The debate

by Judith Curry
On June 12, I am scheduled to appear in a debate that includes Michael Mann


Here are the details from the website:

Climate change is undeniable. But is human activity causing it, and if so, to what degree? How are current public policies helping or hurting the situation? All these questions and more will be addressed at Spilman Thomas & Battle’s Environmental Forum: Conversations on Climate Change.
We’re thrilled to be bringing world-renowned scientists and policy experts in the field to the stage at the University of Charleston to discuss these issues from both sides of the table–expect an exciting exchange of ideas on the causes and effects of climate change, the prognosis for the future, and what can and should be done to prepare for those changes. We’ll hear from those whose research leads them to believe human activity is having a dangerous impact on the climate, as well as those who believe such theories are overblown and unsupported by the science.
Join us for this unique opportunity to see scientists who rarely share the same stage, presenting a balanced discussion about this important topic affecting our planet, our lives, and our businesses.

  • Dr. Michael E. Mann, Director of the Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University
  • Dr. David W. Titley, Rear Admiral USN (ret.), Professor of Practice in Meteorology; Professor, Pennsylvania State School of International Affairs; and Director, Center for Solutions to Weather and Climate Risk
  • Dr. Patrick Moore, former president of Greenpeace Canada
  • Dr. Judith Curry, former chair of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology

WUWT has post on this, the comments are interesting.  Apparently there is a ‘consensus’ that I am too ‘nice’, too ‘wimpy’ and too ‘uncertain’ to take on Mann.
The Congressional Hearing that we both appeared in wasn’t a good example, since Mann was able to dominate because all of the Democratic members focused their questions on him.
I don’t think Mann regards me as a pushover; within the last year he insisted that I be disinvited from a debate, ostensibly owing to the Amicus Brief I filed in the Rand Simberg lawsuit.  Apparently, for this debate, he either got locked into it contractually or he figures my presence  will help him sell his book.
I much prefer the format of the APS Workshop — serious scientists prepared serious arguments and were questioned by serious scientists for almost a full day.
We’ll see how it goes, should be entertaining in any event.

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