Did the Climate Gate Scandal Change Any Beliefs on Climate Change?

The climate Gate scandal has radically changed the opinions of several who once supported climate change. Matter of fact a number of people have become so paranoid that even the reputable scientists are being questioned.

This all started when hackers posted emails between climate change scientists which purportedly revealed the falsifying of information concerning climate change. Apparently, some of the high-profile scientists admitted to manipulating data in an attempt to conceal a decline in global temperatures.

Since the appearance of these emails, opinions on climate change have changed dramatically. Even those who were fanatical at one time about the seriousness of climate changes have shifted positions. Many are admitting with red faces that they believed without questioning the evidence and feel absolutely betrayed by those they once trusted.

However, a number of scientists are asserting that the e-mails are being misinterpreted. Kevin Trenberth of the National Center for Atmospheric research said, "A lot of charges have been made that I think are quiet unjustified, cherry-picking information and taking it out of context and misrepresenting what it is actually saying."

Then there are others who say the emails prove the data has been manipulated and they are demanding a congressional investigation. "...the final nail in the coffin of anthropogenic global warming, even a crime against science."

Despite the fact that Climate Gate is being called the scandal of the century, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that climate change IS happening and it's not in dispute. Obviously, India and China, two of the world's largest carbon producers agree because they recently announced their decision to begin lowering carbon emissions.

A number of scientists maintain that the emails were taken out of context, misinterpreted and possibly edited. The science behind climate change still stands and the frustrations of a handful of researchers doesn't change the known facts. Moreover, those who are pushing this have always opposed taking action on climate change and are known to be funded by big oil corporations.

According to RealClimate, "The paper in question is the Mann, Bradley and Hughes (1998) Nature paper on the original multiproxy temperature reconstruction, and the 'trick' is just to plot the instrumental records along with reconstruction so that the context of the recent warming is clear. Scientists often use the term "trick" to refer to a "a good way to deal with a problem", rather than something that is "secret", and so there is nothing problematic in this at all.

The Climate Gate scandal has become a hot button issue as each side tackles the task of trying to discredit one another. Those who oppose climate change theories are shouting, "I told you so," while others are claiming deliberate sabotage.

According to Kevin Grandia, "The folder of information contains over 3,800 separate files and it is clear that someone has taken a lot of time to pull together what they thought would be the most damaging. This is not the work of a hacker, unless that hacker is extremely well-versed in climate science, and specifically the conspiracy theories of the climate denial movement."

The ultimate outcome of the Climate Gate scandal remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the controversy continues as opposing sides remain pitted against each other in a battle that many believe will ultimately reveal the real truth behind climate change.

"For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all." (Lk.8:17)

Interesting Reading:

How Global Warming will Directly Impact Our Children's health and Future
Global Warming: What is the Real Truth?
Global Warming: The Cold, Hard facts