The IPCC and Al Gore win the Nobel Peace Prize

I think that this year's selections for the Nobel Peace Prize, Al Gore and the IPCC, were especially appropriate, and I commend the committee. Al Gore is a somewhat controversial pick, but I think he deserves it - He has essentially abandoned his political career to advance awareness about global warming. At the same time, it was critical that the IPCC also receive the award, because they are the ones who truly will effect a change in world policy. Gore for public opinion, the IPCC for policy. Bravo. I am proud that someone from the US won.

That makes it all the more embarrassing to read the feedback of CNN.com readers on the issue. It seems like the majority of them still think that anthopogenic global warming is still in question, which is just sad. 12th century European peasants, I tell you. You've got to laugh though, when you read how some of them think that Gore actually performed the research he presents in "An Inconvenient Truth" (i.e. that he did the science). Also, I find it hilarious when I see the comments from people who are mad that Gore won, but not the scientists. The IPCC IS the scientists. We need to stress more reading comprehension in our schools.

It was also interesting for me to see the IPCC win it right after I saw Michael Prather speak at our UCI physics colloquium yesterday. He gave a good summary of the IPCC findings (mixed with some unfortunately inappropriate politics). At the end of his talk, an older guy from the audience asked him if he would be willing to debate a climatologist with an opposing viewpoint. Michael gave a good response - "Why should I debate him? Debate is just rhetoric, it doesn't change the science. If he wants to challenge our findings, he should write a paper!" So true, although that's not going to change public opinion. But then, I guess that's what Al Gore is for. That's why he won the prize!