Global warming is a contentious topic. Opinions on both sides can be loud and angry.
But in the past week, the loudness and anger climbed a few more notches. When a group of so-called "skeptics" expressed an opinion, a Huffington Post blog argued they were scared of science, saying, "the folks who deny scientific facts deserve to be laughed at and scorned." A New York Times blog took a more measured tone, saying that the skeptics "appear to flunk climate economics." Earth Times described their opinion as "a call to play with fire."
And who was this pack of jackals who fear science and deserve such scorn? They were members of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences, the American Physical Society, the World Federation of Sciences, the Royal Dutch Meteorological Service, and distinguished universities around the world.
To understand what prompted the anger, it's best to look at the opinion that started it. On Jan. 28, the group of scientists published a signed editorial, titled "No Need to Panic About Global Warming," in The Wall Street Journal. The editorial expressed a strong opinion. It asserted that CO2 isn't ruining the Earth; it even contended that CO2 is a benefit. Moreover, the editorial was steadfast in its position that many high-level scientists don't believe in global warming, and are tired of the demonization of those who speak their opinions.
"The oft-repeated claim that nearly all scientists demand that something dramatic be done to stop global warming is not true," it said. "In fact, a large and growing number of distinguished scientists and engineers do not agree that drastic actions on global warming are needed."
Right now, the Internet is buzzing with anger over the editorial. Many blogs have said that The Wall Street Journal turned down a comparable editorial written by scientists who believe in global warming. It's not known if this is true; calls to The Wall Street Journal by Design News were not returned.
But forget for a minute whether you do or don't believe in global warming. Global warming -- or "climate change," as it's now called -- is an unbelievably complex subject that's deeply understood by only a handful of people. In truth, most of us rely on conclusions from various studies, done by people we trust, to determine where we stand on the subject. But, good grief, if an opinion of distinguished scientists doesn't match our own, does it deserve scorn?
You see pretty graphs but still refuse to participate or do anything for yourself, as evidenced by your question about needing to be told. Do yourself a favor and read the literature! Start there. There's tons.
Well, we are seeing actual data plots now... Where is the one i asked for -- someone has the information. Simple chart -- sources for atmospheric CO2 for a year (or w/e) -- shown by percentage. I think it would answer a lot of questions...
I saw actual data during research projects sourced from Texas Tech, UT, NASA, and JPL. I don't have it now nor have a link since the "global warming" trade is not my job.
I know what I know based on facts I have seen and that were published about 10-12 years ago. Insulting and shouting me down only galvanize my assertions about your cause.
I see pretty graphs -but what is behind them? they look very much like the dubious "hockey stick" graph. Are they based on modeled data (i.e. ficticous) or real measurments? I see a lot of technical looking things from you - but no actual data or reasoned explanations to answer our questions.
And can you tell me how you come up with a "gloabl temperature"? There will never be a consensus if we can't agree on the basics!
You did "this"? Your compalint is that they present no data? You believe?
Have you ever tried to look anything up? Have you ever went to your local library and delved into the scientific journals kept there? Have you ever contacted a researcher for their source data? If you're dissatisfied with their data, have you ever tried to perform your own research?
I have to thank you for presenting a great example of the average denier. I don't know where you get your information but science is all about participating, and it is obvious that you have no such inclination. If you did, you would have done something more than listening to right-wing talking heads and reading right-wing blogs.
Stop being lazy and do some work. You claim to be an engineer yet have chosen to be spoon-fed denier talking points and have chosen to not do your own work, including understanding how climatologists have looked at the implications of solar activity on climate. So, how can you engage in a meanful discussion?
What I am saying, is that the sun is the primary heat source for our solar system and planet. There is evidence from other planets in our solar system that the earth's warming/cooling trends are not unique. The arbitrary decision to not consider the sun to a greater degree appears to be a suspect choice of "climatologists".
Indeed all the forcings are taken into account and the solar component, which is insignificant anyway, has been diminishing for some time.
However, less well publicised are the indirect and direct influence of aerosols mainly from poorly regulated coal burning sources which reflects sunlight and cancels a lot of the warming out. Reduce this to improve air quality in China for example, and the forcing gets even higher! This is our dilemma.
I did about 10 years ago and the temp data correlated nicely with the measured solar activity. This was, of course, from an astronomy perspective with objective data and data collectors at a limited number of sites.
My primary complaint with the whole "consesus" crowd is that they present NO DATA, just their analysis. I don't take any analysis at face value without the raw data available to back it up.
I also beleieve that their analysis is based on flawed or skewed understanding of basic physics principles. There is always room for discussion over the applicability of one principle over another, but the AGW crowd demands that we all bow at their alter instead of addressing valid complaints with their methods.
"I consider this completely valid." Environmental Committe President, International Council of Scientific Unions
"An astonishing service for humanity." Professor of Environmental Studies, University of California
"We have absolutely no time to lose." Director of Science and Technology, State of Massachusetts
This is what it says on the back cover of my copy of the dvd, "Stopping the Coming Ice Age" from 1988 -- endorsed by science (Buckminster Fuller), Hollywood (Dennis Weaver) and the music industry (Sting).
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