Australians trust science

A NUMBER of writers question the science of climate change, with one even calling for a royal commission into climate change.

This is interesting as it should be pointed out that even if such a commission was ever established, its mandate would have to include all sciences that undertake scientific research in Australia – from astronomy to zoology. Both climatology and meteorology are included in the long list of science disciplines, along with medical sciences and engineering. If we supposedly can’t trust our climate science and scientists, then with the same reasoning we can’t trust modern medicine or those who design and build our bridges.

By and large, Australians trust science and our scientists. This trust has developed because of the 200-plus year old scientific method. This process is based on a fidelity to data, a robust peer-review process and a respect for the expertise embedded in scientists and scientific organisations like the CSIRO and Australian universities.

After the publication of any science paper, the work becomes part of the public record and is subject to intense scrutiny by thousands of scientists from the particular discipline, both within Australia and overseas. Any flaws are identified and can be addressed in subsequent peer-reviewed studies. Links with other similar studies can be drawn, counter examples considered and methodologies reconsidered. Data, observations and conclusions are used to inform new hypotheses, which are then tested and published in the same way. This same process occurs for the A to Z of all science disciplines, so why single one out for greater scrutiny or a royal commission?

Navigating the maze of information about climate change science is challenging. There are many robust findings about the science. These provide a basis for action through adaptation and reducing emissions. From a policy perspective, understanding the range of projected future climate change will inform prudent adaptation actions.

Dr Steve Turton, Freshwater 1943: US President Franklin D Roosevelt appoints General Dwight D Eisenhower supreme commander of Allied forces as part of WWII’s Operation Overlord. 1968: US Apollo 8 astronauts, orbiting the moon, read passages from the Old Testament Book of Genesis during a Christmas Eve television broadcast. 1974: Cyclone Tracy hits Darwin, (above) killing at least 65 people and causing serious structural damage.

2013: About 15 people and 100 are injured in the deadliest Egyptian bombing yet in a campaign of violence blamed on Islamic militants.

2014: The Sierra Leone government declares a five-day lockdown in the country’s north to step up efforts to contain the ebola epidemic.

2015: A British woman says she has been denied entry to Australia after listing Syria’s capital Damascus as her place of birth on a visa application.