ESA and friends are celebrating the success of the Living Planet program in Bergen Norway this week. It cannot be described as anything but a success actually, with a number of new advanced and innovative Earth observation satellites in orbit performing not only on target, but exceeding expectations.

In most cultures, mothers are allowed to be proud of their off-spring, aren't they? In any case, I am about to brag shamelessly - and beyond - about my son Eilev (19).

My son, who one beautiful day this spring decided he wanted to learn how to play the piano. Nothing particular about that part of the story. But just wait till you hear the rest. As discussed in social and blog media (check out master of Science 2.0 Hank Campbell's thoughts at Scientificblogging.com), the younger generation devourer information with a pace never seen before, leaving us slightly older completely amazed at best, and rather condemning at worst.

First, they painted a dramatic black-drop, then they presented their latest statistics on public opinion on climate change. TNS gallup organized a press conference at the IPY Oslo Science Conference on Friday presenting their latest survey findings.

TNS asked whether a cold winter (normal and totally perfect by my standards), Climategate and inaccuracies in the IPCC reports had influenced peoples trust in climate change.