Dennis Horne (“Unequivocal evidence”, Times, January 18) implies that Richard Feynman supported Arrhenius’ theory because “why did he not say so?”.
Quite bold that, claiming to know the mind of the dead.
Two main theories seek to explain the “how” of the so-called “greenhouse effect” – that the Earth is 33°C warmer than it would be without an atmosphere:
1) Maxwell’s 1872 “gravito-thermal” theory. Basically: Atmospheric temperature increases with pressure, as predicted by the laws of thermodynamics.
2) Arrhenius’ 1896 “radiative forcing” theory. Basically: CO2 “traps” energy, “reflecting” it back to the Earth.
Maxwell’s theory is supported by many scientists including Richard Feynman who, in a 1963 lecture, quoted Maxwell while demonstrating how an atmosphere comprised of only Nitrogen and Oxygen would perform as predicted, with no radiative forcing, CO2 or H20.
So while there may not be a record of Feynman directly discrediting AGW, there is a record of him endorsing the competing theory.
Maxwell’s theory also has practical, beneficial applications in the real world – e.g. it has been the basis for the very accurate U.S. and International “Standard Atmosphere” models for 65 years and is an essential aerospace tool.
As far as I know, Arrhenius’ theory has no practical use (climate alarmism being of no practical benefit to humanity).
Ryan Price
Half Moon Bay
