@jaztrophysicist @steve very interesting blog post, and indeed very interesting questions. I work on some of the small pieces of climate science (atmospheric particulate matter, PM; and radiative forcing of PM on snow and ice), and I have also used some of the regional models that integrate all the pieces. I share your view regarding the recent achievements in climate science and I am also optimistic regarding what can be achieved in Ecology. I also can't help regarding what questions should be asked, although maybe recent IPCC reports can help. I would love to know how the story will go on...