Climate Lynx

Climate Science Truth, the IPCC Or “The Rest of the Story”   If you have read my column over the last few years, you may have noticed that I occasionally analyze disinformation and misinformation. My life experiences have allowed me to gather insight. The course load at the USAF Academy was heavy on science and I was taught to think critically on science topics. I have had the privilege of flying biologists, geologists, and other professionals and whenever there was a chance, I asked people to explain their work. I still travel today to engage directly with climate scientists.    The study of climate science requires a person to study critical thinking, the roots of disinformation, and how logical fallacy stories are assembled to deceive us.   In short, my BS meter functions well, and a local opportunity has arisen for me to defend both truth and mainstream science.     A fellow contributor to this newspaper recently penned a letter t...

Ten years ago, I was optimistic when I prayed for guidance and wisdom to learn about global warming. I did not know that if you pray for wisdom, you had better be prepared. One's personal worldview will not endure the pursuit of wisdom. My worldview has been challenged every week, and this week's subject was one of the most incisive. Ten years ago, I searched for the best US science organizations to ensure I received accurate information.  I started with the National Academies of Science, the American Meteorological Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Today, my list reaches into the hundreds. It took some time to understand the science. Still, once I understood the basics, it was easier than my career-long endeavor to apply the laws of aerodynamics to helicopters. Even after flying and reading about helicopters for thirty years, it still seems a little magic is involved. The basics of climate science, though, have been easier and there is n...

Given the long-standing and massive accumulation of data on climate change, scientists, economists, and psychologists have  asked for years, "What prevents people from understanding the problem?" To save myself a little time, I decided to ask Chat GPT the same question:  "Please enumerate the various psychological weaknesses of climate deniers." Here is the response: Climate change denial is influenced by a range of psychological factors and cognitive biases. Here are some key psychological weaknesses often observed among climate deniers: Confirmation Bias : People tend to seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. Climate deniers may selectively accept information that downplays the seriousness of climate change. Cognitive Dissonance : When confronted with information that conflicts with their beliefs or behaviors (e.g., the impact of fossil fuel consumption), peo...

Science News, published by The Society for Science, has created a series of articles titled “The Climate Fix.” April’s focus was on the role the oceans can play in speeding the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere. Drawing carbon out of the atmosphere and sequestering it in the ocean, often called ocean carbon sequestration, is a critical strategy in the global fight against climate change.  The oceans play a massive and vital role in the carbon cycle, acting as both a source and a sink for carbon dioxide (CO2). By enhancing the natural processes that absorb CO2, we can significantly reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Here is an introduction to some methods, benefits, and potential challenges of ocean carbon sequestration. One of the primary methods of ocean carbon sequestration is through biological processes, particularly phytoplankton growth. Phytoplankton are microscopic marine plants that utilize CO2 for photosynthesis, converting it int...