A global warming conspiracy theory invokes the claims that scientific global consensus on global warming is based on conspiracies to produce manipulated data or suppress dissent.
What is scientific global consensus on global warming?
The current scientific global consensus is as follows:
- Earth’s climate has warmed significantly since the late 1800’s.
- Human activities mainly greenhouse gas emissions are the primary cause.
- Continuing emissions will increase the likelihood and severity of global effects.
- People and nations can act individually and collectively to slow down the pace of global warming, while also preparing for climate change and its consequences.
Climategate
Despite the scientific consensus on climate change, allegations have been made that scientists and institutions involved in global warming research are part of a global conspiracy.
There have been allegations of malpractice, most notably in the climate research unit email controversy.
In late November 2009, more than 1000 emails between scientists at the climate research unit of UK’s University of East Anglia were stolen and made public by an unknown hacker.
The messages which span 13 years show few scientists in a bad light, being rude or dismissive.
Prof Phil Jones became the victim of cyber terrorism with stolen emails used by human-induced climate change deniers to promote their view of global warming ahead of an international conference.
An independent inquiry was held after the false claims circulated that the unit’s scientists manipulated data to exaggerate evidence of human-induced climate change.
The claims that the unit acted dishonestly were dismissed, but the scientists were criticized for lack of openness.
The Climategate computer scandal that rocked the scientific world is to be made into a BBC film.
Working towards Solutions
It is important that people understand what global warming is and, what are the consequences of global warming?
Amidst conspiracy theories and naysayers, awareness has to be spread among the masses regarding global warming and its consequences.
There needs to be a global consensus to combat global warming.
The Paris agreement is one such example.
The Paris agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change.
It was adopted by 196 countries on 12th December 2015 and entered into force on 4th November 2016.
Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
The Paris agreement is a landmark in the multilateral climate change process because, for the first time, a binding agreement brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.
All the countries whether developed or developing need to do their bit for a better tomorrow.
Research must be improved towards finding feasible and practical solutions to counter global warming.
Even a small step towards countering global warming can make a huge difference.
