What do you think?
Rate this book
Global Warming Skepticism for Busy People
This book draws on decades of climate research to explain why the threat of anthropogenic climate change has been grossly exaggerated. Global warming and associated climate change exists - but the role of humans in that change is entirely debatable. A little-known aspect of modern climate science is that the warming of the global atmosphere-ocean system over the last 100 years, even if entirely human-caused, has progressed at a rate that reduces the threat of future warming by 50% compared to the climate model projections. To the extent warming is partly natural (a possibility even the IPCC acknowledges), the future threat is reduced even further. This, by itself, should be part of the debate over energy policy – but it isn’t. Why? The news media, politicians, bureaucrats, rent-seekers, government funding agencies, and a “scientific-technological elite” (as President Eisenhower called it) have collaborated to spread what amounts to fake climate news. Exaggerated climate claims appear on a daily basis, sucking the air out of more reasoned discussions of the scientific evidence which are too boring for a populace increasingly addicted to climate change porn. Upon close examination it is found that the "97% of climate scientists agree" meme is inaccurate, misleading, and useless for decision-making; human causation of warming is simply assumed by the vast majority of climate researchers. In contrast to what many have been taught, there have been no obvious changes in severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts or floods. Despite an active 2018 wildfire season, there has actually been a long-term decrease in wildfire activity, although that will change if forest management practices are not implemented. Proxy evidence of past temperature and Arctic sea ice changes suggest warming and sea ice decline over the last 50 years or so is not out of the ordinary, and partly or even mostly natural. The Antarctic ice sheet isn't collapsing, but remains stable. The human component of sea level rise is shown to be, at most, only 1 inch per 30 years (25% of the observed rate of rise); and the latest evidence is that more CO2 dissolved in ocean water will be good for marine life, not harmful. Admittedly, continued emissions of CO2 from fossil fuel burning can be expected to cause (and probably has caused) some of our recent warming. But the Paris Agreement, even if extended through the end of the 21st Century, will have no measurable effect on global temperatures because the governments of the world realize humanity will depend upon fossil fuels for decades to come. Despite news reports and politicians' proclamations, international agreements to reduce CO2 emissions are all economic pain for no observable climate gain. What government-mandated reliance on expensive and impractical energy sources will do is increase energy poverty, and poverty kills. This downside to illusory efforts to “Save the Earth” is already being experienced in the UK and elsewhere. If people are genuinely concerned about humanity thriving, they must reject global warming alarmism. In terms of environmental regulation, the end result of the U.S. EPA's Endangerment Finding will be reduced prosperity for all, and climate gain for none. The good news is that there is no global warming crisis, and this book will inform citizens and help guide governments toward decisions which benefit the most people while doing the least harm.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2018
223 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Roy W. Spencer
14 books13 followersRoy W. Spencer received his Ph.D. in meteorology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981. Before becoming a Principal Research Scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2001, he was a Senior Scientist for Climate Studies at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where he and Dr. John Christy received NASA’s Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal for their global temperature monitoring work with satellites. Dr. Spencer’s work with NASA continues as the U.S. Science Team leader for the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer flying on NASA’s Aqua satellite. He has provided congressional testimony several times on the subject of global warming.
Dr. Spencer’s research has been entirely supported by U.S. government agencies: NASA, NOAA, and DOE. He has never been asked by any oil company to perform any kind of service. Not even Exxon-Mobil.
Dr. Spencer’s research has been entirely supported by U.S. government agencies: NASA, NOAA, and DOE. He has never been asked by any oil company to perform any kind of service. Not even Exxon-Mobil.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 26, 2019
Very good, very informative.
December 31, 2020
Very well written and an excellent introduction into the sceptic mindset concerning Global warming. The book is short and nicely structured.
Also the author links to articles and video-material to delve deeper into the topics and arguments which he presents. This makes it so that this book is full of further reading and study material.
Highly recommended (whether you agree with the author or not).
Also the author links to articles and video-material to delve deeper into the topics and arguments which he presents. This makes it so that this book is full of further reading and study material.
Highly recommended (whether you agree with the author or not).
December 14, 2020
Interesting perspective, however, Climatologists now have been able to differentiate between different types of carbon molecules. The most prevalent carbon in the atmosphere is from anthropogenic sources. That is now definitive.
So, read this book as an outdated argument. It wasn't that long ago that not all Climatologists could'nt agree that the rate of climate change was being caused by humans. As the interactions on this planet are complex and scientists are careful in inferring causation, the debate over whether we are accelerating an already changing process has been a heated topic.
So, read this book as an outdated argument. It wasn't that long ago that not all Climatologists could'nt agree that the rate of climate change was being caused by humans. As the interactions on this planet are complex and scientists are careful in inferring causation, the debate over whether we are accelerating an already changing process has been a heated topic.
April 25, 2019
I’ve always been impressed with Roy Spencer’s work, and writings. Anyone with a little knowledge of the history of science knows how theories once held sacred turned out to be wrong. He cites the example of the cause (and cure) for peptic ulcers. Turns out it wasn’t stress, but bacteria. But it took two doctors in Australia over a decade to convince the “scientific community” they were correct. And as Spencer points out, this can happen when you have hundreds, or millions of patients. The Earth is only a sample size of one, and is far more complex. The point is science is not consensus (you can be alone and be right) and he does a great job debunking the 97% consensus myth. He point out that the scientific research increasingly supports the view that the climate change problem isn’t as serious as originally feared. But you’d never know reading the main stream media. All of the research is funded by the government, creating an incentive to stir up a crisis. As he points out, the fossil fuel industry doesn’t need to do research; the demand for its product is practically guaranteed! This is a thought-provoking book, easily digestible for the nonexpert, but written by a 40-year expert in his field. When I discuss climate change with friends and colleagues, I’m often amazed they have never read anything that disagrees with their deeply held believe—Spencer says it’s a religion, not science—that this is a coming catastrophe. If Miami is really going to be under water in 12 years, why don’t real estate prices crash? Spencer provides reasonable reasons to question the hype, and remain skeptical. I highly recommend this book, no matter which side of the debate you’re on.
October 15, 2018
A great book from a concerned scientist (Roy Spencer, one of the most prominent climate scientists) on a critical subject in today's world.
Quote:
"There are five main questions which must be answered in the affirmative before energy policy changes to fight global warming should even be considered:
1) Is warming and associated climate change mostly human-caused?
2) Is the human-caused portion of warming and associated climate change large enough to be damaging?
3) Do the climate models we use for proposed energy policies accurately predict climate change?
4) Would the proposed policy changes substantially reduce climate change and resulting damage?
5) Would the policy changes do more good than harm to humanity?
The answers to all five questions need to be “yes” in order to make substantial changes to our energy policies beyond what free market forces dictate. Yet, it is not obvious to me that the answer to any of the five questions is “yes.”
… why I choose to speak out on the subject, even when it would be easier for me professionally to abandon my skepticism and join the scientific consensus:
Poverty kills, and forcing people to use more expensive energy will worsen poverty."
Quote:
"There are five main questions which must be answered in the affirmative before energy policy changes to fight global warming should even be considered:
1) Is warming and associated climate change mostly human-caused?
2) Is the human-caused portion of warming and associated climate change large enough to be damaging?
3) Do the climate models we use for proposed energy policies accurately predict climate change?
4) Would the proposed policy changes substantially reduce climate change and resulting damage?
5) Would the policy changes do more good than harm to humanity?
The answers to all five questions need to be “yes” in order to make substantial changes to our energy policies beyond what free market forces dictate. Yet, it is not obvious to me that the answer to any of the five questions is “yes.”
… why I choose to speak out on the subject, even when it would be easier for me professionally to abandon my skepticism and join the scientific consensus:
Poverty kills, and forcing people to use more expensive energy will worsen poverty."
January 20, 2020
This is one confusing debate, that's for sure. I wanted to read a 'sceptics' account of the debate so as to balance the quasi-religious fervour with which human global warming (HGW), and its predicted disastrous consequences, are treated as fact (and not hypothesis).
Now, believe it or not, I don't have any axe to grind. I'd rather HGW wasn't happening, and if it is, that the consequences are benign and not awful, but other than that I see no benefit in burying one's head in the sand.
As for this book, I can't comment on the science the author writes about. All I can say is that a) he writes well and clearly b) he comes across as very reasonable and balanced c) he is himself a genuine expert and scientist specialising in this area and d) he has a perspective on the way that 'science is done' (advancement, careers, influence etc.) that is different from the God-like status we mortals are told to give scientists (you know, 'scientists say, therefore it must be true...').
So well worth a read if you want to sample a perspective other than the Greta one.
Now, believe it or not, I don't have any axe to grind. I'd rather HGW wasn't happening, and if it is, that the consequences are benign and not awful, but other than that I see no benefit in burying one's head in the sand.
As for this book, I can't comment on the science the author writes about. All I can say is that a) he writes well and clearly b) he comes across as very reasonable and balanced c) he is himself a genuine expert and scientist specialising in this area and d) he has a perspective on the way that 'science is done' (advancement, careers, influence etc.) that is different from the God-like status we mortals are told to give scientists (you know, 'scientists say, therefore it must be true...').
So well worth a read if you want to sample a perspective other than the Greta one.
January 7, 2023
String evidence based on science and supported by observations
This book provides the mind-open reader with multiple arguments that the current climate change discussion and is based on biased interpretation of models results which lack substantial understanding of many global energy flows in atmosphere. The author does not deny the possible anthropogenic contribution of climate variability. Instead, he argues that that contribution is disproportionately smaller compared with natural causes which are real, but insufficiently understood. With scientific rigor and numerous statistics, the reader is guided into developing his own opinion. The book is easy to read and addressed to a general audience. It should be read by all those who ask themselves questions about what is true and what is interested propaganda in the current debate on climate change.
exaggerates conclusions based on
This book provides the mind-open reader with multiple arguments that the current climate change discussion and is based on biased interpretation of models results which lack substantial understanding of many global energy flows in atmosphere. The author does not deny the possible anthropogenic contribution of climate variability. Instead, he argues that that contribution is disproportionately smaller compared with natural causes which are real, but insufficiently understood. With scientific rigor and numerous statistics, the reader is guided into developing his own opinion. The book is easy to read and addressed to a general audience. It should be read by all those who ask themselves questions about what is true and what is interested propaganda in the current debate on climate change.
exaggerates conclusions based on
October 30, 2018
Fact based analysis disputing dangerous alarmism.
Discloses how insufficiently verifiable values are being assumed in climate modeling software that significantly skew their predictions towards supposedly catastrophic future conditions when the impact and magnitude of those is unknown and their previous record of predictive accuracy is poor if not suspect. Argues actual climate changes and impact are grossly overstated and under studied. Rightly points out that sensationalism sells and that the ensuing constant panic prevents rational discussion and analysis.
Overall a good scientific read for the layperson.
Correlation is not causation
Discloses how insufficiently verifiable values are being assumed in climate modeling software that significantly skew their predictions towards supposedly catastrophic future conditions when the impact and magnitude of those is unknown and their previous record of predictive accuracy is poor if not suspect. Argues actual climate changes and impact are grossly overstated and under studied. Rightly points out that sensationalism sells and that the ensuing constant panic prevents rational discussion and analysis.
Overall a good scientific read for the layperson.
Correlation is not causation
January 6, 2020
This a very informative, balanced look at the climate change issue. I feel more informed on the issue now than what I had been prior to reading. Here’s an excellent quote from the book:
“Global greening has been observed by satellites over the last few decades, which is during the period of most rapid rises in atmospheric CO2. The benefits of increasing CO2 to agriculture have been calculated to be in the trillions of dollars. Crop yields continue to break records around the world, due to a combination of human ingenuity and the direct effects of CO2 on plant growth and water use efficiency.”
“Global greening has been observed by satellites over the last few decades, which is during the period of most rapid rises in atmospheric CO2. The benefits of increasing CO2 to agriculture have been calculated to be in the trillions of dollars. Crop yields continue to break records around the world, due to a combination of human ingenuity and the direct effects of CO2 on plant growth and water use efficiency.”
February 20, 2019
Best summary and most accurate assessment on Climate
Expert on Climate exposes extreme bias in reporting and “research” on climate. While acknowledging likely effects of greenhouse gases from human activities, indicates how the very small amount of warming due to increased CO2 is generally highly beneficial - plants and food productivity are greatly increased, low cost energy saves lives and benefits the poor. Shows how “extreme weather” incidents have become less common, not more.
Expert on Climate exposes extreme bias in reporting and “research” on climate. While acknowledging likely effects of greenhouse gases from human activities, indicates how the very small amount of warming due to increased CO2 is generally highly beneficial - plants and food productivity are greatly increased, low cost energy saves lives and benefits the poor. Shows how “extreme weather” incidents have become less common, not more.
August 5, 2020
Excellent and full of data one can sustantiate
In about 1978 Time magazines’s cover story was a dire warning about the coming ice age. Fast forward to 2020 and we have members of Congress declaring we have 12 years left before we burn. This book gives a measured and balanced refutation of that notion. One of the keys here is the author’s examination of the oft quoted 97% scientific consensus.
Whether you are a climate alarmist or skeptic this shot work is worth your time.
In about 1978 Time magazines’s cover story was a dire warning about the coming ice age. Fast forward to 2020 and we have members of Congress declaring we have 12 years left before we burn. This book gives a measured and balanced refutation of that notion. One of the keys here is the author’s examination of the oft quoted 97% scientific consensus.
Whether you are a climate alarmist or skeptic this shot work is worth your time.
November 2, 2018
Such a well written book, he does a great job of explaining hard to understand climate science.
His argument basically boils down to, yes CO2 is rising, and yes that is caused by humans. But the warming it causes is not as drastic as climate alarmists think. Rather, the warming is gradual, and may actually be Beneficial to life on Earth!
I'd like one of my friends who believes that global warming is going to destroy our planet soon to read this and tell me what you think.
His argument basically boils down to, yes CO2 is rising, and yes that is caused by humans. But the warming it causes is not as drastic as climate alarmists think. Rather, the warming is gradual, and may actually be Beneficial to life on Earth!
I'd like one of my friends who believes that global warming is going to destroy our planet soon to read this and tell me what you think.
January 30, 2019
Great Paper on Subject
This guy knows exactly what he’s talking about and gives it to you in a clear concise way. The thing about Bill Nye and Al Gore we’re really did get me . Ifyou want to know something else check out Michael Crichton‘s book the state of fear. The global warming political propaganda is much like what occurred when Darwin gave his origin of species book. Many people tried to rationalize slavery using his thesis.It is nothing more than a money machine.
This guy knows exactly what he’s talking about and gives it to you in a clear concise way. The thing about Bill Nye and Al Gore we’re really did get me . Ifyou want to know something else check out Michael Crichton‘s book the state of fear. The global warming political propaganda is much like what occurred when Darwin gave his origin of species book. Many people tried to rationalize slavery using his thesis.It is nothing more than a money machine.
October 11, 2018
A short book everyone should read
This book is filled with logic and very well supported conclusions. I'm tired of our tax dollars being wasted on a non problem. I'm tired of regulations to fix a problem that doesn't exist. And I'm tired of a media that's more interested in sensationalist stories than facts. Thank you for this book.
This book is filled with logic and very well supported conclusions. I'm tired of our tax dollars being wasted on a non problem. I'm tired of regulations to fix a problem that doesn't exist. And I'm tired of a media that's more interested in sensationalist stories than facts. Thank you for this book.
January 21, 2019
Good book to reference if you are interested in arguing the global warming hypothesis with a person who is uncertain about it, but don’t bother if you are arguing with a true believer. They have heard all of these arguments before and will refuse to believe them. The true acolytes in the Warmist church have been indoctrinated to ignore these arguments.
March 31, 2019
Great to finally get objective data
Very well written. Simply put, the media and money help to distort facts from proven data. Climate change based on human activity is thin at best.
Very well written. Simply put, the media and money help to distort facts from proven data. Climate change based on human activity is thin at best.
February 19, 2020
Voice of reason.....
....in the vast jungle of historical adults using teens as their proxies. I am sure that my European brothers and sisters will not suffer too much in their self inflicted quest to fight “climate catastrophe” .
....in the vast jungle of historical adults using teens as their proxies. I am sure that my European brothers and sisters will not suffer too much in their self inflicted quest to fight “climate catastrophe” .
May 20, 2020
A good, solid little book. Very informative and revealing about the political nature of climate change research. I did find some of the later chapters a bit dry and repetitive, but still a worthy read.
December 14, 2020
Excellent, balanced analysis of climate change
Dr. Spencer’s scientifically balanced analysis is superb! It is comforting to know that there are still some scientists who want real science to determine policy, not manipulated data.
Dr. Spencer’s scientifically balanced analysis is superb! It is comforting to know that there are still some scientists who want real science to determine policy, not manipulated data.
February 15, 2022
Excellent summary
More damning evidence against global warming alarmism. I currently own ocean front property. So do All Gore and Nancy Pelosi. Guess which one of us is not a hypocrite.
More damning evidence against global warming alarmism. I currently own ocean front property. So do All Gore and Nancy Pelosi. Guess which one of us is not a hypocrite.
January 30, 2019
Very thoughtful summary
Dr. Spencer summarizes his assessment of the state of climate science, including compelling claims of scientists he disagrees with, with admirable precision.
Dr. Spencer summarizes his assessment of the state of climate science, including compelling claims of scientists he disagrees with, with admirable precision.
March 13, 2019
Great coverage of topics with references. Some repetition of facts that helps solidify them.
April 21, 2019
Antidote to climate nonsense
Roy Spencer succinctly debunks climate alarmists with, heaven forbid, facts. Make sure every young, impressionable kid you know reads this book.
Roy Spencer succinctly debunks climate alarmists with, heaven forbid, facts. Make sure every young, impressionable kid you know reads this book.
April 22, 2019
Rational thought on climate hysteria
Every politician, journalist and high school student should read these 128 pages so they have some idea of what real science is.
Every politician, journalist and high school student should read these 128 pages so they have some idea of what real science is.
May 13, 2019
Well argued and interesting
Most people are sheep unwilling to scratch the surface of whatever narrative is spewed at them. Don’t be a sheep — find out what they don’t want you to know...
Most people are sheep unwilling to scratch the surface of whatever narrative is spewed at them. Don’t be a sheep — find out what they don’t want you to know...
September 9, 2019
Author makes very reasoned arguments as to why the global warming craze is a bunch of hysteria. The books tends to be a bit repetitive, otherwise I'd have given it a higher rating.
September 21, 2019
Solid scientific questions
Nice counter arguments based in logic and science. Very informative but easy to read for a laymen. Would definitely recommend.
Nice counter arguments based in logic and science. Very informative but easy to read for a laymen. Would definitely recommend.
May 3, 2020
Nice Concise Read
Exactly what I hoped. A nice summary of the arguments contrary to the cataclysmic predictions of the alarmists. Definitely time we’ll spent reading it.
Exactly what I hoped. A nice summary of the arguments contrary to the cataclysmic predictions of the alarmists. Definitely time we’ll spent reading it.
July 18, 2021
Spencer does a good job illuminating the high level of speculation and conjecture that much of the current alarmism is based on.
November 23, 2021
Climate Change Overview
Excellent over view of co2 warming — excellent graphics and first book I have seen to
Cover truth telling from both sides of the issue!’
Excellent over view of co2 warming — excellent graphics and first book I have seen to
Cover truth telling from both sides of the issue!’
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews