The Truth Behind the 97% Consensus: Scientists or Climate Scientists?

When discussing climate change and its primary cause, you might hear one phrase that is often used: '97% of scientists believe that climate change is caused by human activity.' However, the validity of this statement and the identity of those scientists are often questioned. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this consensus, the implications of the term, and the reality behind it.

The Origin of the 97% Consensus

The 97% consensus is based on a study conducted by a graduate student, frequent media mentions, and political exploitation. This study originally came from a survey of 10,000 individuals, but the sample size was significantly reduced to only 3000, and further narrowed down to just 79, with 75 agreeing with the thesis. This process is deeply flawed and does not adhere to the principles of scientific and statistical methods required for a credible consensus.

Understanding the Study

A detailed examination of the study shows several critical flaws:

Survey Sample: The original survey was not well-defined, and credentials of the respondents could not be verified. Question Design: The survey only contained two yes/no questions on the topic of anthropogenic global warming (AGW). Sample Reduction: The survey was then further reduced to only 3000 respondents, and even further to 79, who all agreed with the sought-after thesis.

Statistical methods and scientific rigor were clearly not adhered to in this process. This methodological fallacy has been dissected and criticized by numerous scientific publications and experts.

Government-Funded Scientists vs. Independent Climate Scientists

One of the biggest misconceptions is that 97% of scientists who are funded by the US government and awarded grants to study climate change believe in humanity's role in causing climate change. However, this is a significant oversimplification. Independent climate scientists, who do not receive government funding, do not support the idea that human activity is the main cause of climate change. They argue that climate change is a natural cycle and that there is nothing we can do to stop it or change it.

Facts in Pictures

Visual evidence can speak volumes about the state of the environment. Here are some images of pollution and air quality before and during lockdowns caused by the global pandemic. These pictures demonstrate the extent of the damage to our air and can help explain the rise in cancer rates.

These images are not opinions or statements, but plainly observable facts that should be easily recognized.

Could This Be Justified?

Yes, there is substantial evidence to support the widespread belief that climate change is primarily caused by human activity. Here are some key points:

Rising Global Temperatures: The global temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius since the Industrial Revolution, with much of this increase occurring in the last few decades. Ozone Depletion: Evidence shows that the ozone layer is recovering, a result of international efforts to reduce chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances. Sea Level Rise: Sea levels have risen by about 8 inches in the last century, largely due to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers.

These and other observations are supported by a wide range of scientific evidence and do not rely solely on the 97% consensus study.

In conclusion, the 97% consensus is a misleading term and does not accurately represent the scientific community's views. While some government-funded scientists and climate scientists do believe in the human-caused nature of climate change, a significant number of independent climate scientists do not. It is essential to seek out multiple perspectives and evidence to foster a more informed discussion on climate change.