The phrase is vague, and people who use it may not elaborate what exactly is settled. Certain aspects of climate change are widely accepted: that human actions have increased the amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, for example. Other aspects—the exact degree of climate change to be expected within the next century, if any—are not settled. In between are issues such as how much the earth has warmed recently and how much of this is due to human activity.
Opponents of global warming theory have said: "There is an idea among the public that 'the science is settled.'"[1] "How many times have we heard from Al Gore and assorted European politicians that 'the science is settled' on global warming?"[2] "We are assured that 'the science is settled.'"
