Comedy has a longstanding tradition of shedding light on political and social matters. And few comedians do this as adeptly as Jon Stewart of Comedy Central. Recently, Stewart offered his humorous take on a claim related to global warming and the Internet’s role in its perception.
Al Gore, the Internet, and Global Warming
“Poor Al Gore, global warming completely debunked by the very Internet you invented,” Stewart quipped. This jesting reference touches on Al Gore’s past association with the early development of the Internet. While Gore never claimed to have “invented” the Internet, he did play a significant role in supporting its development during his time in Congress.
“Trick to Hide the Decline”
Expanding on his jest, Stewart remarked, “It’s nothing, he was just using a trick… to hide the decline.” Stewart’s statement highlights a commonly misinterpreted phrase that some critics associate with deceptive practices by climate scientists. In reality, “trick” in this context refers to a standard statistical technique. This technique is known as “recalibrating data.”
The practice of recalibrating data is standard in various scientific fields. It’s meant to ensure that data remains consistent across various data sets or when there are discrepancies in data collection methodologies. It is in no way an attempt to “trick” the general public.
The Importance of Raw Data
Stewart didn’t stop there. He emphasized the value of re-examining raw data in the face of disagreements. “But here’s what’s great about science, in disagreements we go back and look at the raw data,” he declared.
However, showing his knack for comic timing, a clip was played, illustrating that some raw data from the ’80s had been discarded. Stewart, never one to miss an opportunity for humor, exclaimed, “Oh for fxxxks sake! Why would you throw out raw data from the 80’s … I still have Penthouses from the 70’s!”
The destruction or loss of raw data can be problematic for any scientific endeavor. Preserving raw data ensures transparency, allowing for independent verification or reanalysis. This principle is fundamental in fostering trust in scientific conclusions.
Jon Stewart, with his signature blend of humor and insight, has once again drawn attention to crucial topics in society. His ability to take complex issues, such as data recalibration in climate science, and present them in a digestible manner helps foster understanding and dialogue. While the discourse surrounding global warming remains contentious, voices like Stewart’s remind us of the importance of open discussion, transparency, and a dash of humor.
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