Preparing for the Paris climate conference

In writing about climate, our goal is to reflect the overall views of the overwhelming majority of climate scientists, while making sure that detailed climate predictions are attributed clearly to those who put them forward.

Our general phrasing about climate change is that the world is warming, mainly due to rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Most of the increase in temperature comes from man-made sources. These sources include the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, deforestation and livestock raising.

This is based on the vast majority of peer-reviewed studies, science organizations and climate scientists.

At the same time, we will be identifying the source for specific climate change data, and for any detailed predictions of how climate change will affect the earth.

In September the Stylebook team issued guidance on referring to those who don’t accept climate science or who dispute the world is warming from man-made forces. Our guidance is to use the terms “climate change doubters” or “those who reject mainstream climate science,” avoiding the use of “skeptics” or “deniers.”