Science underlying global warming--what do we "know?"

A new study by scientists in Britain suggests that climate change theory needs to carefully re-examine the assumptions about changes in the earth's orbital position in relation to the sun. This study says the issue of the earth's position is crucial in determining long-term effects and climate change trends. It was not considered relevant for shorter term predictions about climate in coming decades.

"Future research should more precisely narrow down the influence of orbital changes on climate," said the chief researcher. "This is crucial for a better understanding of underlying natural climate trends over long, millennial timescales. And that is essential for a better understanding of any potential long-term impacts on climate due to man's activities." LATEST ON EAST ANGLIA "HACKING"

Here's some of the latest info and speculation on the hacking of East Anglia University climate change research docs and emails. Nearly all the early bloggers aware of the hacked material were American climate change doubters. Yet there is now some speculation there never was a hacking, but the files were simply sitting on a server accessible by the public. The police investigation is now two months old and there have been no public announcements or moves to arrest anyone.

The research was paid for by the British government.