Embargo on Hadley email threads?

  • Thread starter BCO
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In summary, there has been a recent hacking of emails from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia, which has raised ethical questions. Some threads in the Earth Sciences section on Physics Forums have been locked or moderated, possibly due to being off topic or not wanting to discuss the issue. If the former is the case, the appropriate section to discuss this is Politics & World Affairs.
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BCO
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As I'm sure most are aware, emails from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia webmail server were hacked recently. The contents of these mails provide some interesting reading and raise a couple of important (mostly ethical) questions.

I have noticed two threads in the Earth Sciences section that have either been locked or had all references to the Hadley mails moderated. Is this because they were off topic in the Earth section, or is it because Physics Forums does not want the issue discussed?

If it's the former, where is the correct section to discuss this?

Thanks,

BCO
 
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  • #2
Discussions of the Hadley Cru incident can be discussed in Politics & World Affairs.
 

1. What is an embargo on Hadley email threads?

An embargo on Hadley email threads refers to a restriction or ban on the release of certain email conversations involving climate scientists, specifically those involving the Hadley Climate Research Unit (CRU). This embargo was put in place in response to a 2009 hack of the CRU's email server, which resulted in the leaking of private email exchanges between climate scientists.

2. Why was an embargo put in place on these email threads?

The embargo was put in place to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the scientists involved in the email exchanges. The leaked emails were taken out of context and used to discredit the scientific consensus on climate change, as well as to attack the credibility of the scientists themselves. The embargo was meant to prevent further misuse and misinterpretation of the emails.

3. How long is the embargo expected to last?

The embargo on the Hadley email threads was initially set to last 10 years, until 2019. However, in 2012, the University of East Anglia (which houses the CRU) announced that the embargo would be extended indefinitely, citing ongoing concerns about the potential for misuse of the emails.

4. Can anyone access the Hadley email threads during the embargo?

No, the embargo means that the email threads are not publicly accessible. Only a select group of researchers, approved by the University of East Anglia, are able to access the emails during this time. This is to ensure that the emails are used responsibly and in the proper context.

5. What impact has the embargo had on the scientific community?

The embargo has had a significant impact on the scientific community, particularly in the field of climate science. Many scientists have expressed frustration with the embargo, as it limits their ability to access and use important data for their research. It has also sparked debates about the importance of transparency and open access in scientific research. However, the embargo has also prompted discussions about the ethical use of private communication and the need to protect the privacy of scientists.

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