Email 5251, 1999: Revealing email on how IPCC writing was actually done by "a small set" of people; "We could solicit input on certain topics, but I think we know the field well enough to make that an unnecessary burden on others"

Email 5251

[Bradley] I have not given this a lot of thought, but I feel that the effort should be initiated by us, [you & me] rather than attempt to get a "writing group" together....I'd welcome your views on this.

[Briffa] Again yes ... with feeling. We can just ask the apppropriate people for (very short ) descriptions of the latest position as regards our chosen content. If necessary , invite one or two to the 'week' . The important thing is to get good input as regards data and answers to specific questions. Between us , we know the necessary input and the people to supply it.

[Bradley] I see this as following the IPCC approach where a small set of leaders does the dirty deed and then sends it out for review. We could solicit input on certain topics, but I think we know the field well enough to make that an unnecessary burden on others...what do you think? Creating a synthesis requires that there be a synthesiser...not a bunch of specialists writing about their favorite proxy....