Skeptics in Uproar Over Implications of Leaked Climate Emails

Emails stolen from a British climate change research center are gaining steam in the science world. Investigators say the emails indicate that scientists are doctoring data in order to show a doomsday picture of global warming.

The Climate Research Unit has acknowledged that the leaked data is legitimate. Bloggers and the alternative media are abuzz with the implications -- some are even calling the exposed emails "Climategate," likening them to a smoking gun.

Congressional Republicans say the leaked documents show researchers attempting to manipulate data that does not support man-made global warming.

Tactics outlined in the emails describe methods to 'hide the decline' in recent global temperatures -- and to seemingly silence dissenters.

Oklahoma Sen. James Inhofe, a global warming skeptic, sent letters Tuesday to the inspectors general of several agencies and to scientists asking them to retain records related to the e-mails.

House Republicans want to know how much the scientists contributed to a widely cited U.N. report on climate change. The report has served as the basis for action in Congress and by the Obama administration to reduce greenhouse gases.

One of those scientists, Kevin Trenberth, said the e-mails do not show scientists colluding but arguing vigorously about the science.

Decide for yourself: Download the leaked climate documents

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