Topic: This year is coolest since 2000

[Simon]

The world in 2008 has been cooler than at any time since the turn of the century, scientists say.

Cooling La Nina conditions in the Pacific brought temperatures down to levels last seen in the year 2000.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) notes that temperatures remained about 0.3C above the 1961-1990 average.

Computer models suggest that natural cycles may cool the Earth's surface in the next few years, masking the warming impact of rising greenhouse gas levels.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7786060.stm

[sam]

I wonder what the point to point shatter really is (i.e. what is the standard deviation). I bet if this is included it probably isn't as remarkable. I think that scientists who work for both viewpoints on this do have a tendency to over evaluate the numbers they are producing.

[Simon]

Whenever I read anything like this, I just glaze over.  We're told different things each week, so how anyone knows what's actually true is beyond me.

[sam]

indeed!

[Rik]

It's the same with medical advice, of course.

[Simon]

I don't think there are quite some many hidden agendas with medical research though, are there?

[Rik]

Are you kidding? Most research is funded by drug companies!

[Simon]

I was leaning more to political agendas - am I digging a hole? 

[Rik]

Yup, do you want some shoring delivered?