We hear a lot about the global warming crisis. We're told we're living on a planet in peril. I freely admit that I'm too ignorant to put forth an authoritative opinion on the topic of global climate change. I have no training or education in meteorology or climatology. If Global Warming is a religion, I'm an agnostic.
I know that hundreds of scientists from scores of countries have said global warming is a real threat. But I also know that science isn't determined by consensus. At one time, it was clear to all but the most feeble minds that the sun rotates around the earth. Consensus changes. But maybe the scientists of today are correct. Maybe the earth is in serious trouble. If so, now is the time to ask some very important follow-up questions.
- How cool do we want the world to be? What is the ideal temperature for the earth?
- What are the criteria for determining the ideal temperature of the earth?
- Would a modest increase in the temperature of the planet necessarily be bad? Are there any potential benefits?
- How can we ensure that efforts to stabilize the earth's temperature don't backfire, resulting in a larger than intended drop in the earth's average temperature?
- At what temperature would the earth be too cold?
- Can we be sure that reductions in CO2 emissions will result in a significant and helpful change in temperatures?
- What if industrial and automotive CO2 emissions are cut to nearly zero and the earth continues to warm...what do we do then?
- How long should humans try to control the world's average temperature?
B. For the next thousand years?
C. Forever?
B. 80 percent?
C. 95 percent?
- Can we be absolutely confident that global climate changes aren't mostly the result of that giant fireball in the sky, you know, the sun?
- Scientists are very good at using statistical analysis to calculate certainty. Approximately how certain are we that we have the correct answers to global warming questions?
B. 80 percent?
C. 95 percent?
- Isn't it necessary to answer the questions above before we try to fashion solutions?
Someone who understands global warming, please provide answers.
More:
Two hundred whales prayerfully wait for the results of global warming.
Thinking globally but not clearly?
Global Warming? Hot Air.
Let Cooler Heads Prevail.
Is Global Warming Always Bad?
Global Warming? Bring it On!
