no one is saying the trend isnt real... it is the cause and whether or not this is normal that is up for debate.
It's difficult for non-scientists to evaluate this issue. It's reasonable therefore to look at the credibility of those who are promoting a crisis atmosphere. We know the Clinton-Gore administration was a cesspool of corruption, we know that outrageous lies were the basis of their whole campaign ('worst economy in 40 years", "middle class tax cut"), we know Clinton was impeached for perjury in a federal lawsuit against him for sexual harrassment, we know Gore supported him until the bitter end and we know Gore's personal lifestyle makes a mockery of his demands for sacrifice by others to somehow alleviate global warming. What actual facts do we know? 1. There has been a correlation between a slight temperature increase and greatly increased CO2 levels, although we can't prove which is cause and which is effect or even if there is a linkage. 2. We will not be able to reverse the CO2 increase, even if America and europe greatly cut back on industrial activity. China, India and other developing countries are far bigger sources of traditional pollution and are not about to sacrifce industrial development to limit CO2 levels. 3. In history, mankind has flourished during warming periods and found cooling periods to be a severe challenge. 4. If the mainstream predictions of sea level changes are accepted, we can accommodate them at far less cost than by trying to reverse the warming trend through limiting greenhouse gas emissions. There may be very strong arguments for weaning our economy from its reliance on oil, but it is foolish to impose enormous costs on ourselves on the basis of an unprovable theory. 3.
Sure. And until there is absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind whatsoever, be sure to keep buying bigger and badder SUVs. It's the safe and responsible thing to do. Just like smoking was okay until even the tobacco lawyers and their coterie of scientists couldn't keep a straight face anymore. Because if there is one iota of doubt in the mind of a single person (irrespective of whether or not he has a vested interest), it's free reign.
Actually, it is not so much "going that far" as it is looking for consistency. People who choose not to believe in global warming and our contribution to it are too lazy to give a shit and will hold out until their last moment of plausible deniability. Similarly, the Atkins devotees have no self control and immediately buy into the "science" behind a (literally) killer diet. Rather than be circumspect and recognize that bad carbs can be unhealthy for a number of reasons and adjust their intake accordingly while regulating their dietary intake with moderate amounts of protein and good fats, they go crazy with stupid food all in the name of (junk) science. They will readily accept the "science" behind whatever is easy and convenient and requires little thought or effort. The rest is conveniently discarded. And so, you have the folks who load up on steak and fried eggs for breakfast, spend their day passing judgment on people on the basis of a Holy Book (talk about a hoax!) rather than a moral code of their own that requires genuine thought, and then drive into the sunset in their Hummers. Did I miss anything?
man has been burning hydrocarbons for way to long.. a billion little plumes of exhaust smoke polluting the air as you all rush to the Convenience store for your 'smokes' must negatively impact on natural order of things.. to deny this is the epitome of absurdity and human arrogance :/
i have an idea... lets elect al gore and initiate a global carbon tax. lets also let the UN decide which countries get what resources. ohhhhhhhh... the mother earth is so fragile. now lets all go eat some granola, and save the red squirrely owl.
i have an idea.. lets 'burn less crap', and drive electric cars. you'd do well to eat more whole wheat granola and less McSausage Biscuits.. and, yes, let's try to save the red squrrel and the blue whale and a few other species in our wake as we lust after the 'god-almighty' dolla (interesting phrase isn't it :/ )