muso wrote on May 24
th, 2012 at 4:36pm:
I'll ask again. What has past historical data got to do with basic atmospheric physics?
I can't believe I actually have to explain this to you. However ...
He asked me why I was sceptical of the AGW hypothesis.
I told him: tree rings; ice cores; and multi-proxy reconstructions.
In order to establish exactly how much temperatures may or may not be rising, one needs to compare historical data with current data. You with me so far?
The historical data is obtained from ...
wait for it ... tree rings, ice cores and multi-proxy reconstructions.
Many people, including myself, do not think that tree rings, ice cores and multi-proxy reconstructions are an accurate or reliable measure of past temperatures. Therefore, we can't accurately or reliably say
exactly how much temperatures have actually changed.
So, the hypothesis starts out on very shaky ground even when it comes to the "W". And then there's the "A" ... (not to mention, the "G").
Thus, I remain sceptical of the AGW hypothesis.
If decent evidence is presented in the future, my views may change. Who knows - I may eventually support the hypothesis. I'm keeping an open mind on the subject. Others in this forum, not so much.