Settled Science?

There is no such thing as 'settled' science. All science is always open for re-examination and potential revision. For example:

Science re-examines the effects of various pharmaceuticals- occasionally, new dangers are recognized.

Science re-examines the safety of geneticall­y-modified foods- occasionally, new dangers are recognized.

Science re-examines the safety of vaccines- occasionally, new dangers are recognized.

The list is endless. Everything we think we know today about astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, genetics, diseases, viruses, etc. etc. etc is going to be different in 100 years and different again in 1000 years. Science is an evolving, growing enterprise.

Claiming that the science of climate change is 'settled' in 2009 is like a doctor in 1900 claiming that no further advances can be made in the study of cancer. Obviously, no competent doctor would have made that statement about cancer in 1900, because any competent doctor would know that the investigation never ends. The investigation of temperature cycles and their causes has not ended in 2009, either. The doors of the laboratory are never locked.

Einstein had a good quote that applies here: "The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance.­" It's not a good idea to be convinced that you have solved all the mysteries of climate change. Many remain.