Science and Society

And getting much hotter, too! Isn't the scientific process a method whereby one creates an hypothesis, runs experiments to test that hypothesis, observes what happens in those experiments, records the data in an objective manner, and then analyzes the data to support or discredit the hypothesis? (I know this is a simplified explanation, but I think it adequately describes the scientific method.) It seems that both sides are trying to support a conclusion by finding facts which fit the conclusion and discarding or ignoring other facts. Rep. Waxman does himself no favors by cherry-picking certain reports to support the assertion that the current administration has been interfering, and neither does Marlo Lewis in disregarding other reports. It might be better for all concerned for a statistically-valid survey to be conducted of climate scientists to verify if political interference has indeed occurred, and how widespread it is. Otherwise, this entire process becomes an exercise in futility.

I have a feeling no one knows what they are talking about when "global warming" is discussed. We are miniscule part of this solar system. The sun is doing what it has done for millions and millions of years - what it has to do is change what materials it makes to generate the heat we receive. When one looks at the change in temperatures one would find there is a twelve year cyle between cold and warm. Green house gases is generated and liberated from our planet 24/7. There exists a carbon dioxide vent in the high Sierras of size near twenty inches in diameter of unknown pressure releasing the gas probably twice that of what is generated by what we are doing in the United States not to include what is jettisoned during volcanic eruptions. I feel we do not contribute enough to change what nature is doing and have done in the past.

I way I see it, the bottom line is this: The world's climate is changing. Why? There is not a clear-cut answer to that question yet. However, as history has shown us, and science tells us, adapt and change or “go the way of the buffalo” as they used to say. Yes, ocean levels may rise, low-level land might flood, and temperatures may increase. Therefore, you buy a boat, move to higher ground and purchase shorts. However, the buffalo did come back and hope can be found. This earth and its natural forces are so much bigger than man is, and there is hope in that. Nature will right itself, Man will get it figured out, or we will be all wearing shorts. It is not the end of the world whichever way.

Ok. So we don't know yet the exact extent of mankind's contribution to Global Warming. We may be 20% to 80% of the problem. What we do know is that Global Warming is as near fact as science can determine, with the preponderance of credible and expert scientists weighing in with study after study confirming this.
Personally, the consequences of global warming are so dire, I don't think we have the luxury of just sitting back and hoping, with our layman opinions, that if we just ignore this, it will all go away, or that another convenient natural climate cycle will turn around and change the combined scientific community's opinion.
This is one place where understanding just how small we are in this planet and universe can lead to the wrong conclusion - in my opinion ;-)

Bowanne, you are correct that most people don't know what they are talking about when discussing global warming. It is an extremely complex and non-intuitive science. However, there are some people who do know what they are talking about: the thousands of climate scientists around the world who have studied this full-time for decades. They are nearly unanimous in saying that we are causing climate change. I think I will believe them rather than your "feeling" that "we do not contribute enough to change what nature is doing." We do.

Can we get passed this so-called debate now and just fix the problem?

P.S. The American Enterprise Intstitute is now offering money to anyone that will help them try to refute the work of all of the world's climate scientists:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/story/0,,2004399,00.html

Jock and all others: I thank you for the comment of which I thought I would gain by writing to global warming. I know and experience the six or seven year change in temperature as I see in animals and fish I hunt and gather. The animals and fish come and go on a six or seven year cycle at half of the peak to peak cold or warm experienced by earth. I was saying this is not our doing but what nature is offering to us. We do not have any influence on this and cannot change this. The vent I mentioned in the Sierras is one known vent and I am sure there are others doing the same thing in the North American Continent. I thank you for your comments.

Jock, thank you for responding. I'm glad you believe them rather that my feelings. I know from experience that animals and fish are on a six or seven year cycle as compared to the warming and cooling of twelve years. I mentioned there exist at least one vent spewing carbon dioxide of quantities possibly exceeding at least what we generate and add to the atmosphere. I'm sure there are others. Nature is doing what it has to do and we don't have any control over it - "global warming". Besides we don't contribute enough to say we could control what is happening. Thanks