lolwot
They simply stated that not everyone agreed with the consensus, and the number was growing and some were ‘distinguished’. If there is any criticism to be made, it is that this was an insufficiently supported assertion, not an appeal to authority. Given the claims of consensus, what else could they say if they didn’t want readers to regard them as a bunch of eccentrics?
The 2nd was far more an argument from authority: “We’re climate scientists. You’re not. Butt out.”.