Defend Global Warming Theory from the Skeptics

[Morgan Wick]

Over the weekend, I've been picking a fight with several global warming skeptics at NewsBusters in the comments to http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2009/04/03/global-warming-debate-morano-vs-climateprogresss-romm">this post (trying to do so in a rational, non-dumb-trolling way) and today I've invited them to defend their position, because one way or the other, I'd like to set the record straight once and for all. I'd like for some global warming backers to counter their arguments.

Each day I'll post a comic strip advancing the argument one or two rounds at http://morganwick.freehostia.com/webcomic. (If you want to follow the argument from the beginning, go to http://morganwick.freehostia.com/webcomic/index.php?stripnum=443.) Then both sides (that means you) will post their responses to the day's strip at http://morganwick.blogspot.com/2009/04/global-warming-series-open-thread.html or e-mail me at mwmailsea at yahoo dot com. I am not checking this thread or the original NewsBusters thread; the only way to set the record straight with me is via my blog or my e-mail. I'll incorporate the responses into the strip at some point, usually into the next day's strip, and the process will begin again the next day.

I know what you're thinking. Global warming "deniers" are delusional lunatics who don't listen to reason. But you know what? You may never convince them (though my goal is a debate so robust that if it reaches a conclusion the most hardcore partisan would be forced to rethink their positions - I'm not giving up the debate until I'm wholly convinced of one side or the other, or of where the grey area is and what it means) but if you don't even try, their arguments are concerning enough that they may convince me, and that might lead to convincing others. They may do so with what you see as bogus arguments, but no matter how ridiculous the argument is, someone will believe it - a lot of people don't think for even a second when confronted with something that sounds good, especially if they don't have the knowledge to judge it bull - so it is ALWAYS worth the effort to refute. The original thread on NewsBusters involved whether or not global warming "alarmists" dodge and intentionally avoid debate, so if you don't head out there and take this opportunity to at least try and shut the "deniers" up, you're proving them exactly right.

[Buzz Clik]

1. The key is to be informed. One doesn't get informed by arguing on bulletin boards.

[JuniperLea]

2. They are using this controversy...

As an excuse to continue their polluting ways. That's what this is all about.

[Hugabear]

3. The earth is flat. Let's debate that instead.

Seriously, all of their arguments and claims have been refuted over and over again. They keep trying to come up with NEW reasons to support their claim because all of their old ones have already been shot down. They conveniently ignore what is happening in the world, even as we speak.

You might as well engage in debate with the Flat Earth Society.

[derby378]

4. I object to calling them "skeptics"

It's an insult to real skeptics around the world. Call these jokers "deniers," please.

[kristopher]

5. You're just encouraging them.

Their behavior is motivated by their political beliefs, not scientific fact. The political strategy is to turn the scientific consensus into a political "debate". They are aided by self serving stunts like the one you propose. If you want to "defend global warming theory" then produce a series of strips that ridicule the dickwads. They merit nothing more.