Countering a climate of scepticism

According to NASA data, 2007, during a La Nina (normally colder than average), was similar in temperature to 1998.

When we know that two events are similar, if one associated with temporary cooling occurs a decade after another associated with temporary warming, there must be an underlying upward trend. This is science.

Second, arguments that climate models are fatally flawed means jettisoning the science that underpins the models, which in turn means having to jettison our understanding of environmental and earth science.

The development of climate models, earth system science and global observing systems has been inextricably linked since the 1950s.

This understanding underpins our standard of living and, ultimately, human interactions with the environment. It is the same science that underpins the future of the global economy.

Scientific models are used to review what we are measuring and what it tells us. For example, taking Earth's temperature is very difficult, so meteorologists measure air temperature 1.5m above the ground, using thermometers in shade.

Standards are maintained but these are not perfect. So, to create a homogenous record and extend our record to non-standard measurements taken in the past, we must make adjustments. The World Meteorological Organisation has technical standards for this task.

The second step is to link that record of air temperature with other environmental observations. Scientists develop and apply models of plant growth, of physiological response among animals, and of the physical performance of materials.

These models are validated by measurements in the lab and in the field.

All environmental observations need to be adjusted in some way, and we use scientific models to do so. Such understanding underpins weather forecasting, agricultural production systems, the management of natural hazards and so on.

These relationships are also critical to our understanding of future climate risks.

Claims that that this task is not carried out with the utmost care and with the appropriate scientific scepticism cannot be supported.