Smithsonian Fudged Global Warming Facts 'for Politics'

Accused of downplaying global warming

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2007 4:08 AM CST

(Newser) – Government scientists claim officials at the Smithsonian National Museum downplayed global warming for political reasons in a 2006 exhibit on climate change in the Arctic. The museum's director insisted statements about the "scientific uncertainty" of climate change be included in the exhibit, reports the Washington Post. The director is now a candidate to become the high-powered secretary of the Smithsonian.

A leading climate change expert at NASA said pressure to tone down the exhibit came from "the highest levels of the Smithsonian to avoid a political backlash." He said he found it "disturbing" that the focus was shifted "from scientific to political content." The director has denied any effort to deceive the public. "We would never alter an exhibition on climate change that would contradict our own knowledge," he said.

Inuit hunter Meeka Mike drives across the arctic horizon in search of a polar bear on Frobisher Bay near Tonglait, Nunavut Feb. 4, 2003. Some scientists claim Smithsonian officials downplayed global... (Associated Press)

A polar bear cub walks along the shore of Hudson Bay near Churchill, Manitoba, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007. Some scientists claim Smithsonian officials downplayed global warming for political reasons during... (Associated Press)

An iceberg melts off Ammassalik Island in Eastern Greenland last summer. Arctic ice has shrunk to the lowest level on record. Some scientists claim Smithsonian officials downplayed global warming for... (Associated Press)

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Smithsonian Fudged Global Warming Facts 'for Politics'

Accused of downplaying global warming

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Smithsonian Fudged Global Warming Facts 'for Politics'

Accused of downplaying global warming

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Arctic Meltdown

NASA • global warming • Arctic • Smithsonian • National Museum of Natural History • Christian Samper • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration • Arctic Studies Center

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Greenhouse Gases Surging: US Report

Carbon dioxide emissions take biggest jump on record

Okla.'s July Was Hottest US Month on Record

Texas also set its own record for hottest July

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Report adds 2 to 3 feet to global sea level prediction

Latest Arctic Warning Sign: Early Blooms of Plankton

Essential organisms affected by melting ice: study

Arctic Melting May Bring New Beast: Polar-Grizzly

Mama grizzly, papa polar means threatened baby

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