Robert C. Balling Jr.

In the following viewpoint, climatologist Robert C. Balling Jr. presents his research of national weather and climate records to dispute the “popular vision” of an impending greenhouse warming crisis in America. The author compares forecasts of global climate models with historical records and patterns of change in temperature, precipitation, and hurricanes, and concludes that there is no concrete evidence that greenhouse warming is occurring. Balling is the director of Arizona State University’s Office of Climatology in Tempe.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Balling, what are the components of the “popular vision” of greenhouse warming?
2. In Balling’s opinion, what appears to be the trend in precipitation?
3. What evidence does the author offer to challenge drought predictions"

Americans have been told...