What does the atomic number of an element represent?

Ineed this now one scientist feels that the changes in global climatic patterns may be good for the health of the biosphere. another scientist feels that sharp changes in climatic patterns could result in the extinction of the biosphere. which of these is the most likely reason the two scientists gave conflicting opinions on the impact of changes in the global climatic pattern? they do not have enough knowledge on the topic. they did not discuss the issue among themselves. they believe conflicting opinion strengthens science. they study different areas of science and have different scientific focuses.