Climate change/global warming thread

[STW2010]

I recognise that a couple of these threads are already running, but this one has been closed-

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Now, I made a post which has been subjected to a lot of criticism and am now unable to respond to this. Is there any chance that the thread could be re-opened temporarily so that I can reply (politely, of course)?

[Getragdogleg]

Why don't you copy and paste your original post into one of the existing topics and you can get into the tricky business of defending your (precarious) position.

Be warned though, the clued up posters in those threads (both camps) will expect you to up your game and post relevant data, reasons for statements and will force you to look closely at what you believe in in a debate that is both devisive and enlightening.

Be brave...

[STW2010]

That's a good idea. I don't claim to be a world-leading expert in the field, but don't take kindly to comments from people following a wolf-pack mentality and questioning my profession. I work in this field, albeit in renewable energy and sustainable resource management, and include Defra and DECC (Department for Energy and climate change) as previous and current clients of mine.

[Getragdogleg]

STW2010 said:

That's a good idea. I don't claim to be a world-leading expert in the field, but don't take kindly to comments from people following a wolf-pack mentality and questioning my profession. I work in this field, albeit in renewable energy and sustainable resource management, and include Defra and DECC (Department for Energy and climate change) as previous and current clients of mine.

Best of luck, I now have a very sceptical take on the whole climate change business, mostly because of reading and following various links on the very good debates on here.

I will suggest that you need to make sure you do not take the debate personally and lose your cool, also go in with an open mind. some of the "settled science" has been very well debunked recently and if you have entrenched views that can be hard to take.

Likewise if you can offer proof positive to back up your stance then you might change views too.

Good luck, I will be watching with interest, I don't post much in there because the topic subject is not my expertise.

[don4l]

STW2010 said:

That's a good idea. I don't claim to be a world-leading expert in the field, but don't take kindly to comments from people following a wolf-pack mentality and questioning my profession. I work in this field, albeit in renewable energy and sustainable resource management, and include Defra and DECC (Department for Energy and climate change) as previous and current clients of mine.

The phrase "Follow the money" springs to mind.

However, I agree with you. The thread should be re-opened.


I don't understand why Paul, and the other moderators, are so opposed to a little bit of serious debate. Does it really matter if discussions get a little bit heated?


Don
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[STW2010]

don4l said:

The phrase "Follow the money" springs to mind.

I'm not in that sort of business.

don4l said:

I don't understand why Paul, and the other moderators, are so opposed to a little bit of serious debate. Does it really matter if discussions get a little bit heated?

I agree with you on this. What I find difficult to accept here is that over the course of the day a lot of abuse and condescending comments have been made towards my post. What I posted has been misunderstood, and the sheep culture jumped in; this is becoming quite popular around here (1-2 people disagree with someone, then others join in- I doubt many of them have a clue what was even being spoken about). But as the topic was closed between my initial post and the time when I next could check the thread I couldn't reply (I do have a job to do, so can't spend every minute on PH). I don't find this fair.

Edited by STW2010 on Friday 8th June 23:10

[kiteless]

STW2010 said:

don4l said:

The phrase "Follow the money" springs to mind.

I'm not in that sort of business.

I suspect your employers are though, whether you like it or not

WRT climate change and man's effect on it, there have been at least four very long threads about the subject on PH; two of which are usually on the front page of Science and NP&E. I think your efforts are best directed there.

Also, as someone else has mentioned, ensure you have substantiation to your assertions if you post on them

[don4l]

STW2010 said:

don4l said:

The phrase "Follow the money" springs to mind.

I'm not in that sort of business.

To be fair, you *are* in that sort of business.

You have stated that DEFRA and DECC are your clients.


Would your income be adversely affected if they were not your customers?


Don
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[STW2010]

I do research and teaching; basically I'm an academic in the areas mentioned before. What I meant by 'that sort of business' in that I'm not driven by money- I do what is current and interesting to me. A clumsy statement I made, but the 'follow the money' makes me sound like a mercenary! Obviously I need to cover my salary, so point taken there; though this comes naturally as I seek funding to pursue my interests.