Copenhagen inevitably reminds me of a brand of snuff my grandparents both used to dip.
I think the conference is good because it is bringing the arguments out into the open for both sides. A substantial segment of the scientific community has put its imprimitur on a certain explanation of climate change and does not want to discuss the issue. They are rather like the medieval church: what they say is authoritative, and anyone who disputes them will be branded a heretic. To them, there is no debate. The e-mails that became public knowledge do not decisively prove anything, but they should alert the public to the fact that the scientific community has a big stake in convincing people global warming is caused by emissions and perhaps should be questioned on the whole matter; or that dissenting voices on the causes of climate change (and they do exist) should be heard and not hooted down.
Perhaps the conference will open up debate, which would be a good thing.
dwl
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