Almost everyone who follows the climate change ‘debate’ has heard of Michael Mann, and if not would have in the very least heard about the “hockey stick graph” he produced.

This graph is the result of extensive research about temperature trends over the last thousand years, and shows that the current warming is unprecedented for at least the past thousand years. It was, and still is, heavily criticized by opponents. Although over the years other teams have confirmed that this graph is correct and have even extended our knowledge about how unprecedented current temperature trends are.

The following TEDx presentation by Mann is a good introduction and summary about his work, what current research says, and the relentless attacks on scientists by denialists and special interest groups.

Michael Mann is a professor in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, a climatologist, and the director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University.

Michael is best known for his extensive background and research in the field of paleoclimatology. This work led to Michael’s graph of temperature trends over the last thousand years, popularly coined as the “hockey stick graph” because of its resemblance to the sporting equipment. The graph has received acclaim and criticism since its publishing.

He has received many awards and honors including, but not limited to, the Outstanding Scientific Paper Award by NOAA in 2002 and also was named one of the 50 Leading Visionaries in Science and Technology by Scientific American. Michael is also one of the founders of RealClimate.org, a highly acclaimed climate science website that was chosen in 2005 as one of the top 25 “Science and Technology” websites by Scientific American and as one of the top 15 “green” websites by Time Magazine in 2008.

Michael’s educational background includes an M.S. degree in Physics from Yale, and a Ph.D. in Geology & Geophysics from Yale.

Update:
This video has now also been posted on Watts Up With That where they almost tell their readers to actually down vote the video. And of course the comment section of the video has been swamped by readers of the site posting all kinds of smears:

Mann thinks his cause is worth lying for. The wanker should be locked up for his pseudo scientific crimes against humanity.

Iamtezhardwick

TED, Why in the world would you let this proven charlatan sully your brand??? Mann belongs in the State Penn for the crimes he has commited against science, poor people who now can’t afford to heat their homes, scientists he has conspired against who don’t agree with his “cause”, stealing tax payer money, the list goes on and on. Very disappointing!!!

bajaish

Anthropogenic global warming is a hoax, and Michael Mann is a major perp. He deserves long stay in a cold cell with a big, bum-raping cellmate.

snarfgibble

Nice to see the inquisition is still alive and kicking…