Kometologist Michael Mann wins a defamation lawsuit. Is it a victory for science too?

It isn't just about me in defending my science from scurrilous attacks and defamatory claims.

It's really about the defense of science.

It's Monday, February 19th, but not to worry, still Science Friday.

I'm Cyphry. But not to worry, still Science Friday.

I'm Cyphry producer Shishonabuxbaum. Climate scientist Michael Mann recently won a defamation lawsuit against two conservative writers. In 2012 bloggers Ran Simburg and Mark Stein

accused man of manipulating his data, comparing his research methods to Penn State

football coach Jerry Sandusky, convicted child molester.

In fact, Mann's iconic 1998 hockey stick paper, the one that showed rising global

temperatures after the Industrial Revolution has since been supported by numerous studies.

So what does this ruling signal about the public's understanding of climate change research

and a scientist's right to speak the truth without fear of attack.

Ira Plato takes it from here.

Joining me to talk about those questions is Dr Michael Mann, professor of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania,

and author of the new book Our Fragile Moment. He is based in Philadelphia, Dr. Mann.

Always good to have you back on Science Friday.

Thanks, Ira. Always great to be with you.

Nice to have you.

Michael, some history first, please.

What was the nature of the blogs and what did they say and take it from there?

Yeah, I think you summarized it pretty well there.

This was back in July 2012.

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