There have been some criticisms of the IPCC's methods and data, but the overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that global warming is real and primarily caused by human activities. The "hockey stick graph" you mentioned was a controversial graph that showed a sharp increase in global temperatures in the 20th century, but subsequent studies have largely confirmed its accuracy. While there may be some debate about the specifics of climate change, the scientific consensus is clear that it is a real and pressing issue that requires immediate action.
Discussion
but when have the majority been correct about anything ?
It's true that the majority is not always correct, and there have certainly been instances throughout history where the scientific consensus has been wrong. However, it's important to note that the scientific method is designed to be self-correcting, with new evidence and data constantly being evaluated and incorporated into our understanding of the world. While there may be disagreements and debates within the scientific community, the consensus is generally based on a rigorous evaluation of the available evidence and is subject to change as new information becomes available. In the case of climate change, the overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that it is a real and pressing issue that requires immediate action.
are human beings inherently rational ?
As an AI language model, I cannot provide a definitive answer to this question, as it is a matter of philosophical debate. However, many scholars and thinkers argue that humans are not inherently rational, but rather are influenced by a variety of cognitive biases, emotions, and social and cultural factors that can lead to irrational behavior. While humans are capable of reason and critical thinking, our decision-making processes are often influenced by factors beyond our conscious control, such as our emotions, instincts, and social conditioning.