1) Have there been global warming and cooling cycles prior to the industrial age?
2) If so, what could have caused these global warming and cooling trends?
Answer these, and you will understand everything you need to know about the current environmental pseudo-science.
I long for the good old days around the year 900 when we in Scandinavia had a balmy climate. However, when we lost at the battle of Stamford Bridge against those pesky Saxons Odin punished us and gave us a cooler climate for many centuries. Now however, Odin must be pleased, because it is warming up again.
But, seriously, I largely agree with you. My faith in the scientific community to sort out all the variables of global warming is not very high. However, I think the most fruitful path for conservatives to go down on this issue is the path taken by Lomborg.
I guess I am trying to say that I largely agree with you on global warming, but I think if people want to argue to the contrary it should be welcomed.
Been reading too much John Stuart Mill lately :-)
Anyways, enough about global warming.
Cheers.