Global Cooling Fears of the 1970s: The Misleading Public Discourse on Climate Change

From the late 1930s to around 1978, the Earth experienced a significant period of global cooling. This phenomenon, which was supported by data from reputable institutions such as NOAA, NASA, and the UK’s Met Office, posed a global concern for climate scientists, environmental activists, and governments. However, recent data and presentations by these same institutions have eliminated this period of cooling, as it does not align with the narrative of anthropogenic global warming (AGW). This article delves into the significance and impact of this global cooling period, as well as its significance in the broader context of contemporary climate change discourse.

Significance of Global Cooling in the 1970s

The period of global cooling from the late 1930s to around 1978 is well-documented in historical data from NOAA and other scientific sources. This cooling was not merely a minor fluctuation but a significant climatic change that had far-reaching impacts. For instance, the cooling period is evidenced by the graph from NOAA showing a distinct cooling trend during this period.

Scientific Consensus on Global Cooling

Despite the claims by AGW alarmists, there was a significant consensus among climate scientists in the 1970s about the possibility of catastrophic global cooling leading to an ice age. This consensus was not an official consensus by an organization like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which did not exist at the time. Nonetheless, the overarching concerns among numerous climatologists, government officials, and even the intelligence community were well-documented.

Public and Civilian Responses to Global Cooling

Several scientific reports and articles from reputable outlets, such as the New York Times and the scientific journal Science, indicate widespread concern. For instance, in 1961, the New York Times reported that climate scientists were worried about a significant cooling trend that could signal the start of a new ice age. Similarly, in 1970, a climate scientist from the US Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) warned of the potential for another ice age due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Government and Intelligence Agency Involvement

Federal agencies, including the CIA, were also involved in the effort to understand the implications of global cooling. In 1974, the CIA acknowledged a growing consensus among leading climatologists that the world was undergoing a cooling trend, stating that it could have significant impacts on the global balance of power. This involvement not only underscores the severity of the perceived threat but also highlights the attention that global cooling garnered in high-level governmental circles.

Examples of Global Cooling Consensus

Several articles and reports from the 1970s serve as prime examples of the scientific consensus on global cooling. One notable report was the 1972 report by Kukla and Matthews, which discussed the National Science Foundation meeting held at Brown University. They reported on the global cooling trend and suggested that it could signal the end of the current interglacial period.

Climatologist Predictions and Warnings

Climatologists like British climate scientist Professor Hubert Lamb and American climatologist Reid Bryson made dire predictions about the coming global cooling. Lamb, for instance, predicted that drought caused by global cooling would continue for 30 years, while Bryson warned that the current global cooling and drought would kill a billion people. These warnings were not taken lightly, as they suggested potential existential threats.

Evolution of Climate Science

It is important to note the evolution of climate science in the 1970s. Reports from institutions like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted the changing climate and the need for urgent action. However, as advancements were made in understanding climate patterns, NOAA and NASA presented data that excluded the cooling period, aligning with the current narrative of anthropogenic global warming.

Contemporary Global Cooling Skepticism

Today, the global cooling fears of the 1970s are often dismissed or sidelined in the face of the dominant narrative of climate change. However, the historical significance of these fears cannot be ignored. The events of the 1970s shed light on the complexity of climate science and the potential misdirection that can occur when political and economic interests align with scientific claims.

Conclusion

The global cooling fears of the 1970s were a significant chapter in the history of climate science. Despite being eliminated from recent data by NOAA, NASA, and other institutions, this period was crucial in shaping contemporary climate discourse. The lessons from this era highlight the need for objective, data-driven approaches to climate science and the importance of not disregarding historical trends.

Keywords

global cooling climate scientists consensus