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Garry, thanks for the extensive quote. Can you provide the link to the website page so we can see the context?
I'm no fan of Newt, but I think he is very intelligent and politically savvy. Still, your quote suggests he is playing both ends against the middle here.
It begins with an acknowledgment of the problem and its source, excess CO2: "The United States should support substantial research into climate science, managing the response to climate change, and in developing new non-carbon energy systems."
But then it tries to mollify those who deny human causation and, to top it off, trots out an extreme scenario that the most current analysis says is not at all likely, namely the shutdown of the Gulf Stream and a consequent new European Ice Age in spite of overall global warming.
"Furthermore, it is astounding to have people focus myopically on carbon as the sole source of climate change. The world’s climate has changed in the past with sudden speed and dramatic impact. Global warming may happen. On the other hand it is possible Europe will experience another ice age."
And it ends with the "hysterical scientists" claim:
"...the history and science of climate change is far more complex and uncertain than the politically driven mass hysteria of scientists who sign on to ads about a topic for which they have no scientific proof."
That certainly contrasts in tone with the publicity for his upcoming book, "A Contract With The Earth." If the book attacks the IPCC consensus as the product of hysterical scientists, it will not get a very positive review from me.
Fred Bortz
Science and technology books for young readers (www.fredbortz.com)
and Science book reviews (www.scienceshelf.com)