Ever since it became apparent the atmosphere was warming, people have been questioning the evidence and the nature of the likely causes. This questioning of evidence and of the underlying causes is an essential part of the scientific process.
Understanding what drives climate, and predicting how it may change under a combination of natural and anthropogenic forcing, is possibly one of the most challenging problems for the science community. No single scientist or group of scientists can successfully claim to understand all, free of all doubt. It becomes even more of a challenge for the wider public to understand the science and, in the face of uncertainties, to be able to make informed decisions about how to respond. That challenge becomes even more difficult in the face of seemingly conflicting messages about the science.
It is therefore important for scientists to take stock periodically and focus on the key scientific questions, on what the consequences are of specific uncertainties, and on what is required to resolve remaining uncertainties. Read the full report here.
Source: Kurt Lambeck, The Sydney Morning Herald.
