To the Glacial and Quaternary Geologist, it is known as an interglacial period. It has happened before at the end of each Glacial period. It has happened before man was invented and lived on Earth. The Earth came through it each time with only modest changes in its Geology and Biology.
Some would have us believe that warming is a new and unique phenomenon - it is not. Some would have us believe that it is the product of human activity. If that were true then this would never have happened before - but it has - several time in recent Geologic history.
Some would have us believe that CO2 is responsible. This is a result of studies of the planet Venus that concluded that its heat is due to the greenhouse effect. To extrapolate those results to the Earth requires some pretty heavy assumptions and is the stuff of interesting debate but not conclusive evidence. Certainly not strong enough evidence to reduce society to the stone age again as is being touted by some zealots.
THE ERROR OF OUR WAYS: We cannot expect to actually control CO2 production by humans when we cannot control their reproduction or any other substantial aspect of their lives. The current trends will continue and accelerate in spite of all efforts.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP OURSELVES: The lessons of Katrina and Rita are clear - Build Levees, Raise houses, move towns, develop civil defense - oops! homeland security plans and facilities, stockpile resources, invest in the future.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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