Y. scientists take issue with climate comments
PROVO — A group of scientists from BYU has criticized state lawmakers over their recent handling of the climate change issue.
The 18 scientists rebuked legislators in a letter sent Oct. 26, five days after the Public Utilities and Technology Interim Committee heard from Roy Spencer, an Alabama climatologist who doubts human activities are largely responsible for climate change.
The scientists criticized lawmakers for giving the "fringe" position of Spencer equal weight to that of the broad, scientific consensus that climate change is occurring largely because of human activities.
"We have no specific political agenda to support but agree that whatever action is taken, it should be informed by the best available scientific evidence," the scientists wrote. "We encourage our legislators not to manipulate the scientific evidence to suit any political agenda."
The scientists at the LDS Church-owned school specifically refuted Spencer's claim that his critics have ignored natural cycles. The scientists called that assertion "patently false," saying natural climate variability has been extensively studied.
They also took issue with Spencer's allegation that researchers were simply "jumping on the climate-change bandwagon for prestige and monetary gain."
"When members of the Legislature give this kind of testimony too much weight, it puts all of us at risk by promoting poorly informed decisions," the letter says.
Rep. Christopher Herrod, a Provo Republican and committee member, said the scientists misunderstood Spencer's science.
"The more they say there is consensus, the more they lose credibility," said Herrod, a real estate developer and entrepreneur. "There is no consensus. Send us a study that addresses all the points that were made. (Without that), they are hurting their case."
The scientists said they agreed with the scientific consensus but noted that their political views vary, as do their ideas about "how society ought to respond to threats posed by a warming climate."
Summer Rupper, a BYU climate scientist, led the letter-writing effort.
Recent comments
A couple more things.
1. Scientists still talk about
"Global...
BDawg | Nov. 11, 2009 at 3:02 p.m.
I'm one of those BYU scientists who signed the letter, and I thought...
BDawg | Nov. 11, 2009 at 2:49 p.m.
Thanks BYU faculty for standing up and being counted. Where are the...
Alum | Nov. 10, 2009 at 8:25 a.m.
- Eminent domain in Nets arena case 9:41 a.m.
- St. Louis boxer: sport saved my life 9:31 a.m.
- A 'twittologue' with Chaffetz 9:23 a.m.
- Rebound slower than first thought 9:22 a.m.
- 'Boomerang kids' moving back in 9:18 a.m.
- H1N1 vaccines pulled in Canada 9:06 a.m.
- Stocks retreat on reports 8:58 a.m.
- TCU's success exceeds expectations 8:54 a.m.
- Obama welcomes Indian PM Singh 8:31 a.m.
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County 8:31 a.m.
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match
- Real Champions
- Fans greet returning Real Salt Lake
- Inmate dead following prison fight
- Time for big matchups in WAC, MWC
- Plenty on line for rivalry game
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
216 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
198 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
136 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
133 - BYU records with win
132 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
131 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
101
Associated Press Personal Finance Writer Candice Choi offers gift-giving...
And what was the percentage increase by gays in hate crimes against Mormons...
You're right, it seems like 8:12 is wound a little too tight at the moment....
Who has ever tried to "deny religious rights afforded in the Constitution"?...
TCU will get into a big money bowl game this season and ewetah has been to...
I am so proud of Donny to keep up with the pro. The body may be not extend...
Tex: This article shows up on Utes sports and the TDS sports so you get off...
Poster at 8:27, the only thing missing from your comment is maybe another...
hopefully they take russell he is one of the laziest defenders i have ever...
What about those who do not choose to have health care? How about those who...
If BYU wishes to tone down the rivalry, perhaps they should start with...

