The debate about climate change is ongoing. In 2008 we have seen the coldest year since 1994 2000* and the current temperature is nearly exactly the same as the average over the 1970s baseline average taken in the 1970s.
We did see some warming in the late 20th century, and we also saw an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases. It’s reasonable to think that these things are linked, but at the moment we still don’t have enough information to really know what’s going on. Will temperatures continue to rise? What other effects are at play? What will be the consequence of warmer temperatures? What is the best policy response?
Some commentators throw their arms in the air and scream like chicken-little about the sky falling.
In contrast, the Heartland Institute in America is hosting the 2009 International Conference on Climate Change which will invite people to have a calm look at the issue without the fear-mongering. Some speakers already signed on include William Gray, Richard Lindzen and Stephen McIntyre.
The conference will be held in New York on March 8-10, and you are invited to attend.
The Australian Libertarian Society is co-sponsoring the event.
* (10 March) The original reference to 1994 was based on the numbers available when the post as written. A commenter consequently pointed out that the updated numbers changed the outcome, and consequently the post was updated.