When climate science becomes climate sermon: in defense of skepticism
10/17/2025 / By Patrick Lewis
E&E News publishes an article accusing climate critics of “discrediting” an IPCC author—framing dissent as hostility rather than legitimate scrutiny.
Friederike Otto’s research in attributing extreme weather to human-caused climate change is already used in major litigation; her appointment to a lead IPCC role raises questions about impartiality.
Critics like Roger Pielke Jr. who question such appointments are demonized—labeled “allied with fossil fuel interests”—rather than engaged on the substance of their concerns.
Defenders lean heavily on the rhetoric of peer review, balanced process and mischaracterization to deflect questions of bias, even though peer review and institutional assurances don’t eliminate political pressure or conflicts.
The deeper issue: when science morphs into policy religion and dissent is equated with betrayal, genuine inquiry is replaced with doctrinal enforcement—and skepticism becomes taboo.
Stop the presses—again. Call the fact-checkers. Dock Greta’s yacht. Because this week, the climate establishment is on full offense, trying to silence anyone who dares question the narrative.
The latest salvo comes from E&E News, running a piece titled: “Climate critics try to discredit IPCC author for linking disasters to global warming.” Translation: If you doubt the orthodoxy, you’re not just wrong—you’re an enemy.
https://www.climate.news/2025-10-17-climate-science-becomes-climate-sermon-defense-skepticism.html
