A couple of Richard Betts' Twitter exchanges in response to Leo Hickman's article on climatologists talking to sceptics are interesting. Firstly this one with paleoclimatologist Kevin Anchukaitis, who tweets as ThirstyGecko.
Anchukaitis: Hopefully the Met Office had actual paleoclimatologists on hand for their 'conversation' with these folks?
Betts: Yes, Martin Juckes and Tamsin Edwards. Jonty Rougier also joined us.
Anchukaitis: I was thinking more along the lines of the people that develop the actual data
Betts: Apart from the obvious question of distance, would you have come?
Anchukaitis: Sure, not for the skeptics, but rather the statisticians ;) That is, always better to have both sides of the field there
Betts: Martin did a pretty good job!
Anchukaitis: I'm certain he did! My point is, always good to have the people that developed the data in the room too.
And then this one with Gareth Jones, who I think may be Met Office.
Jones: We had 2 interesting speakers this week @ed_hawkins and Alan Robock. Nice to hear scientists and not chartered accountants views on science.
Betts: Sure, but you could have explained to the chartered accountant why you disagreed - I think he rarely gets this!