Post by theintended on Jan 30, 2013 11:13:53 GMT -5
It is very widely accepted among the scientific community that the rise in average temperature since the Industrial Revolution cannot be explained by natural causes.
“One more year of numbers isn’t in itself significant,” GISS climatologist Gavin Schmidt said. “What matters is this decade is warmer than the last decade, and that decade was warmer than the decade before. The planet is warming. The reason it’s warming is because we are pumping increasing amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.”
I don't think this is something to have an opinion on.
I listen to scientific research and evidence.
The vast majority of the scientific community will tell you that it's real, and it's happening, and has very real consequences that we're seeing right here, right now. I honestly believe the few that say it's debatable are on the payroll of large corporations who have a lot to lose in the short term if we enact stricter emissions and environmental protection laws.
Regardless of whether someone believes it was "caused by us", that's not an excuse to say we don't need to do anything to try and protect our natural resources. Greenhouse gas emissions and methane build up from landfills are certainly not helping the problem. I think it's dangerous and negligent to say that our actions haven't had a major impact on our climate, our land, and our water.
I think the earth goes through phases, i.e. the ice age. So part of me wonders if part of it is a natural cycle. Part of me also believes part of it may be caused by humans. But I really have no done enough research myself to have a strong feeling one way or another.
Agree with PP. It might be natural, it might be caused by humans, it might be both. To me it doesn't matter. We have to take care of the planet. To say that we don't have to change anything because it might not be our fault is short-sighted and selfish. We can't control the amount of energy put out by the sun, but we can sure as shit control our actions. I don't want to continue the status quo until it gets so bad that we can no longer help the situation.
Post by maddiepaddy on Jan 30, 2013 12:17:48 GMT -5
I believe in global warming because its documented and supported by boatloads of scientific research. And, yes, I believe that we're contributing to it. I suppose its possible that there is a natural cycle happening too, but how can all the CO2 we pump into the atmosphere be harmless? It is insane that this has become a partisan issue - we should all care about what condition we leave the planet in for future generations. It won't kill anyone for us all to use some freaking CFL bulbs, support alternative energy, recycle, etc....
I'm with the scientists. I get annoyed when people with no education or training on my technical specialty, so I won't try to second guess the 98% of experts in that field.
My guess is fairly uneducated on the subject. I think it's a combination of the climate adjusting naturally, with a slight impact caused by us.
ETA: When I was in Iceland a little over a year ago climbing a glacier, I remember our guide saying: "glaciers come and go, they have for all of time, so we can't blame all melting ice on humans, not even the ice you're scaling right now".
I think Mother Nature is largely going to do what she is going to do. Humans have a responsibility to take care of the earth and minimize impact, but I'm really not certain how much big SUVs are really making an impact on weather trends. And I hate how there can be so much media guilt on things like leaving a lightbulb on in your house too long or driving a big car, when we've implemented things like 24hr Walmarts with huge energy costs or driving supplies cross country; big industry never seems to take the blame when they have as much responsibility for choices as individuals do.
Agree with PP. It might be natural, it might be caused by humans, it might be both. To me it doesn't matter. We have to take care of the planet. To say that we don't have to change anything because it might not be our fault is short-sighted and selfish. We can't control the amount of energy put out by the sun, but we can sure as shit control our actions. I don't want to continue the status quo until it gets so bad that we can no longer help the situation.
I don't need to know the reasons. I know that living in harmony with the earth and it's creatures is the healthiest thing for all involved. So I try to minimize my impact simply becuase I like nature and want there to be plenty left for my kids, possible grandkids, and myself in my old age to enjoy.
We had a thunderstorm and 60 degree weather yesterday morning. Today most of my office is out because we had a snow storm and schools were cancelled. Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 11 degrees.
Tell me there isn't something seriously fucked up with our weather right now? It wasn't like this when I was a kid (or even a few years ago).
I do believe there are patterns over the history of the world. I strongly suspect we are causing/contributing to this pattern, though.
I don't think this is something to have an opinion on.
I listen to scientific research and evidence.
The vast majority of the scientific community will tell you that it's real, and it's happening, and has very real consequences that we're seeing right here, right now. I honestly believe the few that say it's debatable are on the payroll of large corporations who have a lot to lose in the short term if we enact stricter emissions and environmental protection laws.
Regardless of whether someone believes it was "caused by us", that's not an excuse to say we don't need to do anything to try and protect our natural resources. Greenhouse gas emissions and methane build up from landfills are certainly not helping the problem. I think it's dangerous and negligent to say that our actions haven't had a major impact on our climate, our land, and our water.
I need to figure out first if I believe in this gravity theory that scientists keep trying to shove down my throat.
(hug)lahoagie (hug2)
Yes, that and the whole thing about being related to monkeys. As someone else said scientist are not debating this fact talk show hosts are. The world does have cycles but not dramatic enought to see in a human lifetime.
Global warming is clearly occurring. 98% of climate scientists agree that this is due to human actions. The research is not inconclusive at all.
We can debate what steps we should or should not take to combat climate change, but debating if it is actually occurring is a distraction.
This. I don't see how it's existence--or the fact that it is due at least in part to human actions--is a matter of opinion or a subject for political debate.
I'm with the 98% of climate scientists, too. I suppose anyone can have an opinion on anything but for many situations - including this one - opinions can be wrong.
Naomi Orestes' book Merchants of Doubt is a really interesting read on how those with interests in continuing fossil fuel production/use were able to create the debate in the media. Turns out some of the global warming naysayers are actually the very same people who created doubt about the link between cigarettes and cancer. Must be nice to be an expert in such widely different areas!
(What really happened is they were paid big bucks to put their stamp on fake science.)