Climate Scientists Agree to Take Another Shot at Global Warming Research

Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:

Friday Follow-Up

We begin with a Friday Follow-Up to an earlier story.

It is back to the drawing board for the world's climate scientists. In the wake of mistakes, errors and apparent cover-ups surrounding global warming research, the World Meteorological Organization has approved, in principle, a do-over.

The proposal was presented Monday by Britain's Met Office. It calls for the collection of more precise temperature data and greater transparency.

However, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging environment ministers to reject attempts by skeptics to undermine efforts at a climate change agreement. He says global warming poses a clear and present danger.

Hot or Not

Speaking of precise data, some scientists say temperature sensors across the U.S. are compromised.

A volunteer group that tracks weather stations says sensors are exposed to artificial heat sources and not in compliance with the National Climatic Data Center regulations. SurfaceStations.org founder Anthony Watts claims 90 percent of the total 1,200 weather stations are too close to things like parking lots, garbage incinerators, and airports.

But climate scientists who analyze the data say they are able to adjust for faulty locations.

Sad State of Affairs

An internal report criticizes the State Department's public affairs office for poor communication, low morale and uneven leadership.

The inspector general's report found that some employees had been instructed not to return phone calls from reporters asking sensitive questions. The AP reports it also found the environment in one office was so tense and hostile, several workers feared violence.

Spokesman PJ Crowley today called it a tough report. On the issue of answering reporters' questions, Crowley said they have a clear policy and are committed to being responsive.

Bare Necessities

And finally, people in the world's developing countries often have too little food, water and money.

But they apparently have plenty of cell phones. The U.N. now says 57 percent of the people in developing nations are signed up for service. Internet use is also growing, but at a slower rate.

— Fox News Channel's Lanna Britt contributed to this report.