Persistent climate change myths debunked

Many who doubt the scientific basis of global warming make claims for all sorts of evidence to the contrary and typically reference things like the medieval warm period, cosmic rays and temperature-lead CO2 in their arguments. They seem to be so sure of themselves that the media often promotes skeptics in opinion articles, television interviews and on talk radio.

Media loves such controversy because it stirs things up and draws in their audience. But many of the skeptics who specialize in arguing and confusing people, do so ingenuously with ulterior motives, not unlike tobacco industy lobbyists in their disinformation campaign in an effort to keep people smoking regardless of the health consequences.

The problem is that many people believe what the skeptics say. It may also create enough doubt for others, including politicians, that they simply ingore the issue.

New Scientist magazine has published a new feature called "Climate change: A guide for the perplexed" which debunks 26 of the most common and persistent myths about global warming. Available in the print edition and free online, the guide is an effective resource for separating fact from fiction.