| February 3, 2010 |  |
University Clears Michael Mann on Stolen Email Allegations
Statements by Peter Frumhoff, director of Science and Policy and Francesca Grifo, Scientific Integrity Program director
WASHINGTON (February 3, 2010) – An administrative panel at Pennsylvania State University has cleared (pdf) Professor of meteorology Michael Mann of wrongdoing in the controversy over stolen climate scientists emails from Great Britain's University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit. Mann also issued a statement in which he said: "This is very much the vindication I expected since I am confident I have done nothing wrong."
Below are statements by Peter Frumhoff, director of Science and Policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and Francesca Grifo, director of UCS's Scientific Integrity Program .
PETER FRUMHOFF:
"This is a step in the right direction that should help us move past the manufactured controversy over the stolen emails. The truth is that global warming is here, it's dangerous, and it is already affecting us. The contents of the emails have no bearing on climate science. They must not distract us from the need to swiftly and dramatically reduce emissions."
FRANCESCA GRIFO:
"The Penn State inquiry validates the integrity of Dr. Mann's scientific work. Its thorough review found that there is no credible evidence of scientific wrongdoing. And the review shows that the scientific community takes accusations of misconduct seriously and has systems in place to hold researchers accountable.
"The remaining question relates to whether Dr. Mann's conduct eroded public trust in the integrity of climate change science and climate scientists. Because different branches of science have different cultures, the committee—comprised solely of administrators—didn't feel it had the standing to pass judgment.
"Unfortunately, climate contrarians are already misrepresenting this finding to foster doubt regarding the strong scientific consensus on climate change. These baseless attacks on the character of scientists and the credibility of their institutions are intended to divert public attention from the challenge of addressing the real-world consequences of climate change.
"Dr. Mann made his research and communications available to the committee, and the committee promptly exonerated him of any wrongdoing. The University of East Anglia should follow suit. This situation demonstrates that confusion can be avoided when clear and appropriate transparency standards are in place. Transparency is a necessary condition for scientific accountability and public trust."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
