Letters / Urban heat islands
There’s been an interesting development in the science of what causes the climate to change.
For many years scientists sceptical of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) assertion that the only significant influence on climate is the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide have complained that global temperature trends produced by groups like the University of East Anglia Climate Research Unit (CRU),
the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) ignore the impact of poorly sited temperature measuring sites e.g. at airports and in city centres which, having expanded rapidly, can cause several degrees distortion in the temperatures measured.
Oddly, none of these organisations has studied the so-called “urban heat island” effect properly however others have now done it for them and Watts et al 2012 (Watts, Evans, McIntyre and Christy) have pre-released their paper in advance of formal publication to open it to the “widest possible peer review.” They are obviously confident their methodology is sound.
Watts et al’s findings compare the USA temperature trend measured using strict “Leroy” (proper scientific) siting criteria with the trend actually produced by NOAA and their conclusion is clear:
“These factors (upward adjustments of actual measurements – JT), combined with station siting issues, have led to a spurious doubling of U.S. mean temperature trends in the 30 year data period covered by the study from 1979 – 2008.”
A spurious doubling! Yes, NOAA has been saying the trend has been +0.309C/decade whereas the rigorously-produced new version suggests the true rate of rise is half of that, +0.155C/decade.
It’s not unreasonable to speculate that this result may be replicated for land measuring sites around the globe – the US, after all, is likely to have among the best siting criteria.
Well, well! Isn’t that exactly what all those vile “climate change deniers” have been saying all along?
“Chapter and verse” is available at http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/07/29/press-release-2/
John Tulloch
Lyndon
Arrochar
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.