How many scientists?

Without taking any position on global warming, let’s at least look at some careless journalism on the subject. In a story widely reported today, the headline says something like, “Warning from 50,000 scientists: Earth’s climate unbalanced.”

This comes from a report issued by the American Geophysical Union, which has a membership of 50,000. This number, it turns out, includes student members. The number of scientists isn't clear. The group’s position statement comes from its governing council, which has 28 members. A majority vote – 15 – is needed for position statements.

So which is it? 50,000 scientists, or 15? Obviously somewhere between. I just think a story like this points to how journalists need to go beyond press releases and think critically about the stats they are being fed -- especially on such a politically charged issue. Even a quick check of the AGU Web site would have let reporters clarify that 50,000 figure.