Thursday, April 19, 2007
By WENDY REEVESTimes Staff Writer wendy.reeves@htimes.com
Roy Spencer says we don't know yet how changes are happening
MADISON - Roy Spencer is speaking up about his belief that Earth is not headed toward a global warming disaster.
Spencer, a principal research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and former NASA scientist, said he knows he's in the minority with his opinions, but he doesn't believe manmade influences are causing catastrophic climate changes.
"We see something change in our climate and we blame ourselves," Spencer told the Republican Women of Madison during a lunch meeting Wednesday.
Spencer contends there is not yet enough known about the Earth's atmosphere to understand exactly what occurs naturally to stabilize the earth's climate.
"I don't think we understand what happens. We can watch it happen on the (climate) models, we know it happens, but we don't know for sure how it happens," Spencer said.
Developing new energy technology is the only way to know for sure, he said, because he believes the existing climate models are too sensitive.
He said everything about the climate is tied to precipitation systems. But the climate models don't consider precipitation efficiency. However, he said the little evidence that exists shows precipitation systems act as a natural thermostat to reduce warming.
"The air you're breathing right now was, in the last few days, part of a precipitation system," he said.
Spencer said the fears about global warming have people wondering whether something should be done now to stop it.
"That's the precautionary principle, and it makes no sense because we don't live our lives that way," Spencer said. "Everything in life has risks and benefits; we could die from eating food."
Energy is needed by humanity, Spencer said while poking fun at Al Gore and other environmentalists who talk about conservation.
"Most of us are already doing what we can to conserve, but it won't have any impact on global warming," Spencer said.
Two weeks ago, he testified in a congressional hearing on global warming. Next month, he'll make presentations at the White House and to top evangelical leaders on his research.
"It's a busy field and keeps me awake," Spencer said.
By WENDY REEVESTimes Staff Writer wendy.reeves@htimes.com
Roy Spencer says we don't know yet how changes are happening
MADISON - Roy Spencer is speaking up about his belief that Earth is not headed toward a global warming disaster.
Spencer, a principal research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and former NASA scientist, said he knows he's in the minority with his opinions, but he doesn't believe manmade influences are causing catastrophic climate changes.
"We see something change in our climate and we blame ourselves," Spencer told the Republican Women of Madison during a lunch meeting Wednesday.
Spencer contends there is not yet enough known about the Earth's atmosphere to understand exactly what occurs naturally to stabilize the earth's climate.
"I don't think we understand what happens. We can watch it happen on the (climate) models, we know it happens, but we don't know for sure how it happens," Spencer said.
Developing new energy technology is the only way to know for sure, he said, because he believes the existing climate models are too sensitive.
He said everything about the climate is tied to precipitation systems. But the climate models don't consider precipitation efficiency. However, he said the little evidence that exists shows precipitation systems act as a natural thermostat to reduce warming.
"The air you're breathing right now was, in the last few days, part of a precipitation system," he said.
Spencer said the fears about global warming have people wondering whether something should be done now to stop it.
"That's the precautionary principle, and it makes no sense because we don't live our lives that way," Spencer said. "Everything in life has risks and benefits; we could die from eating food."
Energy is needed by humanity, Spencer said while poking fun at Al Gore and other environmentalists who talk about conservation.
"Most of us are already doing what we can to conserve, but it won't have any impact on global warming," Spencer said.
Two weeks ago, he testified in a congressional hearing on global warming. Next month, he'll make presentations at the White House and to top evangelical leaders on his research.
"It's a busy field and keeps me awake," Spencer said.
