Chill: a Reassessment of Global Warming Theory

There has been much discussion in the press recently about leaked e-mails from the climate research centre in East Anglia, which has raised the question about the degree of consensus among climate scientists about global warming, and the extent to which this has been manipulated. This book takes a dissenting view from the majority, arguing that the key computer simulations are flawed and that researchers have fed into the political process in return for further funding. Taylor's own argument is that the main driver of recent global warming has been an unprecedented combination of natural events, and that we may be facing a greater threat of cooling than warming. Sceptics have always argued that natural causes can account for the data, a contention strongly contested by the majority. Taylor adduces satellite data as evidence to contradict global warming theory, and contends that changing patterns in cloud cover can explain the warming, an argument which he also applies to the Arctic. The second part deals with the politics, and sheds light on the collective psychology of scientists, which tends to overrule dissent and brand opponents as heretics. Few non-specialists have the time to study a 400 page book; indeed one would need to study several such books in order to be sure of one's ground. For me, however, whatever the rights and wrongs of the arguments, the main point is that the human footprint on nature has been excessive, and that measures need to be taken to restore the earth rather than continue business as usual. Interested readers can consult www.ethos-uk.com.