Summary of #26 - Joe Bastardi: Expecting perfect weather is crazy. It’s cooling over the tropics

00:00:00 - 00:45:00

Meteorologist Joe Bastardi shares his experience working for AccuWeather and his passion for weather forecasting as a gift from God. He believes that politics should not interfere with meteorology, and that the pursuit of truth trumps everything. Bastardi argues that while climate change is real, it is difficult to determine how much of it is due to human activity versus natural cycles. He discusses the current cooling trend over the tropics and the need to question scientific reasoning and always look for the missing pieces of the puzzle. Bastardi believes that freedom and capitalism are the key to finding solutions to carbon dioxide emissions. He encourages people to think critically, confront challenges with faith and perseverance, and enjoy the weather and the present moment.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Joe Bastardi, former long-range hurricane forecaster at AccuWeather, talks about his experience working for the meteorology company for 33 years, explaining how their mission shifted towards using weather as a tool for media rather than just meteorology. Bastardi claims that he left the company before they started prioritizing global warming, believing that money and the worship of the said subject is what moved their company mission. He also shares how weather was a passion and gift given to him by God and gave him a personal relationship with the subject. Finally, Bastardi emphasizes how pursuit of the truth trumps everything, including deception, and accuses others of hiding the truth from themselves.
• 00:05:00 In this section, meteorologist Joe Bastardi discusses his belief that profitability is more important than politics when it comes to weather forecasting. Despite differing beliefs among his colleagues, Bastardi stands firm on his personal approach to meteorology, saying that he relies on his own forecasts rather than the models his peers use. He argues that climate change should not be politicized and that politicians who use it for their own benefit should be avoided. Ultimately, Bastardi believes that keeping a humble attitude and focusing on God is the key to success.
• 00:10:00 In this section, Joe Bastardi discusses the evidence and arguments surrounding climate change and its relationship to hurricanes. While he doesn't deny that climate change is real, he points out that the climate has always been changing, and it's difficult to tell how much of it is due to human activity versus natural cycles. He cites historical data dating back to the 1930s to emphasize how hurricanes have changed over time, and believes that politicians and the media often distort information about hurricanes to fit their agenda instead of looking at the entire picture. Despite some individuals in the scientific community being brilliant, he doubts they have the same depth of knowledge he has due to their lack of operational forecasting experience.
• 00:15:00 In this section, Joe Bastardi talks about his admiration for conservative radio hosts like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. He also discusses the lessons he learned from hurricane forecasting experts in the 1980s and how he used to criticize their inability to accurately predict the weather. However, he now understands that forecasting is fraught with uncertainties and variables beyond human control. Bastardi also discusses the limitations of using temperature as a metric for climate, arguing that wet bulb temperature and water vapor are better indicators. Finally, he cites a study that shows the Hadley cell has been destroyed, which is disrupting the upward motion patterns and trapping hot spots in the tropics.
• 00:20:00 In this section, meteorologist Joe Bastardi discusses the significant cooling trend occurring over the tropics for the last 11 months, with the 500 millibar levels averaging below normal. He explains that a warming of the entire area south of 20 degrees north would result in a constant outbreak of hurricanes, but the warming has not been as extensive as predicted. He reveals that climate refugees have been flowing north from Central America because of the misconception that the areas are no longer suitable for farming. Bastardi argues that it is essential to question the reasoning behind the science presented, regardless of political affiliation, in order to always look for the missing pieces of the puzzle.
• 00:25:00 In this section, Joe Bastardi discusses the solutions to the problem of carbon dioxide emissions. He argues that freedom and capitalism are the key to finding the right solution. If we continue to have the freedom to innovate and invest in technologies like nuclear power plants, carbon capture, and planting more trees, we will find a solution to this problem. Bastardi also talks about the bullying done by people like John Kerry and argues that the US already helps the rest of the world by using only 25% of its resources despite having 4% of the world's population. Finally, he talks about how Christianity has been a driving force behind the pursuit of excellence and how freedom is a necessary ingredient in pursuing the truth.
• 00:30:00 In this section, Joe Bastardi talks about bullying and the difference in culture between the North and the South. He then moves on to discuss climate change and how he believes that we have already adapted and found solutions to the changing climate. He also brings up his book where he talks about climate change and proposes solutions. Bastardi believes that the system has already failed and that people's arrogance leads them to think that they can do a better job but Epstein's book, "The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels," supports the idea that we have already found the answers. Finally, Bastardi touches on his spirituality and how he believes that prayer should give him the strength to answer God's questions. He believes that people need challenges and adversity to become stronger and that turning towards challenges is key to survival.
• 00:35:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the idea of confronting the storm and the need for faith, tying in references from various sources such as the Book of Mormon, buffalo, and Bruce Springsteen's song, The Promised Land. He argues that people have been sold a "bill of goods" that the weather should always be perfect and that there should be no storms, which is unrealistic. The speaker also encourages people to think critically and do their own research before supporting a position, using the example of reproductive rights and how abortion disproportionately affects people of color. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of facing challenges with faith and perseverance.
• 00:40:00 In this section, Joe Bastardi speaks about the Melting Pot theory of America and how it is not working as well as it could be. He suggests that the increase in the number of people of color sent to America against their will is the key to the success of the American dream. Joe Bastardi opines that the deception in the climate change debate is what has been stopping the realisation of the American dream, and he caution against shooting down of contrary opinions. Besides, he stresses his pro-life stand and gives insights into how people's opinions are impacted by politics. Finally, he compares himself with RFK Junior in terms of being an advocate, but with a difference as he doubts that RFK will hail his climate data.
• 00:45:00 In this section, Joe Bastardi comments on the contradictions and inconsistencies he sees in climate change activism. He believes that people need to look at other people's opinions and tolerate them, but also question them and determine if they are wrong or not. He expresses his appreciation for the majesty of the weather and the climate, which he believes is a microcosm of the bigger picture of the world. Despite his differences in beliefs, Bastardi ends the video by encouraging everyone to enjoy the weather and the present moment.