Common arguments
Are climate models reliable?
Models are imperfect, especially for local detail, so distrust is understandable. Here is why that does not hold up.
Why it sounds plausible
Models are imperfect, especially for local detail, so distrust is understandable.
The simple answer
The basic case does not rely only on models.
The fuller explanation
Climate models are useful but not perfect. The core conclusion also comes from physics, direct measurements, ocean heat, ice loss, sea level and carbon chemistry. Rejecting models does not remove the measured evidence.
Bottom line
Model uncertainty is not the same as not knowing whether warming is real.
Quick answers
Frequently asked
Model uncertainty is not the same as not knowing whether warming is real.
The basic case does not rely only on models.