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Dr. S. Fred Singer: denier for hire

Here's the latest from Dr. S. Fred Singer, the go-to "scientist" for industries that are trying to dodge regulation.
In this piece in the New York Sun, Singer poses three questions:
(1) Is there evidence for or against an appreciable human contribution to current climate warming?

(2) Would a warmer climate be better or worse than the present one?

(3) Realistically speaking, is it possible to influence the climate by policy actions in an effective way?

The answers are:
1. Yes, there is overwhelming evidence
2. A warmer climate might be just peachy if you're a selfish simpleton obsessed with the three most uncomfortable winter weeks in Chicago, but if you live in the Florida Quays, in Bangladesh, or in any of a number of low-lying South Sea islands, you might want to took to the New Orleans neighbourhoods that are already below sea level. Bad things can happen quickly. And that's not counting other climate catastrophes: floods, droughts or really horrific scenarios like the death of all coral and, potentially, plankton. The world's best scientists wouldn't be waving warning flags if we were not facing grave dangers.
3. Realistically speaking? When did Fred Singer start caring about what was real? Woefully, though, the answer to whether we can develop policy that will influence climate change is, so far: no. Too many vested interests are blocking us from success.
It needn't be so, especially not in the most innovative country on earth (as the U.S. has been for more than a century).
But here's one last question: why do we have to argue these points with Fred Singer? The man has demonstrated again and again that he is willing to offer up his Ph.D. in the service of industries that find potential government regulation an inconvenience. He has little regard for science and, apparently, even less regard for the truth.
At least deniers like Dick Lindzen and Bill Gray bring some related scientific expertise and a little sincerity to their argument. Against such as these - and against the incredibly impressive scientists assembled in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Fred Singer should not even be allowed in the room.
What's next?

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#11690
Anonymous. +0; Wed, 2006-11-15 07:23; singer children
anonymous
I have to wonder whether S. Fred Singer has any children or grandchildren whose future he might be concerned with. I suspect he does not.
#11692
Kevin Grandia. +1; Wed, 2006-11-15 10:19; Grandchildren?
If he does, I'm sure they will be ever so proud of grandpappy's legacy. Watch him try to spin his junk science on the CBC's Fifth Estate program, titled The Denial Machine.
#125506
danny bee. +0; Fri, 2007-10-12 19:06; Fred should google or wiki
danny bee (not verified)

Fred should google or wiki this term POLAR CITIES.

#125507
danny bee. +0; Fri, 2007-10-12 19:07; Polar Cities in future
danny bee (not verified)

go to my blog to see more

http://climatechange3000.blogspot.com

#350527
Blair. +0; Sat, 2008-06-14 07:16; Warming
Blair (not verified)

Gee, I wonder why elitist liberals attack the person and don't bother looking at the evidence. Hasn't anyone noticed that many of the scientists who proposed the concept of man-made global warming have now recanted their previous opinions as they examine new data. The truth now is that man-made global warming is just a political idea that has lost scientic credence. It is no longer a viable theory since it no longer explains the facts. Dr. Singer is a professor emeritus of environmmental science at the University of Virginia. He served 5 years as vice chair of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere and won a NASA commendation in 1997 for his research on particle clouds. What on earth can he know that Gore doesn't? I wonder why elitist liberals attack the person and don't bother looking at the evidence. I guess they just don't know how to think. Look to the evidence, published in peer reviewed articles and not to politically biased argument. Then make up your own mind. Until then, you will sound ... well, just plain stupid.

About the climate cover-up

About the climate cover-up

Democracy is utterly dependent upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.

There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.

Although all public relations professionals are bound by a duty to not knowingly mislead the public, some have executed comprehensive campaigns of misinformation on behalf of industry clients on issues ranging from tobacco and asbestos to seat belts.

Lately, these fringe players have turned their efforts to creating confusion about climate change. This PR campaign could not be accomplished without the compliance of media as well as the assent and participation of leaders in government and business.

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