Hot Or Not: Steven Koonin Questions Conventional Climate Science And Methodology | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Aug 22, 2023
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Steven Koonin, one of America's most distinguished scientists, challenges conventional climate science and methodology. He discusses the uncertainties and limitations in predicting the consequences of human influences on climate change, highlighting the small scale of human influences. The podcast explores contradicting reports on climate change and the role of media in controlling the narrative. It also delves into President Biden's climate legislation, the challenges of wind and solar energy, and the ethical responsibilities of scientists in climate research.
Climate science is less mature than commonly believed, with limitations in current models and data collection methods.
The media should provide a more balanced and factual approach to climate change, avoiding alarming language and oversimplification.
Deep dives
Unsettled: A Critical Look at Climate Science
The podcast episode features an interview with Stephen Kuhnen, a scientist who has expressed skepticism about climate science. Kuhnen details his experiences as an Undersecretary of the Department of Energy in the Obama Administration and discusses his book, 'Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters.' He questions the maturity of climate science and highlights the limitations of current climate models. Kuhnen also critiques the use of alarming language and simplified statements by policymakers and the media, emphasizing the need for a more balanced and factual approach to the climate change discussion.
The Complexity of Climate Science
Kuhnen highlights the complexity of climate science and the challenges faced when trying to make projections about future climate events. He explains how climate models are currently unfit for accurate predictions and the spread of results among different models is increasing. Kuhnen points out the limitations of current data collection methods and emphasizes the need for more advanced technologies and techniques to improve climate modeling and prediction capabilities.
Understanding Climate Change and Adaptation
Kuhnen discusses the distinction between climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. He argues that humans have a long history of successfully adapting to changes in climate and that societies can continue to adapt to climate changes, whether natural or influenced by humans. Kuhnen emphasizes the importance of considering the needs and choices of developing nations when addressing climate change and advocates for giving individuals the facts to make informed decisions rather than instilling fear or alarm.
Media Coverage and Misinformation
Kuhnen examines the role of the media in shaping public perception of climate change. He criticizes certain media outlets for promoting alarming scenarios and simplified narratives, often overlooking scientific complexities or contradicting the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Kuhnen calls for more truthful, evidence-based reporting and encourages individuals to educate themselves on the actual scientific facts rather than relying solely on media coverage.
Steven Koonin is one of America's most distinguished scientists, with decades of experience, including a stint as undersecretary of science at the Department of Energy in the Obama administration. In this wide-ranging discussion, based in part on his 2021 book, Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters, Koonin gives a more refined look at the science behind the climate issue than the media typically offers, guiding us through the evidence and its implications. As Koonin explains in this interview, he was “shaken by the realization that climate science was far less mature than I had supposed” and that the “overwhelming evidence” of catastrophic implications of anthropogenic global warming wasn’t so overwhelming after all.
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