It’s Getting Hot in Here

I think we should reopen the discussion.  Al Gore said the debate is over, but I’m not so sure. 

I woke up this morning and 37 out of our 50 states were experiencing extreme cold weather conditions.  There has been snow in Houston and New Orleans, and it is only December 17th!  Many years, growing up in Michigan, we didn’t know if we were going to have a white Christmas.  It sure looks likely this year.

So where does global warming fit in here?  First of all, I have never been a proponent of the theory that global warming is man-made.  Could the earth be getting warmer?  Sure, but there are too many naturally-occuring factors that may contribute to put the blame squarely on our shoulders.  The earth has a history of temperature cycles that were not caused by us.

One of the myths associated with global warming is that we are producing excessive levels of carbon dioxide, which is resulting in higher temperatures.  Carbon dioxide, in fact, is a RESULT of higher temperatures and not the cause.  The oceans are the largest contributor to carbon dioxide, and there is much data that supports CO2 output goes up after it gets warmer (released through evaporation).

Another myth that is completely illogical is that we are going to be underwater because of the melting ice caps.  One of the scientists in the article I was reading compared this to adding water to a glass full of ice.  When the ice melts, does the glass overflow?  No.  My daughter was recently studying this in her Science class.  It is called the Archimedes Principle.

While we may be seeing temperatures rise slightly, we also may not.  The jury is still out on whether we have seen a real increase in temperature.  The mean temperature for the globe is the same as it was in 1980, and so is the amount of sea ice.  Historically, there have been much higher temperatures.  Greenland was given its name because it was, hmm, green.  I may be mistaken, but I believe that was before the industrial revolution (think Vikings).

I’m all for having a debate, but let’s have it.  Saying the discussion is over only alienates those who are just looking for the truth.  I say we talk about it over a hot toddy.

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