It's not. The damage done was in two points: there is global warming and humans are to blame for it. So, as far as the report itself goes, whatever else it said is meaningless, because those are the points that will be used in future legislation on the subject.
As for Bush: he has not commented about what he thinks about the report. He hasn't said if he thinks it is true or not. He just gave a Clintonesque throwaway line that said nothing about the report, and everyone here is so desperate to equate that with repudating the report that they act as if he did.
Bush, at least the quote given here, has not said: 'I've read the report, and think it is wrong. While there is evidence to support global warming, it is not conclusive. Also, I am not convinced, despite what the report says, that human activity, especially American activity, is to blame for these global conditions.'
Until he repudates the report, rather disdaining those who made it for him, I will consider him as a man who believes we are causing global warming. Even if he wont do anything about it, it is only a matter of time before Congress or a future administration *does* (or nominally tries) to do something about it, probably through massive regulations and red tape.
You guys can laugh in hysterical relief all you want, but I judge people by their actions, not their words: the Bush administration allowed this report to be released. That is an act that cannot be taken back, and one which will haunt us years later.
Tuor
Who commission the report ? my guess is it was congress.
yep. Get ready to cave before 2004. Better start saving up for that Yugo, folks!