An addition to AP Stylebook entry on global warming

Some background on the change: Scientists who consider themselves real skeptics – who debunk mysticism, ESP and other pseudoscience, such as those who are part of the Center for Skeptical Inquiry – complain that non-scientists who reject mainstream climate science have usurped the phrase skeptic. They say they aren’t skeptics because "proper skepticism promotes scientific inquiry, critical investigation and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims." That group prefers the phrase "climate change deniers" for those who reject accepted global warming data and theory. But those who reject climate science say the phrase denier has the pejorative ring of Holocaust denier so The Associated Press prefers climate change doubter or someone who rejects mainstream science.

To describe those who don’t accept climate science or dispute the world is warming from man-made forces, use climate change doubters or those who reject mainstream climate science. Avoid use of skeptics or deniers.

The full Stylebook entry:

global warming The terms global warming and climate change can be used interchangeably. Climate change is more accurate scientifically to describe the various effects of greenhouse gases on the world because it includes extreme weather, storms and changes in rainfall patterns, ocean acidification and sea level. But global warming as a term is more common and understandable to the public. Though some public officials and laymen and only a few climate scientists disagree, the world's scientific organizations say that the world's climate is changing because of the buildup of heat-trapping gases, especially carbon dioxide, from the burning of coal, oil and gas. This is supported by more than 90 percent of the peer-reviewed scientific literature. In a joint publication in 2014, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of the United Kingdom stated: "Human activities – especially the burning of fossil fuels since the start of the Industrial Revolution – have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations by about 40 percent, with more than half the increase occurring since 1970. Since 1900, the global average surface temperature has increased by about 0.8 degrees Celsius (1.4 degrees Fahrenheit). This has been accompanied by warming of the ocean, a rise in sea level, a strong decline in Arctic sea ice, and many other associated climate effects. Much of this warming has occurred in the last four decades." To describe those who don’t accept climate science or dispute the world is warming from man-made forces, use climate change doubters or those who reject mainstream climate science. Avoid use of skeptics or deniers.

Some of you have asked how we make changes to the Stylebook. Such changes — whether they involve adding a new term or amending an existing definition — are driven by their relevancy to reporting the news. The overriding factor is to help our reporters and editors present the news accurately, concisely and clearly, no matter what the topic or where it happens.

Keeping the Stylebook up-to-date is a year-round process, and we tap into many resources for advice and guidance. No change is made lightly.

With the flow of daily news, word coinages and spellings in politics, business, technology, science, sports, entertainment and other realms come to the fore almost every week. Some new terms have a short life and fade away; other terms enter common speech and writing. A major task is to decide what new definitions and spellings merit inclusion for reporting the news.

When we get a suggestion for a new entry or a revision, we consult with other editors by phone or email to weigh whether it is needed, is correctly spelled and has the proper definition.

Topics deemed highly relevant to breaking news coverage may be added to the online Stylebook immediately and then incorporated into the annual printed edition.

We consult with AP news leaders for some major changes, as we did in 2013, when "illegal immigrant" was dropped in favor of phrases such as living in or entering a country illegally or without legal permission. We may also seek outside expertise for specialized topics, as we did in 2013-14, when weapons and mental health entries were added or revised. An advisory panel of outside editors and journalism teachers also offers a sounding board.