science policy
Talk of "global cooling" based on bogus statistics
There’s an inevitable problem with trying to find trends in data that is subject to a great deal of random variability: unless the most recent point was a record high, it will always look like there’s a downward trend. We’re currently seeing that happen with the global temperature record, where the warmest year ever recorded, 1998, is receding into the past. As a result, reports of “global cooling” are appearing in the popular press, and smaller percentages of the US public are confident that the globe is warming.
Continue reading »Scientific societies warn Senate: climate change is real
Next week, the Environment and Public Works committee is scheduled to begin debate on the Senate’s version of a bill intended to begin limiting US greenhouse gas emissions, with a vote scheduled for early November. In advance of that hearing, a collection of 18 US scientific organizations has sent an open letter to members of the Senate, reminding them that climate change is a real phenomenon, and the best available evidence indicates it’s being driven by human activities. The unusually blunt language is coupled with an offer: the US scientific community stands ready to provide assistance to anyone who is looking for further information in advance of taking legislative action.
Continue reading »Department of Energy lays out plans for stimulus spending
One of Steve Chu’s first actions when he took over the Department of Energy was to appoint Matt Rogers as a senior advisor. Rogers had previously worked on energy issues at a consulting firm and brought a wealth of industry experience to the DOE. Yesterday, at a meeting hosted by the American Council on Renewable Energy, Rogers provided a high-level view of the DOE’s current position on energy policy and the Department’s view of where it stands in terms of fostering a transition to renewable energy in the middle of a financial crisis.
Continue reading »Apple sued over iTunes pricing and "fraudulent" gift cards
An Illinois couple has filed a class action suit against Apple for selling “fraudulent” iTunes gift cards. At issue is the language printed on some cards that reads, “Songs are 99¢,” and as we all all know, a variety of tracks on the iTunes Store are now sold for $1.29 . The couple alleges that such language constitutes deception and fraud on Apple’s part, and that the gift cards end up being “worth less than what was represented” because some songs after April 7 of this year cost more than the 99¢ price.
Continue reading »Quantifying success of science stimulus spend is challenging
The US economic stimulus package was intended to both shore up short-term employment figures and lay the groundwork for future economic growth through infrastructure and technology improvements. Science agencies were among the beneficiaries, with the National Institutes of Health getting $10.4 billion dollars, the National Science Foundation another $2 billion, and various other agencies like the Department of Energy picking up additional funding for research efforts. Obviously, the scientific community was pretty excited about the money but, since it was allocated, it’s beginning to realize that it will eventually be asked to account for how well the spending worked.
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