Missing News: Nothing "unprecedented" in melting ice

ABC are fond of using photos of melting ice packs to accompany reports of alarming man made global warming, perhaps to emphasise how "unprecedented" this appears to be. However a recent article titled "Reduced ice extent on the western Antarctic Peninsula at 700-970 cal. yr B.P." published in the prestigious journal "Geology" reports that melting ice in the Antarctic, particularly in the West Antarctica peninsula, is not unprecedented at all, but is quite a common natural occurrence happening regardless of human influence.
The abstract reads:
Rapid warming and consequent ice-shelf collapse have focused attention on the glacial record of the Antarctic Peninsula. Here, we present the first record of terrestrial organic material exposed by recently retreating ice that bears on past glacier extent and climate in this sensitive region. Radiocarbon dates show that ice on Anvers Island was at or behind its present position at 700–970 cal. yr B.P., coincident with ice reduction elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Moreover, the data indicate that present reduced ice extent on the western Antarctic Peninsula is not unprecedented and is similar to that experienced during at least three periods in the last 5600 yr.

Perhaps the ABC will firstly report on this important new study, and secondly, perhaps it will now find more appropriate imagery to accompany articles on Dangerous Man Made Global Warming, we suggest the figure above is much more appropriate (from We're not scared anymore Mr Gore: SPecial edition - another victim of Totschweigtaktik).


UPDATE: ABC replied to our request for an more appropriate photo to accompany ABC's report Climategate scientists cleared by British inquiry linked to above.
Received 29 July 2010

Thank you for your email of 12 July concerning the image accompanying the ABC News Online article "Climategate scientists cleared by British inquiry" published on 8 July.

 

Your concerns have been investigated by Audience and Consumer Affairs, a unit which is separate to and independent of program making areas within the ABC. In light of your concerns, we have assessed the image associated with the article against the ABC's editorial requirements for accuracy in news and current affairs content, as outlined in section 5.2.2(c) of the ABC's Editorial Policies:http://www.abc.net.au/corp/pubs/edpols.htm.

 

On review, Audience and Consumer Affairs do not agree the image was inappropriate. The image depicted ice shelves in Antarctica; one of the issues that have been raised as part of the ongoing debates around climate change. While noting your concerns, we believe the image was appropriate to accompany a story that reported on the outcome of an inquiry into the quality of research on climate change, prompted by the leaked emails from the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit.

 

Accordingly, while noting your concerns, Audience and Consumer Affairs are satisfied the image accompanying the article was in keeping with section 5.2.2(c) of the ABC's Editorial Policies. Nonetheless, please be assured that your comments have been conveyed to ABC News management.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to write, and for your interest in the ABC. For your reference, a copy of the ABC Code of Practice is available at: http://www.abc.net.au/corp/pubs/documents/200806_codeofpractice-revised_2008.pdf.

 

Yours sincerely

Audience & Consumer Affairs

Half truths in hot weather story

Update-ABC response below

ABC environmental reporter Sarah Clark interviews a senior BOM climatologist at the weather bureau's National Climate Centre as part of a scary weather story titled “2010 on track to be hottest year” and ends up promulgating a few half truths. We provide the missing half below.

Half truth: “We actually got into the low 50s for parts of the Middle East and Pakistan a couple of weeks back”

Truth: Parts of the Middle East and Pakistan record temperatures into the low 50’s pretty much every year.

Half truth: Beijing the other day just fell short of 41.

Truth: The recorded temperature was 40.3 (104.5F). http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/2010-07/05/content_10067517.htm. Note that this "record" is based on Beijing’s official temperature records commencing in 1951.

The Melbourne Argus reports on earlier heatwaves to affect Beijing (then known as Peking) in the following manner:

HEAT IN CHINA.

MANY DEATHS REPORTED.

LONDON, Aug. 15. (1909)

Intense heat is being experienced in Peking, the capital of China, Tientsin, and  other places.

In Peking the thermometer has registered 115deg. in the shade. Many deaths have been reported.

http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/10727070

Intense Heat in Peking

PEKING, July 26 (1927).

Peking is sweltering in the fiercest heatwave for many years, the temperature  reaching a maximum of 114 deg. Hundreds of native Chinese are succumbing.

http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/3869679

The Sydney Morning Herald of 25 July 1900 also offers “some interesting details”:

PEKING AND ITS CLIMATE.

THE TWO EXTREMES.  

INTERVIEW WITH A FORMER RESIDENT.

SOME INTERESTING DETAILS.

Mr W. H. Davis, R. N. , the naval inspector of machinery at Garden Island, is one of the very few residents of Sydney who have been in Piking the Chinese capital, and perhaps no one in the colony has travelled over so much of Northern China and Siberia as this gentleman has. He was altogether four years in China on her Majesty's business, during which time he resided for 12 months in Peking and neighbourhood. He travelled up through Manchauria passing over the Great Wall and beyond the Russian frontier into Siberia; and on  other occasions he visited the interior and southern provinces of the Flowery Land    

On being seen by a " Herald " reporter last evening, Mr Davis said - ' Those of your readers who regard Peking us a fairly central city of China and I think that is the general impression-will not be surprised to learn that during July and August    the temperature ranges between 105 and 115    degrees Fahrenheit, and stays there night and day.  Even when a slight fall comes with the night in the capital, in Tientain, and the  level plain between the two cities swelter in the heat of a moist noonday. My personal experience  was of a temperature of 112, unvarying night and  day for seven weeks. (http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/14326386)

115 deg F would be 46.1C. Seems official records have a while to catch up with historical records.

Half truth: We're seeing 40s right up and down the US eastern seaboard.

Note 40 C is 104 F

Truth: Perhaps 40 at just one location!

America sizzles as heat wave hits East Coast Hindustan Times 7 July

America is sizzling with temperatures breaking records in atleast four cities as the season's first heat wave swept across much of the East Coast reminding Indians of summer back home. New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Providence, Rhode Island, broke records on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

In New York's Central Park, it was 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.44 C) at 4.45 p.m., topping the previous high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.33 C) in 1999. Baltimore Washington International Airport hit a sizzling 105 (40.55 C)degrees.

Temperatures topped 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.77 C) in many other places, with the weatherman warning of the heat wave continuing through Wednesday night for most of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as south-western Michigan and eastern Kentucky.

Power cuts in Connecticut, rail service disruptions in Washington and warnings to conserve electricity in New York City marked the second day of the Northeast heat wave.

In the national capital of Washington, temperatures crossed into triple digits by noon on Tuesday reaching 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.33 C) at Reagan National Airport.

The sizzling weather has fallen a few degrees short of all-time record highs in the capital region. The temperature has crossed the 100-degree mark (37.77 C) six times in the last decade. The record for Tuesday was set in 1999, according to AccuWeather: a crispy 103 (39.44 C) degrees Fahrenheit.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/America-sizzles-as-heat-wave-hits-East-Coast/Article1-568636.aspx

Blistering Heat Wave Settles Over East Coast NPR 6 July.

The heat is on. Sweltering weather gripped the U.S. from coast to coast over the holiday weekend, leaving residents in the Northeast bracing for triple-digit temperatures expected to last several days and strain utility grids.

The mercury could reach as high as 102 degrees in parts of the mid-Atlantic on Tuesday, meteorologists said. 

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128336210

NYC Temperatures Falling Short of 90, Streak May End. Bloomberg 8 July

New York broke daily temperature records and reached above 100 degrees for two days in a row for the first time since 1999. Central Park posted 100 degrees yesterday and 103 the day before, the peak of the heat wave.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-08/nyc-temperatures-falling-short-of-90-streak-may-end.html

Half Truth: We have seen an increase in heatwaves in Australia in the last 30 to 50 years

Truth: And what about the 30-50 years prior?

EXCESSIVE HEAT.  The Brisbane Courier... Friday 11 February 1887

HEAT WAVES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT. The Sydney Morning Herald... Wednesday 29 January 1896

SUNSTROKE AT GUNDAGAI.  The Sydney Morning Herald... Tuesday 2 February 1897

THE HEAT WAVE. The Sydney Morning Herald... Thursday 30 December 1897

EXCESSIVE HEAT IN MELBOURNE. The Brisbane Courier... Wednesday 12 January 1898

GREAT HEAT IN ADELAIDE.  The Argus Friday 1 March 1901

A HEAT-WAVE IN QUEENSLAND. The West Australian (Perth,... Monday 5 January 1903

THE WEATHER. SEVERE HEAT AND GREAT STORMS INLAND. The Sydney Morning Herald... Saturday 12 December 1903

THE EASTERN HEAT WAVE. The West Australian (Perth,... Monday 2 January 1905

THE HEAT-WAVE REACHES QUEENSLAND. The West Australian (Perth,... Wednesday 4 January 1905

THE WEATHER IN VICTORIA. ANOTHER HEAT-WAVE The West Australian (Perth,... Tuesday 10 January 1905

THE VICTORIAN HEAT-WAVE. FURTHER EXTRAORDINARY TEMPERATURES. Melbourne, January 11. The West Australian (Perth,... Thursday 12 January 1905

HEAT-WAVE IN VICTORIA. SOME EXTRAORDINARY RECORDS. Melbourne, January 16. The West Australian (Perth,... Friday 17 January 1908

THE HEAT WAVE. 106.7deg. IN THE CITY. CONTINUANCE PROBABLE.

The Argus (Melbourne,... Wednesday 18 February 1914

HEAT WAVE. SWELTERING DAY IN SYDNEY. TEMPERATURE, 104.6.

The Sydney Morning Herald... Wednesday 27 January 1915

HEAT WAVE IN NEW SOUTH WALES. MAXIMUM SHADE TEMPERATURE, 107 DEGREES. SYDNEY, December 20.

The Mercury (Hobart,... Friday 22 December 1916

SATURDAY'S HEAT. Bushfires in Suburbs. MANY COLLAPSES. Beaches Crowded.

The Sydney Morning Herald... Monday 24 February 1930

ADELAIDE HEATWAVE Northern Territory Times... Friday 22 January 1932

Heatwave The Sydney Morning Herald... Saturday 29 December 1945

Four Dead, In Vic. Heatwave The Sydney Morning Herald... Monday 31 January 1949

HOW SYDNEY COUNTERED HEATWAVE The Sydney Morning Herald... Tuesday 18 December 1945

Another heatwave on way The Argus (Melbourne,... Monday 16 January 1950

HEATWAVE ACROSS THE STATE The Sydney Morning Herald... Friday 16 November 1951

HEATWAVE AT END BUREAU SAYS The Sydney Morning Herald... Saturday 26 January 1952

TITLE TENNIS IN HEATWAVE The Sydney Morning Herald... Tuesday 13 January 1953

DRESSED FOR THE HEATWAVE The Sydney Morning Herald... Thursday 28 January 1954

Gratifyingly the ABC story ends with a statement we can agree on "It's a pretty complex story out there; lots of extremes in the weather."

We whole heartedly agree, there always has been and always will be.


Here's ABC's response received 1/9/2010

Thank you for your email of 10 July regarding the ABC News Online story “2010 on track to be hottest year”.

Your concerns of inaccuracy have been considered by Audience and Consumer Affairs, a unit separate to and independent from ABC program areas.

With regard to your concerns about the accuracy of statements made by Dr David Jones, a senior climatologist at the weather bureau's National Climate Centre, the ABC does not consider opinions or the views of a specialist commentator to constitute factual content; therefore, it is not subject to the accuracy provisions outlined in the ABC’s Editorial Policies.  However, while there is no obligation to fact check opinion, it is expected that the specialist commentator or expert is properly qualified to speak to the subject at hand, and that their views are clearly attributed. 

On review, Audience and Consumer Affairs is satisfied that Dr Jones is appropriately credentialed to comment on temperature trends, and that the views he expressed were properly attributed.  While noting the points you make, we are satisfied that there was sufficient context in the story, and that it is in keeping with the ABC’s standards for accuracy.

Nonetheless, your comments are noted.  The ABC’s Editorial Policies are available online at:  http://www.abc.net.au/corp/pubs/edpols.htm

Yours sincerely

Audience and Consumer Affairs

Can check the tread but not the nuts

COMMENT: ABC audience and consumer affairs have provided the response below in relation to concerns we raised about the dramatic decline in ABC News productivity. It appears they can check the tread (leaving many bald tires to pass) but can't check the nuts. We still await a reply from the Minister.

Received July 5, 2010
Thank you for your emails of 25 June and 2 July.
As previously explained in our correspondence to you, Audience and Consumer Affairs can only engage in detail with your concerns to the extent that they raise specific issues about particular items of ABC content, and their compliance with the ABC's Editorial Policies and Code of Practice.  If you have concerns about a specific ABC broadcast, we will review your concerns and respond as appropriate.  Audience and Consumer Affairs does not investigate claims made in external blogs or other media about the ABC.
Nonetheless, your comments are noted.
Yours sincerely
Audience & Consumer Affairs

Cargo Croc Science - Crocodiles dive less in warmer waters

ABC HEADLINE: "Crocodiles dive less in warmer waters" Anna Salleh ABC Science, posted online 7/7/2010

ABC REPORTED: ABC have covered another poorly thought through, yet (surprisingly) published study, titled "Diving through the thermal window: implications for a warming world". This study looked at the potential effects of a warmer climate on the animal world, this time the focus is on the Australian Freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni). The study compared seasonal changes (yes summer versus winter, or rather wet versus dry) in the dive time of crocodiles and used the results to conclude that  "the findings suggest that crocodiles could be adversely affected if predicted warming of several degrees occurs." Remarkably these unsupported conclusions based on seasonal changes are extended to encompass "other air-breathing ectotherms like turtles, snakes, lizards and amphibians."

THE COMPLAINT: There is a problem with the first line of the abstract of the study that the ABC did not think to question. The first line reads:
"Population decline and a shift in the geographical distribution of some ectothermic animals have been attributed to climatic warming." In a study that focuses on Australia Freshwater Crocodiles ABC did not think to check its own archives for a pertinent question. According to an ABC report published in 2008 titled "Crocodiles falling victim to cane toads", it seems the humble yet deadly cane toad has had a greater adverse effect on Fresh water crocodiles that variations between Summer ....and ...er.....Winter. Prior to this numbers of freshwater crocs were on the increase following a cessation of hunting in the late 1960s. The animal is not listed as being under threat.

Crocodylus johnstoni has thrived despite massive changes in temperatures for 100s of 1000 years. It has survived at  least 4 ice ages over the past million years and the associated major swings in temperature and precipitation and changes in prey species. It has survived warmer and colder conditions. Its biggest enemy at present is the cane toad, yet ABC help promote "Summer" as its major threat.

Update: Here's some useful information on Crocodylus johnstoni:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cjoh.htm
DIET: The "longirostrine" (long and slender) shape of the snout, like that of the gharial, suggests a primary adaptation to a piscivorous (fish-based) diet, and fish are certainly handled with ease. However, a wide variety of other prey items are often taken - generally invertebrates and small vertebrates, especially when younger. Larger individuals may take terrestrial species. C. johnstoni favours a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, snatching prey up with a lightning-fast sideways movement of the head. It rarely feeds during the dry season because of a lack of prey availability, low temperatures at night and a reduction in available habitat due to drying of pools and rivers.


http://www.kingsnake.com/oz/crocs/johnstoni.htm

• Freshwater crocodiles are generally found upstream of tidal influence, in lower salinity water. They are actually fairly tolerant of saltwater, yet saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) aggressively outcompete them in most areas where they occur. Main habitats include wetlands, rivers, creeks, freshwater billabongs and swamps. They display fairly wide habitat preferences (clear water, muddy, still, fast flowing, shallow or deep).
• At the end of the wet season (in April), freshwater crocodiles move to areas of more permanent water for the duration of the dry season. Feeding and growth normally cease entirely. Some individuals may burrow into river banks, and well-established burrows exist. At the end of the dry season, they relocate to wet season habitat using a well-honed homing instinct. They use the wet season for feeding and dispersal.

OUTCOME: ABC reply August 20/2010
Thank you for your email regarding the ABC Science article 'Crocodiles dive less in warmer waters', published on 7 July. I am sorry for the delay in responding to you.
I understand you believe the staff responsible for this article were not questioning enough. In light of your concerns, Audience & Consumer Affairs has assessed the article against section 5.2.2(f) of the ABC's Editorial Policies (http://abc.net.au/corp/pubs/edpols.htm), which states as follows: "Be questioning. Serve the public interest by investigating issues affecting society and individuals".
The article reported the results of the study 'Diving through the thermal window: implications for a warming world', published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. ABC Innovation has advised that the focus of the article was on the study's finding that crocodiles do not dive for as long in warmer water. The researchers used this finding to say that if global temperatures increase, this would have an impact on crocodile diving behaviour.
I note your view that the authors of the study should have been questioned about the opening line of its abstract. The line to which you refer was a summary of the following statement in the study: "...recently, numerous cases have been reported of population decline and a shift in the geographical distribution of some ectotherms as a direct result of climatic warming events". The study cites six different studies in support of this statement. Given how strongly the statement is supported in the scientific literature, Audience & Consumer Affairs considers that it is not so patently dubious that it demands questioning, as you appear to suggest.
Audience & Consumer Affairs considers that research on the possible impacts of global warming is an issue affecting society and individuals, and ABC Innovation's decision to report on the study and interview a member of the research team, Dr Matthew Gordos, was consistent with section 5.2.2(f) of the Editorial Policies. On the basis of the content of the study and the article, it is clear that the staff responsible for the article asked pertinent questions of Dr Gordos. On review, Audience & Consumer Affairs is satisfied that the requirements of section 5.2.2(f) of the Editorial Policies were met.
Nonetheless, please be assured that your comments have been noted and conveyed to relevant staff in ABC Innovation. The text formatting error to which you refer has been corrected.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Yours sincerely
ABC Audience & Consumer Affairs
COMMENT: ABC Science: running with the bulls

Rising CO2 may lead Nemo to change, not to danger

Summary for Policy Makers: Change is not necessarily a bad thing. 

Nemo in more danger from probing researchers than from rising CO2. 

ABC HEADLINE: Katherine Nightingale posts a report for ABC Science with the rather cute but worrying headline "Rising CO2 may lead Nemo to danger".
ABC REPORTED:  The report describes the results of research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal under the title "Replenishment of fish populations is threatened by ocean acidification ". This study looks at fish behaviour under CO2 levels higher than present and provides some alarming conclusions.
The ABC report includes the following statements:
"Previous research indicates that as carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere climb the surface water of the oceans could become more acidic."

"As part of the study, the researchers put clownfish and damselfish larvae into seawater equivalent to that which would be found if the atmosphere contained 700 ppm and 850 ppm of CO2 - levels that could be reached by the end of the century."

The report concludes: "Professor Geoffrey Jones, also of JCU and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, said the research took the level of concern about the effects of climate change on coral reef fish "to a whole new level". "Without drastic action to cut emissions, all we can do is hope that fish will be able to adapt," Mr Jones said. "However, given that the rate of CO2 increase is unprecedented, there are no grounds for optimism."

THE COMPLAINT:
1. Factual error: Claims that oceans are becoming "more acidic" are incorrect. The correct terminology for a reduction of pH for an alkaline solution is "less alkaline". Once pH has passed below 7 a solution is said to be acidic at which point the term "more acidic" may be considered appropriate. Use of the term "more acidic" is factually incorrect, misleading and deliberately sensationalist.
2. Lack of inquiry: Fish have flourished over a wide range of environmental conditions with varying salinity, ocean pH, temperature and CO2 levels. They came to prominence in the oceans during the Devonian period  (416-359Ma) during which time estimated CO2 levels ranged between 4000 and 1000 ppm. It appears ABC's reporter did not seek to ask researchers any questions around this point - ie. Fish have thrived under vastly different environmental conditions in the past, why won't they continue to do so in the future?
The published paper includes the following statements of interest:

"This life-history transition (from planktonic larval phase to adult) is usually associated with high rates of mortality and can be a period of strong" selection." 
"Even a slight survival advantage could lead to rapid selection given that a large proportion of all fish larvae that settle to coral reefs are consumed by predators within the first few days. (our emphaisis)
ABC's reporter failed to probe these aspects of the study in any detail. We provide the following line of questioning to assist:
"The basis of your experiment was to take fish genetically adapted to water with current levels of CO2, and drop them into water with more CO2 and observe their behaviour.
Given that any changes in CO2 content will be gradual and will likely occur over a 100 or so generations of the fish observed, why won't the fish population in question simply respond to the selective pressures that would rapidly weed out individuals less adapted to higher CO2 concentrations,  leaving a population of adapted Nemos thriving under higher CO2 levels? Your results show a small proportion of the population shows no behavioural change under elevated CO2 conditions?  Isn't it true that rapid natural selection means this small population will expand to fill in the gaps left by those fish more affected by increasing CO2?  This notion is supported by statements in your paper (Even a slight survival advantage could lead to rapid selection). Isn't your lack of optimism about Nemo's future contradicted by your own statements regarding rapid selection pressure? It appears likely that the fish will in fact successfully adapt to the changing environment.

The affect of CO2 on predator populations was not studied. Is it possible that the same degradation  in olfactory ability may similarly affect predators, and if so would this reduction in predator ability balance the similar changes in the prey species, leaving no net change in predator/prey balance?

You indicate in your paper that "Settlement-stage larvae that had been exposed to elevated CO2 (700 and 850 ppm) were more active, ventured farther away from shelter, and were less responsive to threats (i.e., were behaviorally bolder) than controls."
Might "bolder" individuals be more adept at feeding that less bold individuals? And if so might this actually have positive consequences? In the absence of factual evidence is it fair to say you are second guessing evolution.
Your paper concludes with the statement: "Our results show that even moderate increases in CO2 concentrations dissolved in the ocean are likely to have significant impacts on the sustainability of fish populations by altering individual behavior and increasing mortality at critical life-history transitions."

Your paper demonstrates changes in fish behaviour possibly linked to changes in CO2 content. It provides no evidence for impacts on the sustainability of fish populations. In fact don't your conclusions about the impact on sustainability ignore the positive effects of rapid natural selection pressures, that on face value suggest there should actually be great optimism in Nemo's ability to successfully adapt to future changes in CO2.

OUTCOME: 20/8/2010
Thank you for your email regarding the article 'Rising CO2 may lead Nemo to danger', published on the ABC News and ABC Science websites on 7 July. I am sorry for the delay in responding to you.

I understand you believe this article contained a factual error and the staff responsible for it were not questioning enough. In light of your concerns, Audience & Consumer Affairs has assessed the article against sections 5.2.2(c) and (f) of the ABC's Editorial Policies (http://abc.net.au/corp/pubs/edpols.htm).

I note your view that the statement "Previous research indicates that as carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere climb the surface water of the oceans could become more acidic" was incorrect, misleading and sensationalist. On review, Audience & Consumer Affairs does not agree with this assessment. A decrease in the ocean's pH level signifies increased acidity, regardless of the fact that the pH remains above 7. We are satisfied that the statement was accurate and in context, in accordance with section 5.2.2(c) of the Editorial Policies.

I also note the range of issues you believe the staff responsible for the article should have questioned the researchers about. Editorial judgements about which aspects of a study to ask researchers about are based on news values. ABC Innovation has advised that in its view, the issues concerning the evolution of fish which you believe should have been raised with the researchers were not relevant and were not the focus of the study the article reported on.

In particular, it is important to recognise that the research was not a study of whether fish can survive under different environmental conditions; obviously, as you point out, they have done so in past. Rather, the study focused on whether contemporary fish (clownfish and damselfish in particular) have the capacity for adaptation of behavioural responses if the carbon dioxide concentration in their environment increases rapidly, and therefore whether ocean acidification poses a threat to the sustainability of fish populations.

Audience & Consumer Affairs considers that research on the possible impacts of rising carbon dioxide levels is an issue affecting society and individuals, and ABC Innovation's decision to report on the study and interview its lead author, Professor Philip Munday, as well as Professor David Booth and Professor Geoffrey Jones, was consistent with section 5.2.2(f) of the Editorial Policies. On the basis of the content of the study and the article, it is clear that the staff responsible for the article asked pertinent questions of the interviewees. On review, Audience & Consumer Affairs is satisfied that the requirements of section 5.2.2(f) of the Editorial Policies were met.

Nonetheless, please be assured that your comments have been noted and conveyed to relevant staff in ABC Innovation so that they are aware of your concerns about the article and your suggested lines of questioning.

Thank you for taking the time to write.

Yours sincerely
ABC Audience & Consumer Affairs
COMMENT: Nemo appears to be in more danger from probing researchers than from rising CO2 levels. Rapid natural selection will help Nemo adapt to a more carbonated future.

Update: perhaps Nemo is on fluoxetine? Swim away from the light little fishy!

Updated: Uranium from Uranus-Minister's reply

COMMENT: We have spent some time endeavouring to convince the ABC that it should improve its story about Australian Uranium allegedly found in Antarctica. See for instance:
Update: Uranium from Uranus
Update: Oz Uranium from Uranus
Update: Oz Uranium in Antarctica? More likely from Uranus
Oz Yellow cake in Antarctic!
While ABC have amended the headline they have steadfastly refused to provide its audience with a more balanced perspective by making and reporting on the simple inquiries that would improve the story generally undertaken by quality news organisations. We have one final avenue of appeal open within the ABC and we will now turn to its Independent Complaints Review Panel to assist us help the ABC help itself. Our additional evidence in this matter is a letter we received today from the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.We remain somewhat perplexed that the ABC have left it for its audience to sort this matter out. 
The Letter includes the following statement:
"News reports that uranium dust from Australia was found in an ice core from the Antarctic Peninsula arise from an unpublished study by scientists from Chile, the United States and Brazil. The data were presented at conferences in Punta Arenas, Chile in October 2009 and in Maine, the United States in May 2010.
Data from the World Nuclear Association indicates that in 1995 there was a marked increase in uranium production worldwide. the above mentioned study did not involve fingerprinting or source analysis of the uranium dust, consequently there is no evidence of an Australian source for the dust." The letter appears below.


We will provide an update should the ICRP undertake to hear our complaint.

Update: Warmer planet to stress humans: a missing retort

We requested the ABC science unit follow up their puff piece on a paper by Sherwood et al with an interview with Roger Peilke Snr who dismissed the Sherwood paper as "just a model sensitivity study, not a verifiable prediction. Moreover, not only is it scientifically flawed, but the dissemination of a press release illutrates that this is really not a science study. The funding of such a study by the National Science Foundation (whose predictions cannot be verified) illustrates another failure by the NSF to properly support climate science." 


In typical "Yes Minister" fashion ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs reply (received July 2, 2010):
While we note your reference to the blog post 'Comments On The Scientifically Flawed Study "Researchers Find Future Temperatures Could Exceed Livable Limits" By Sherwood and Huber 2010' by Roger Pielke Sr., it does not appear that the study has engendered a significant level of debate within the scientific community.


Given the remoteness of the scenarios considered in the study, the very specific nature of the subject matter, and the lack of subsequent debate over the study's findings, Audience & Consumer Affairs considers that the principal relevant views necessary for the story to canvas, at the time of publication, were those of the study's authors. Audience & Consumer Affairs does not believe it was necessary for the story to include a broader range of perspectives in order to meet the editorial standard for balance. Accordingly, on review of the story, we are satisfied that it was consistent with this standard.

The blog post to which you refer has been brought to the attention of relevant staff in ABC Innovation. I am advised that they found the post interesting and I understand they have undertaken to ask some other climate scientists for their thoughts on it. As you would understand, it was not possible for ABC Innovation to consider Dr Pielke's analysis of the study at the time the story was written and published, as the blog post was not published until 13 May. However, it remains open for ABC Innovation to present other viewpoints in future reports, should further developments in this area of science occur.



That would be other viewpoints like Roger Pielke Snr? Don't hold your breath Minister.


We asked this follow up:

Thankyou for your Reply.

Can you please ask ABC Innovation how they assessed that the study by Dr Pielke Snr has not "engendered a significant level of debate within the scientific community". I was under the impression based on previous correspondance with ABC Audience and Consumer Affiars that ABC Innovation lacked the necessary scientific skills to undertake such an assessment. Was this judgement in fact based on the amount of coverage of Dr Pielke's study in the media?

If so does ABC Innovation now judge the value of scientific reports simply by the level of media interest, rather than the quality of the research?

To which ABC replied:

Thank you for your further email. 
To clarify, my statement "it does not appear that the study has engendered a significant level of debate within the scientific community" was in reference to the study 'An adaptability limit to climate change due to heat stress', not the blog post by Roger Pielke Sr. ABC Innovation did not assess that Dr Pielke's blog post had not engendered a significant level of debate within the scientific community; rather, as I stated, they advised that they found the post interesting and have undertaken to ask other climate scientists about it.


(ED-So if they found this "significant" why wasn't it reported on?)


One more follow up:
Perhaps ABC Innovation can take the time to discuss the article with Dr Pielke Snr. Afterall ABC based their report 'Warmer planet to stress humans: study' solely on discussion with the author of that study and did not seek comments from other climate scientists. It would seem ABC Innovation use different standards of "Balance" to suite their own preconceived notion of what the science should say. Has ABC Innovation taken recent statements on "Groupthink" by Chairman Maurice Newman into account in providing its audience with balanced news coverage?  


Last word from ABC:
Thank you for your further email. Your additional comments are noted and will be conveyed to ABC Innovation.

The full reply may be found in the original post.