May 20, 2008 11:36 pm US/Central
Meteorologists Contemplate Global Warming Debate
(WCCO)
WCCO's meteorologist Mike Fairbourne makes a living studying the weather and telling people what he's learned. So when he shares his thoughts on a controversial weather topic people listen.
A headline on the Star Tribune quotes Fairbourne as saying global warming "extremism" uses "squishy science."
Fairbourne and other meteorologists in the Twin Cities are household names in Minnesota. Because of their celebrity, these meteorologists' views on the
hottest story in weather are sought out and debated.
Fairbourne said he doesn't think man-made forces are heating up the earth.
"I'm not debating global warming. I am just saying that we need to have some reason here. We need to be wise stewards," said Fairbourne.
His position puts him at odds with former WCCO meteorologist Paul Douglas who argued that man-made pollutants are contributing to a warmer earth.
No local meteorologist is a bigger skeptic than KSTP's Dave Dahl. He points out that this winter was the coolest in the northern hemisphere in five decades.
"I'll believe the sun is controlling our climate until the day I die," said Dahl.
One local station said their meteorologist don't take public stands on this issue. KARE TV's Belinda Jensen said her job is to deliver the forecast.
As for global warming, Jensen said she puts the data out there and lets the viewers make up their own minds.
The American Meteorological Society is on record saying that human activities are a major contributor to climate change.
WCCO did contact KMSP but was told Fox corporate policy prevents their meteorologists from commenting.
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