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Robert Balling (born May 1, 1952) is an American climatologist and professor known for his research and publications in the field of climate science. He is recognized for his work on climate change skepticism and has been a prominent figure in public debates surrounding climate policy.
Robert Balling
Balling received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1975, followed by a Master of Science degree in Climatology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1978. He completed his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Oklahoma in 1981.
Throughout his career, Balling has held various academic positions, including serving as a professor of geography at Arizona State University (ASU) since 1988. At ASU, he founded and directed the Office of Climatology, where he conducted extensive research on climate variability and its impacts.
Balling's research interests primarily revolve around climate variability and the influence of human activities on the climate system. He has published numerous peer-reviewed papers on topics such as urban climate, climate change, and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. His early work focused on the urban heat island effect and microclimatology, examining how urbanization alters local climate patterns.
However, Balling is perhaps best known for his skepticism regarding the extent and impact of anthropogenic climate change. He has been critical of mainstream climate science conclusions, arguing that natural variability plays a more significant role in climate change than human activities. He has written several books on the subject, including "The Heated Debate: Greenhouse Predictions Versus Climate Reality" and "The Satanic Gases: Clearing the Air about Global Warming."
Balling's viewpoints have made him a controversial figure within the scientific community and beyond. He has been criticized by many climate scientists and environmentalists for downplaying the risks associated with climate change and for allegedly receiving funding from industries with vested interests in maintaining the status quo of carbon emissions.
Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Balling remains active in climate research and continues to contribute to scientific discourse on climate variability and change. He has participated in numerous conferences and public debates, advocating for what he sees as a more balanced and evidence-based approach to understanding climate science.
In addition to his academic work, Balling has also engaged in outreach efforts, aiming to communicate climate science to the general public. He has appeared in media interviews and documentaries, discussing his perspectives on climate change and challenging prevailing narratives on the subject.
As of, Robert Balling continues to teach and conduct research at Arizona State University, where he remains a prominent figure in the ongoing discourse surrounding climate science and policy.
In conclusion, Robert Balling is an American climatologist and professor whose work has stirred significant controversy within the climate science community. Known for his skepticism regarding anthropogenic climate change, Balling has challenged mainstream conclusions about the extent of human influence on global warming. Despite criticism from some quarters, he has maintained an active presence in climate research and public discourse, advocating for what he views as a more balanced approach to understanding climate variability and change. His contributions to the field, along with his outreach efforts to communicate scientific findings to the broader public, underscore the complex and often contentious nature of climate science and policy debates.
Robert Balling has been referenced in various books, documentaries, and media outlets, particularly those focused on climate science and environmental issues. Some of the books in which he is mentioned include "The Heated Debate: Greenhouse Predictions Versus Climate Reality" and "The Satanic Gases: Clearing the Air about Global Warming," both authored by Balling himself. Additionally, he has appeared in documentaries and interviews discussing climate change, and his perspectives have been featured in articles and reports across a range of media platforms and websites dedicated to scientific inquiry and public discourse on climate issues.