SEATTLE, January 10, 2010 – Much of current global warming theory is based on distortions of scientific evidence, blind devotion to simple notion and outright greed, according to a speaker at the American Farm Bureau's 91st annual meeting.

Christopher Horner, a fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, contended that the theory suffers from problems with the measurement of the earth temperature and its interpretation.  Comprehensive data collected since the Middle Ages reveal a natural process of fluctuation in average temperature. These data have been derived from studies of tree rings, ice cores and thermometer readings.

“The climate has always changed,” Horner said. “The question is, how does society respond to it – hysterically or rationally?”

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Late last year, the revelations of leaked e-mail correspondence from certain climate scientists posed the likelihood of a more sinister danger associated with global warming theory. The so-called“Climate Gate” episode, Horner claimed, showed that many scientists are more interested in garnering research dollars with little additional investigation than with engaging in independent investigations. The episode “warrants an immediate stay of further steps” in any public policy guided by the theory.

Horner lampooned the reliance members of Congress have placed upon such theory in proposing climate change legislation now unde consideration.

“It is all pain, no gain,” he said. “It is all empty gesture. It is a rationing scheme under which the state decides how much of something you may use. It will raise the price of energy.”

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