A handy cut-out and keep guide to phrases frequently used in global warming news stories, and what they really mean: “since records began” - since 1850 if using observed data, or about 1980 if using satellite data
“might, may, could, perhaps” - we can say anything is happening if we put enough modifiers in front of it
“experts say” - (a) we’re an NGO in need of funding or (b) I’m a scientist in need of funding
“science is settled” - stop asking questions, we know better than you skeptics/deniers/cranks/scary people
“consensus of scientists” - the wisdom of crowds is all we have left, so SHUT UP
“CO2 pollution” - your high school science teacher lied about CO2 being plant food
“increasing global population” - pesky developing nations are demanding cars and appliances. The horror.
“sustainable development” - subsidies now, or the planet gets it
“raising awareness” - hippies doing something daring or stupid for attention
“cooling caused by warming” – hey, you believed everything else we said, why stop now?
