"Taken by Storm" challenges the consensus on global warming
By kevinhughes // 2025-09-22
 
  • In "Taken by Storm", Christopher Essex and Ross McKitrick argue that the widely cited 97 percent consensus on man-made global warming is misleading and politically manipulated. They acknowledge climate change but challenge the certainty and settled nature of the science surrounding it.
  • The authors contend that the idea of a single "global temperature" is flawed. They assert that averaging temperatures worldwide is a statistical manipulation that fails to represent the true complexity of climate systems, as temperature is an intensive quantity reflecting local conditions.
  • They dissect the iconic "hockey stick" graph, highlighting its reliance on potentially biased proxy data like tree rings and controversial statistical methods. They argue that these factors undermine the graph's reliability as a symbol of global warming.
  •  The book criticizes climate models for their reliance on uncertain assumptions and parameterizations, particularly regarding "sub-grid scale phenomena" like thunderstorms. The authors suggest that these models are less reliable than commonly believed and may underestimate the cooling effects of aerosols.
  • Essex and McKitrick propose prioritizing economic growth and adaptation over drastic emissions reductions. They argue that wealthy societies are better equipped to handle climate change and that policies like the Kyoto Protocol are economically costly and ineffective, diverting resources from more pressing issues.
In a world where climate change dominates headlines and policy debates, a provocative new book is making waves by questioning the very foundations of the global warming narrative. "Taken by Storm: The Troubled Science, Policy and Politics of Global Warming" by Christopher Essex and Ross McKitrick offers a critical examination of the science and policies surrounding climate change, challenging readers to reconsider what they think they know. The authors begin with a bold assertion: The so-called "consensus" on global warming is more political than scientific. They argue that the oft-cited claim that 97 percent of scientists agree on man-made global warming is misleading and manipulated for political gain. While they do not deny that climate change is occurring, they question the certainty with which it is presented, suggesting that the science is far from settled. One of the book's central arguments is that the concept of a single "global temperature" is flawed. Essex and McKitrick contend that temperature is an intensive quantity, reflecting the state of a physical system at a specific location. They criticize the practice of averaging temperatures from around the world and calling it the "global temperature," arguing that this is a statistical manipulation that fails to capture the complexity of climate systems. The authors also take aim at the iconic "hockey stick" graph, which has become a symbol of the global warming movement. They dissect the graph, highlighting its reliance on proxy data like tree rings, which can be influenced by factors other than temperature. They also point out the controversial statistical methods used to construct the graph, arguing that these methods are open to criticism. Essex and McKitrick delve into the world of climate models, those complex computer simulations that predict future climate scenarios. They argue that these models are not as reliable as many believe, citing issues with assumptions and parameterizations that are not always grounded in solid physical theory. They also highlight the problem of "sub-grid scale phenomena," such as thunderstorms, which are too small to be captured by the models but can have significant impacts on the climate. The authors discuss the role of aerosols – particularly those from sulfur dioxide emissions – in offsetting the warming effects of greenhouse gases. They suggest that the cooling effect of aerosols has been underestimated, which could explain why observed warming is less than what the models predict. As explained by Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, aerosols are microscopic particles (either liquid or solid) that float in the atmosphere and play a key role in cloud formation. Aerosols originate from natural sources like desert dust and volcanic eruptions or from human-made (anthropogenic) activities such as pollution and geoengineering. These particles influence climate, weather and even human health, making them a critical yet often manipulated component of atmospheric science – particularly in discussions around chemtrails and globalist depopulation agendas. In a scathing critique of the Kyoto Protocol, the authors argue that the protocol is fundamentally flawed and would have a negligible effect on global warming. They highlight the high economic costs of implementation and the issue of "hot air," where countries like Russia and Eastern Europe have emission permits to sell due to economic collapse rather than climate policy. Essex and McKitrick propose a different approach to climate policy, advocating for a focus on economic growth and adaptation. They argue that wealthy societies are better equipped to adapt to climate change and that policies like the Kyoto Protocol divert resources from more pressing environmental and social issues. The authors propose a new method for public study of global warming, suggesting the formation of two groups with equal funding and membership. One group would argue for human-caused climate change, while the other would argue against it. The goal is to create a balanced debate and allow policymakers to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the science. "Taken by Storm" serves as a reminder that life is too short to be consumed by fear and panic. While global warming is an important issue, it should not overshadow the joys of life. The authors encourage readers to think deeply and clearly about complex issues, urging them to look beyond the headlines and engage in critical thinking. The book is a thought-provoking addition to the climate change debate, challenging readers to question the prevailing narrative and consider alternative perspectives. As we navigate the stormy seas of climate science and policy, "Taken by Storm" offers a beacon of critical inquiry and reasoned analysis. Watch this video about Christopher Essex and Ross McKitrick's book "Taken by Storm: The Troubled Science, Policy and Politics of Global Warming." This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com