quote:Originally posted by zippadeedoodah:
Again, let's be sure we're debating the same topic. There is general consensus that the mean global temperature is increasing about .4 degrees per decade. If this continues for a century it will result in a 4 degree increase in the temperature. It is not certain that it will continue to increase for a century.
Thank you, Zip. Sometimes I feel like I'm preaching to a deaf congregation.
For the most part, yes, that is the current consensus as best I can tell. The jury is out on the causes and mitigating factors. It seems that a new theory on "tipping points" and causes and effects come out every day but no one in their right mind declares that the globe is getting warmer - except for our resident deniers.
quote:What continues to be in contention is the part human civilization plays in this little drama.
Well, not. Not really. Not in this thread. I think the majority consensus is that GW is man made but readily (and frequently) admit that there is abundant evidence for other causes.
quote:We're not even completely convinced if the CO2 levels are causing GW, or are caused by GW. It's still debated.
Yup. I've stated that a few times here as well. But, as I've stated a few times, there certainly is a correlation between CO2 and temps. CO2 levels are certainly much, much higher than they have been in millions of years. I've also stated that correlation doesn't necessarily mean causation.
But IF CO2 levels DO induce temp increases, then we may have a serious problem. May. Might. Ignoring that the data exists is certainly dangerous.
quote:Okay, assume it is caused by human civilization. How is a significant economic dislocation to the United States going to significantly impact the amount of CO2 going into the GLOBAL atmosphere, when countries of much weaker development and no environmental regulation continue to pour gigatons of crap into the air?
Beyond my pay grade, Zip. I really, honestly don't have an opinion. I tend to side with the people that say there's not a damm thing we can do about it because the tipping point happened years ago. But I just don't know. I'm a defender of science, not politics - in this issue, anyway.
quote:Let's face it, the US has the ONLY economy that can provide what this planet needs in the coming centuries. We should think long and hard before we kill it.
We can provide the leadership when it is necessary. The solution, if any is offered, will need to be a global one.
But, again, I'm not convinced this whole GW thing is necessarily a bad thing. To deny that is even exists is at least illogical and perhaps even dangerous.
Agreed again.