11) Who benefits from a concerted, global (or at least western-led) effort to reduce mankind's influence on global climate?
It is a fair question. If we are going to make policy decisions and take actions that will lead to dramatic, or even modest changes in lifestyle and living conditions for hundreds of millions of people... I think it fair to know something of the motives and interests of the people advocating these changes. If it will indeed cost the economies of a number of countries trillions of dollars, where will that money (power) go, and who will control it?
12) How certain are we, really, about global climate change? The current situation cries out for a dispassionate, non-partisan look at the state of the art in climate science.
Recently, it appears that "studies" and research funded by pro-environmental groups universally support the man-caused or man-enhanced global warming theory. Meanwhile, studies and research funded by various industry groups tends to find no scientifically sound link or proof of man's influence. When findings so clearly correlate to the advocacy of the sponsor... It calls the entire body of work into suspicion.
We desperately need a thorough, realistic, and humble assessment of our current knowledge-base on climate science. This would include the veracity and accuracy of historical climate data; our current understanding of the interactions of various elements of climate; an honest admission of what we do not know or do not yet fully understand about climate factor interactions; a study of climate modeling techniques, including how well they assimilate historical data to predict current conditions, as well as a sensitivity analysis so that their probability of correctly predicting future climates may be judged.
13) Finally, I would ask, is this effort futile? If the Earth's climate is indeed warming, is it folly to think we can do anything to change it? Do we realistically have the technology and resources to do anything on such a global scale? Do we realistically have the "human power" - the will to make such changes and sacrifices as may be necessary? This requires a serious, honest assessment of human nature. Given that we tend to go to war, kill, and destroy for often the most stupid/simplistic of reasons... Is it realistic to think that we as a species can effectively adopt such altruistic motives?
Since the beginning of time there are those who have practiced the art of “Divide and Conquer”. That is what this is and it amazes me that nobody seems to recognize it for what it is.
Many are prone to giving into the “Chicken Little” fear techniques that have been used on simple minded people down through the ages and by the propagandist we know today as the Main Stream Media.
As for myself I always look into their ulterior motives as they have nothing to offer but results that will be detrimental to my welfare - so I resist their scare tactics.
What I don’t get is that so many “Smart” people accept this fear mongering and join the enemy instead of questioning those who’s goal is to separate us from reason, our money, our freedoms and anything else they want to take from us.