US National Climate Assessment must be denounced

Telling the noble lie that the science of climate change is 'settled' so as to encourage constructive 'solutions' is also counterproductive. If we already understand the science, then why fund climate research at all? In reality, the science is so immature that we do not even know if warming or cooling lies ahead, so continuing climate research is crucial if we are to properly prepare for the future.

The lie that we know how to control the climate has resulted in 94% of the approximately $1 billion a day spent worldwide on climate finance being allocated to trying to control conditions that might be experienced by future generations. Only 6% goes to helping people adapt to climate change in the present. Commentators from across the political spectrum have labeled this approach immoral.

Finally, exaggerated climate concerns have distracted governments from properly addressing the real long-term energy crisis. It is that, as humanity's usage of hydrocarbon fuels continues to rise, they will become increasingly scarce and so more expensive. We therefore need carefully planned, long-term energy research and development, not only to improve the way we use today's fuels, but also to develop cost-effective alternatives.

Yet because of the obsession with man-made climate change, billions of dollars that could be spent on energy research and real pollution abatement are wasted on useless and potentially dangerous projects such as pumping carbon dioxide underground and the widespread deployment of unsustainable technologies like wind power. This impoverishes society, making us less able to afford activities we need to enhance energy security and protect the health of our citizens and the environment.

The idea inherent in the Third National Climate Assessment that we control the Earth's climate will eventually be widely regarded as a costly blunder. Experts who knew this but promoted the deception for what they considered good reasons will be disgraced. Then no one will believe scientists when they warn us of real wolves at our doors.