Posted on 6 April 2013 by John Hartz

7 Misused Science Words

From significant to natural, here are seven scientific terms that can prove troublesome for the public and across research disciplines.

"Just a Theory": 7 Misused Science Words by Tia Ghose, LiveScience/Scientific American, Apr 2, 2013

A glorious winter, but the Alps face a warmer world

Under Mont Blanc's glittering peak, mountain guides and scientists tell the same story: the Alps are warming, the evidence of climate change is clear and the golden years of ski tourism will soon be past.

A glorious winter, but the Alps face a warmer world – bringing huge change by Kim Willsher, The Guardian, Mar 30, 2013

Earth-cooling schemes need global sign-off

World's most vulnerable people need protection from huge and unintended impacts of radical geoengineering projects.

Earth-cooling schemes need global sign-off, researchers say by Ian Sample, The Guardian, Mar 31, 2013

Global warming mystery

Two studies, one about plants covering previously frozen landscapes in the Arctic, the other about expanding winter sea ice in Antarctica, appear to say different things about global warming. 

Global warming mystery: Are North and South really polar opposites? by Peter Stpotts, Christian Science Monitor, Apr 1, 2013

India seeks return on energy efficiency

When U.S.-based carbon investment firm C-Quest Capital first came to India in August 2010 to distribute energy-efficient lighting at scale, it did not anticipate suspending operations less than two years later.

But with carbon prices at an all-time low, the company has had to put operations on hold and explore alternative funding models in an attempt to keep its goals alive.

India seeks return on energy efficiency beyond the carbon market by Anna Da Costa, AlertNet, Apr 2, 2013

James Hansen quits to fight global warming

Climate scientist James Hansen is retiring from NASA this week to devote himself to the fight against global warming.

NASA Climate Scientist James Hansen Quits to Fight Global Warming by Tanya Lewis, LiveScience/Scientific America, Apr 2, 2013

Kiwi scientists rally against climate change sceptic

New Zealand's top climate change scientists have rallied together to slam a visiting sceptic who is touring the country to proclaim global warming as a myth that should be ignored. 

Kiwi scientists rally against climate change sceptic by Kurt Bayer, The New Zealand Herald, Apr 2, 2013

Let's not bet the farm

Frozen lambs warn of our vulnerability to climate change – and the free market doesn't offer any shelter from food insecurity

Let's not bet the farm, Op-ed by Colin Tudge, The Guardian, Apr 2, 2013

One weird trick for getting Republicans to care about climate

New survey results suggest that with the right spin, even Republicans can be convinced to support climate action.

One weird trick for getting Republicans to care about climate by Chris Mooney, Mother Jones, Apr. 3, 2013

Threats to new coal ports in the U.S. Northwest

Growing environmental objections to exporting coal from Washington state and Oregon have begun to endanger the coal industry’s hope to restore its flagging fortunes by shipping much more of the embattled fossil fuel to China and India.

Politics, environmental worries threaten new coal ports in the Northwest by Sean Cockerham, McClatchy News, Apr 3, 2013

Propaganda, self-censorship and climate change

Scientist Bruce Melton argues that it's time for the environmental movement and environmental journalism to state the full truth - loudly and often - to counter denialist propaganda. That would entail using the four "poison" words: climate change and global warming.

Propaganda, self-censorship and climate change by Bruce Melton, Truthout, Mar 30, 2013

UK locks up people who want to save the planet

But it won't be long, I believe, before society sees that instead of being weighed down with a criminal record, the climate campaigners should be given a medal for their outstanding bravery and public service.

UK rewards polluters and locks up people who want to save the planet, Op-ed by Andrew Simms, The Guardian, Apr 4, 2013

Vegetation may speed warming of Arctic

Global warming will shift tundra from grass to shrubs and trees, which will in turn speed further warming.

Vegetation May Speed Warming of Arctic by Christa Marshall, ClimateWire / Scientific America, april 1, 2013