confounded the understanding of climate
science. While its source has been discovered, its power remains. The
myth claims that climate science is still too uncertain to serve as a
guide to policy. In part, as a counter to this myth, some supporters
of climate policy exaggerate both the certainty and conclusions of
climate science. This adds to the confusion and, if anything, reduces
the credibility of the climate science it seeks to support.
In
November 2000, officials began the permanent evacuation of more than
40,000 people from their traditional home. …. The islands are
just 12 feet above sea level, and water levels are rising at 11.8
inches per year. —Ross Gelbspan, Boiling Point,
2004
This particular legend, still circulating after seven years, makes it
seem that climate science has pointed the finger of global warming at
a dramatic human catastrophe. But, as explained below, the report is
simply wrong. ...
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