Why do these articles always get derailed by climate change deniers, whose counter arguments are always so easily dismissed? Roy Spencer is a well-known climate change denialist who’s funding is provided by the oil and gas industry. Myriad papers of his have been substantially critiqued, to the point where the editor of Remote Sensing resigned following publication of one of his papers, which selectively published part of a data set to support incorrect conclusions. Of course, he also loves to appear on certain media channels and publish textbooks (which do not require peer review) to support his contrarian views, no doubt to his own financial benefit. In summary- he has notable conflicts of interests, and any of his conclusions should be taken with a grain of salt.
I realize most on here aren’t scientists, but there’s a broad cognitive dissonance when it comes to climate science on this board. No, it is not “common sense” at all to listen to a lone contrarian voice that makes you feel better. That’s called “confirmation bias.”
I welcome scientifically sound studies and analyses that improve our understanding of climate science- that’s how science works. But to pick this guy as though he somehow rises above the “weather people making decisions” leaves me realizing many of you need to spend a little more time away from whatever news feed you get.