Recent articles published in biological sciencesThe State of the Climate Report 2024: A Dangerous Time for the Planet is a series of exaggerated claims and half-truths designed to scare the public into adopting misguided policies while turning a blind eye to the real drivers of climate change. . [emphasis, links added]
Although it presents an image of scientific rigor, A closer look reveals that most of the dire warnings are not even consistent with the latest IPCC report, especially when examining the scientific basis for IPCC AR6.
Let's break it down.
Hot and cold: cherry-picking for panic
article Extreme exaggeration of periods of extreme heat and coldignore this Most of these changes are within the range of natural variation, Even IPCC AR6 acknowledges this.
According to IPCC AR6 Chapter 12 (Table 12.12), Extreme heat is increasing in some places, but the situation is not uniform across the globe.
what is biological sciences What the article ignores is Most extreme heat temperatures are natural fluctuations. At the same time, thankfully, extreme cold, which kills far more people than heat, is declining as global energy supplies improve.
Let's look at the actual data: one lancet Cold kills far more people than heat, study findsbut extremely cold [deaths] The population is declining, thanks in large part to modern energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas.
These are the very energy sources this article demonizes.
For people in developing countries, these so-called extreme temperatures are not even on their radar. The reality is that access to cheap, reliable energy is what allows people to survive in hot and cold environments.
It is easy for Western elites to forget this The world's greatest public health achievements, from heating homes to powering air conditioners, are powered by fossil fuels, not solar panels or wind farms.
Wet and dry: Fears of floods and droughts gone
The article's ominous descriptions of floods and droughts paint a picture of a world on the verge of disaster. However, according to the IPCC, Precipitation patterns are much more complex and regionally specific.
There is no evidence that developing countries are suddenly at greater risk from flooding than they have been for centuries. Of course, there may be a slight increase in flood risk in some areas, but is this an “emergency”? Absolutely not.
Treating “hydrological drought” and “agricultural drought” as ticking time bombs is equally misleading.
Historically, humans have responded to drought through technology, irrigation, innovation and improved agricultural practices, not through reducing emissions.
Global agricultural productivity is at an all-time high The level of hunger is reject In the era of the so-called “climate emergency”, thanks to fossil fuel fertilizers and mechanization.
Irrational Fear is written by climatologist Dr. Matthew Wielicki and is supported by readers. If you value what you read here, please consider subscribing and supporting the work.
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