How Well Do Our Climate Models Match Our Observations?

bunratty writes "According to recent articles by Roy Spencer and John Christy, our climate models have done a poor job of predicting warming due to humans burning fossil fuels. They claim that we've observed only a fraction of the warming they predict. But when I look at the source they claim to use, the State of the Climate in 2012, I see that it shows a warming of 0.7 degrees Celsius worldwide since 1980, close to the 0.8 degrees Celsius warming predicted by the climate models. Take a look at the data for yourself. How well do our predictions match our observations?"

Calling all Slashdot climate experts...

[mspohr]

I'm sure this will be an intelligent discussion since we have so many people visiting here who are solid scientific thinkers, are experts in the field and will be able to intelligently discuss the nuances of this subject. I doubt we will see personal bias. I'm sure the discussion will be well reasoned and without hyperbole.
I personally don't feel I have to check back on the discussion since I have already made up my mind.
  (for the impaired)

Re:China?

[i kan reed]

China are experts on big walls, though.

Re:Since it only needs 2C

[Layzej]

Our chief weapon is surprise. Fear and surprise. Two chief weapons, fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency! Er, among our chief weapons are: fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, and near fanatical devotion to the Pope! Um, I'll come in again...