I want to pause here and talk about this notion of consensus, and the rise of what has been called consensus science. I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate. Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you're being had. The work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. - Michael Crichton Author