The problem is we don’t know what the climate is doing. We…
“The problem is we don’t know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn’t happened. The climate is doing its usual tricks. There’s nothing much really happening yet. We were supposed to be halfway toward a frying world now. The world has not warmed up very much since the millennium. Twelve years is a reasonable time… it (the temperature) has stayed almost constant, whereas it should have been rising - carbon dioxide is rising, no question about that.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Climate change predictions have been slower than expected; temperature rise is modest despite rising CO₂, suggesting complex climate dynamics and uncertainty.
In simple terms: Climate warming is slower than predicted despite CO₂ rise.
Key Takeaway
Recognize climate complexity and monitor trends.
Themes
climate
science
uncertainty
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public perception
- climate modeling
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
environmental science
temperature trends
Questions to Reflect On
- What does slower warming imply for policy?
- How can we improve climate predictions?
A Different Perspective
Policy may lag behind scientific nuance.