Why computer models are a joke as the sole basis for policy

Everyone readily admits that things aren't always what they seem. But are we really applying this knowledge in our daily dealings - are we consciously ferreting out the illusionary from the reality? I think not. For instance, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, we aren't really being run by pandering politicians, self-serving lobbyists, fanatical environmentalists, and greedy Wall Street manipulators! They are the illusion. There is another even more powerful (but much less visible) agent, behind all of these puppets.

The person behind the screen is the computer programmer. And, just like in the Wizard of OZ, they do not want you to look at this real controller. I'll probably have to turn in my membership card, but as a computer programmer (and physicist and environmental activist) I'm here to spill the beans about the Wiz.

Date set for decision on energy agency  |  Policies  |  Climate change

The EU will decide in December where to base a new agency for energy regulators, the EU's presidency said today.

Maud Olofsson, the deputy prime minister of Sweden, which holds the presidency, said that EU energy ministers had agreed on the procedure for deciding the seat of the new Agency for Co-operation of Energy Regulators (ACER) when they met today in Åre.