Former Vice-President Al Gore’s alarmist claims over global warming were challenged by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), the ranking minority member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, during the question and answer session following testimony.
Gore cited several environmental trends that could be attributed to man-made global warming in his view. There is compelling scientific evidence that demonstrates the “climate crisis” is becoming more serious on a weekly basis, Gore argued.
He mentioned warming in the Arctic region and the melting of the Greenland ice sheet. Gore also discussed the chemistry of the world’s oceans and the potential impact on marine life.
“Carbon dioxide pollution is changing the very chemistry of our oceans,” he said. “Ocean acidification is already underway and is accelerating.”
But there are now “real world observations” that contradict alarmist claims and demonstrate that the theory of man-made global warming his highly debatable, Barton said.
The phenomenon cited in Gore’s testimony may very well be occurring there is not enough evidence to suggest human activity is the culprit, the Texas Republican indicated.
Barton also referenced the work of Craig Idso, founder and chairman of the Center for The Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change. Idso’s work refutes the idea that human emissions are responsible for driving global warming.
In response Gore said it is important to investigate the source of scientific information that questions the idea of man-made global warming.
“You have relied on people who you have trusted who have given you bad information,” Gore said. “I don’t blame investors who trusted Bernie Madoff but he gave them bad information and committed massive fraud.”
