Jim Inhofe: “Dr. Schlesinger takes issue with alarmists who assert there is a scientific consensus supporting their views. He says…”

“Dr. Schlesinger takes issue with alarmists who assert there is a scientific consensus supporting their views. He says, ``There is an idea among the public that `the science is settled.' That remains far from the truth.'' Keep in mind, this is not someone from a Republican administration. I refer to a chart demonstrating this is not really a partisan issue. There is no one more knowledgeable on energy than the former Secretary of Energy under the Carter administration. He has been saying there is scientific disagreement over global warming. It is controversial. But anyone who pays even cursory attention to the issue understands that scientists vigorously disagree over whether human activities are responsible for global warming or whether those activities will precipitate national disasters. Only the scaremongers agree. I submit, furthermore, that not only is there a debate but the debate is shifting away from those who subscribe to global-warming alarmism. After studying the issue over the last several years, I believe the balance of the evidence offers strong proof that natural variability, not manmade, is the overwhelming factor influencing climate, and that manmade gases are virtually irrelevant. It is also important to question whether global warming is even a problem for human existence. Thus far, no one has seriously demonstrated any scientific proof that increased global temperatures would lead to the catastrophic predictions by alarmists.”