Comments on: Renwick goes off the air

By: Steve Netwriter

Steve Netwriter — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:01:19 +0000

Maybe those on the SI should visit Amberley:

“Jim Renwick is giving a talk on climate change at the Hurunui Library (yes, the one in the heat pump ads) in Amberley on Monday, July 5th at 7-30pm. All welcome.”

I think there are questions that should be answered.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 01 May 2010 09:37:03 +0000

There was no response to the Coalition’s earlier FOI request so I doubt that would be a fruitful exercise. I think we’re engaged on the most promising avenue, which is public pressure. With ACT presenting a barrage of questions in the Parliament and various Coalition figures writing letters to politicians, blogs and in newspapers, along with the occasional interviews, we’re seeing evidence of a change in attitude at NIWA. Certainly Wayne Mapp, the minister, seems to make sure our questions get answered.

It would be nice if the MSM finally noticed what was happening, and that there really is an important and compelling story behind it all.

By: Mike J

Mike J — Sat, 01 May 2010 04:59:47 +0000

Your emails to Dr. Renwick seem entirely reasonable. I am amazed that there is no response. It looks highly suspicious and political, certainly not what one would expect of a man of science. And not what one would require of a public servant. What higher authority can you appeal to? FOI requests, perhaps?

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 01 May 2010 04:00:43 +0000

The interesting thing is that the adjustments to Thorndon because the station moved to Kelburn are a complete red herring. All that talk about altitudes was just a complicated attempt by NIWA to show the Coalition in a bad light. No adjustments based on altitude differences have been applied there. This is shown in both Salinger’s thesis and Mullan’s February paper, where all adjustments have apparently been based on comparison with “neighbouring” stations.

In fact, altitude calculations have never produced adjustments at any of the seven stations in the official national record.

Yes, we all want to know how comparing Auckland with Hokitika assists in adjusting the temperature readings at either station.

By: Gary Kerkin

Gary Kerkin — Sat, 01 May 2010 03:10:16 +0000

As you point out, Hokitika is only one example of where adjustments have been made and while they have indicated the adjustments, no rational justification has been given. Others have barely been explained, let alone justified. An example is the adjustment of Wellington records because of the altitude of the Kelburn station – stated but not justified (proved, if you like).

I would like to know, let alone understand, the justification for adopting, as a proxy, the trends (alleged or demonstrable) at a station several hundreds of kilometres away and applying them to a particular station.