Customer Reviews

Climate: The Counter-Consensus - A Palaeoclimatologist Speaks (Independent Minds)

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Bob Carter's book could as easily be titled "The Case Against Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW)". The book is a magnificent tour de force of information and insightful commentary regarding the full scope of climate change science, climate modeling and climate change policy that Bob refers to as the Science Reality, the Virtual Reality and the Public Reality, respectively. Compilations of scientific research such as "Nature, Not Human Activity, Rules the Climate" and "Climate Change Reconsidered" present the scientific evidence against AGW in more detail, and other books provide details regarding specific aspects of climate science that don't support the AGW hypothesis. However, with exceptional scholarship and the perspective of a palaeoclimatologist, Bob has integrated and summarized copious amounts of information contained in hundreds of scientific works, online articles, and policy reports into a well-organized, well-argued and very readable book that demonstrates that natural processes and not human-produced CO2 are the primary drivers of climate change.

Dr. Carter obviously has a deep understanding of the scientific method and how to interpret scientific data. Chapter 6, Circumstantial Evidence and the Null Hypothesis, is an excellent tutorial on how to interpret scientific data, especially as it applies to climate science data. In Chapter 7, Noble Cause Corruption, Bob discusses how and why so much of climate science has become corrupt. In Chapter 10, The Cost of Precaution, he argues against the precautionary principle of the alarmists and instead proposes the more prudent course of adaptation. In Chapter 11, Bob elaborates with Plan B which, in contrast to the alarmist proposals for dealing with AGW, is a rational, measured approach to mitigating certain aspects of climate change regardless of the processes that control it.

"Climate: The Counter Consensus" is an important critical analysis of climate science and alarmist claims regarding AGW. It is must reading for policy makers, scientists and those who simply want to understand why more and more scientists have become either skeptical of, or are discarding the hypothesis of AGW.

Bob Carter's book is a breath of fresh air. Clearly written, concise, methodical, it sets out the case for a longer term view of climate patterns rather than just looking at the last decade. In the end, one cannot but be persuaded that the current variations in both climate and weather patterns are much more likely to represent natural rather than man-made changes.

The book is at its best in dissecting the science behind climate, which it does in the first 5 chapters. The later parts take on an air that would be regarded as a bit paranoid - nay, even conspiracy theorist - were it not for the new ways of politics, spin, and media hooks that we are increasingly aware are driving political agendas since the mid-90's, and in the end, despite the softer substance, one is inclined to accept his version.

The vast majority of readers will be in no position to contest the facts that are laid before them by Prof Carter. These should be countered by other facts if there is dispute, and not by modelling or worse, by opinions driven by scientifically ignorant ideology. In the end, my conclusion after reading this book was that - while I am certainly inclined to despoil "Gaia" as little as possible - there is simply insufficient evidence to suggest that man's emission of carbon DIOXIDE (no, we are not talking about 'dirty' carbon soot here) is having any appreciable effect on the global climate.

We should reduce our emissions because it is nice to do so, but Carter makes clear the pointlessness of any form of a price on carbon because it will have little effect (beyond grand posturing) on greenhouse gases, does not actually address a problem that needs fixing, and will be a financial imposte on all economies the likes of which has never before been seen.

This book is a must-read for anyone keen to move beyond simple-minded climate sloganeering.

Together with A. Montford's more technical "The Hockey Stick Illusion", and Ian Plimer's "Heaven and Earth", this book is one of the most authoritative summaries about the hypothesis that human-produced CO2 causes the earth's climate to change catastrophically. The main strengh of the book is that it presents convincing scientific arguments without needing to refer to "majorities", "authorities" or "consensus". In that sense the title is a bit unfortunate, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a well-written, well argued piece of work, in which all factual statements are backed up with solid, checkable references. Fanatic proponents of the theory of Anthropocentric Global Warming would really have a hard time defusing (or overshouting) the arguments in this book, and for that reason, would probably prefer to ignore it. However, for those interested in the scienctific discussion (as opposed to the emotional and political one), it is an absolute must-read.

Imagine what might be the shift in public thinking if this thought provoking book was more widely accessed by the general public. I feel a sense of anger at having been lied to by so many environmentalist groups. I feel disheartened that our politicians cannot find the courage to develop their own opinions on such matters.

Full credit to Bob Carter for taking the time to carefully pull apart the alarmism of the green movement. If I could have but one wish in relation to climate change, it would be that this book could become widely read!

Remove the hype and spin, lay out the facts, and what's left is a clear and highly intelligent discussion of climate change. Written with frequent references to the subject's debate and treatment in Australia, the book draws on the author's scientific approach in assessing the historic record of climate change going back from present to millions of years ago. Probably most succinct is the evidence provided showing that increases in carbon dioxide follow, not precede, warming. The records and evidence from the last few thousand years make clear that there are regular natural fluctuations of temperature, and current world conditions and trends are wholly within the historical record. What the historical record does demonstrate, though, is that the natural fluctuation does and will continue to have significant impacts of life on Earth.

The author does not dismiss the potential effects which can be posed by climate change, but his discussion rather challenges the reader to focus on the debate as one of determining appropriate strategies for contributing to our at present very poor understanding of climate change drivers, and ultimately the actions which can be taken to prepare for the inevitable changes.

I have read more than a dozen books on Climate Change and this book stands out head and shoulders above all of the other books on both sides of the issue. It is easy to understand and the author is not afraid to take each of the issues head on. Professor Carter has very succinctly explained that science is always testing theories and laws of science and from this true knowledge is derived. If you are a true believer on either side of the issue I think you will be impressed with both the breadth and the depth of the coverage of the subject. This book will certainly make want to read on in your own investigation and certainly make you a more informed person on the subject. Congratulations to Professor Carter on a great book and clearly an outstanding contribution to the public in helping them understand a complex subject.

As a meteorologist who has spent many thousands of hours studying issues related to this topic, I really enjoyed Dr. Carter's process of presenting important information in a very readable manner. While there are some parts of his presentation that are a little more complex, almost all of it should be very understandable for most non-scientists. This is a fine book, and I'd definitely recommend it as one of the better books around for anyone looking to learn more about this "heated" controversy.

Professor Bob Carter's scientific analysis of the literature that has fueled the debate on Climate Change is quite exemplary and without peer as an easily read treatise. He clearly sees how the controversy has arisen, how it has been so easy for warmists to win the minds of so many politicians and the difficulty of bringing sound scientific reasoning to the debate.

It should be required reading for anyone who wants some clear cut reasons to counter the environmental hype while at the same time learning a little of the scientific method.

Climate: The Counter Consensus

An odd title but an exceptionally erudite exposition of well thought out science. Exceptionally clearly stated, and referenced, and the science developed with impeccable logic and rationale. An excellent read, and should become a reference book for all environmentalists. I totally agree with this book's viewpoint.

My only wish would be for larger and colour diffferentiated diagrams. This volume should be mandatory reading for all those gullible MPs who have done the UK population, and the Western World a total disservice by voting in the Climate Bill.

Full marks to Prof. Bob Carter from me.

The world is being bombarded by politics heralding the catastrophic warming of our planet, Professor Bob Carter clears away the clouds of misinformation and explains in clear terms what is really happening. I recommend this book for all free thinkers who want the facts on climatology.