The IPCC relied on a combination of studies, some making determinations based on historical data, others basing their results on climate model output.

FORBES: Climate Sins and the High Priests of Peer Review

Obama's preparations included a recent session with presidential historians to discuss not only the climate he faces, but the historical differences for past presidents given the opportunity to serve a second term.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Here we examine the strikingly large global interannual variability of TC ACE during the past 40-years and shed light on the large-scale climate mechanisms responsible for the recent historical downturn in TC activity.

FORBES: Yes, There's A Link Between Hurricane Irene And Global Warming

Positing a trend from a single database without any supporting historical information has become a common media practice in discussing climate.

FORBES: Connect

In this biological edifice of loss, one point stands out: we need to understand climate change not just in terms of the historical record, but in the full realization that it is driving possibly millions of other species and trillions of individuals to untimely graves.

FORBES: 5 Million Deaths From Climate Change Pedicted By 2020

"For multi-decadal variability, over the historical period, the major cause was aerosols as opposed to climate change or ocean acidification, " he explained.

BBC: Particles from fossil fuels 'affect the growth of corals'

Within the talks themselves, you can add a lack of trust, debates over equity and historical responsibility, and the empty chest that is the Green Climate Fund.

FORBES: Why Is Progress So Hard To Achieve At The UN Climate Talks?

Will Sandy become a historical storm, will she be seen as the sea change in our thinking about Climate Change?

FORBES: Sandy Is A Political Wake-Up Call: VIDEO

He added that in addressing climate change, the international community must not "turn a blind eye to historical responsibilities, per capita emissions and different levels of development".

BBC: President Obama warns leaders over climate summit deal