The carbon dioxide/climate controversy: Some personal comments on two recent publications

The pervasive opinion on the relationship between the state of the climate and the increasing concentration of CO₂ is that a general global warming will occur with social, economical and environmental corollaries that may be adverse. However, there exist a number of dissenting arguments that call for a much smaller increase in global temperature or even an induced global cooling. Furthermore, the positive biological effects of a greater atmospheric CO₂ loading are emphasized.The difference of opinion is highlighted in two recent publications: CO ₂, Friend or Foe by Sherwood Idso and Carbon Dioxide: A Second Assessment by the National Academy of Science CO₂/Climate Review Committee. Using the two publications as focal points, some personal remarks are made regarding the controversy and the relative merits of the scientific arguments.