The truth about global warming

[PAH]

If they are right it is probably too late already. Far too little, far too late. De industrialisation of a fairly grand scale would probably be needed.

I predict a major boom in BTL straw huts and cart tracks.

I predict a boom in car boats. That Lotus based one the other day doesn't sound so daft after all when you're faced with the possibilty of annual floods that would cost billions if not trillions to defend against.

Maybe that's why there's so many townhouses being built with a garage at the ground level. Keeps the sofa dry.

[gingerjedi]

Indeed

Assuming you're a believer... what do you propose we do about it then?

I am of the opinion that governments around the world have no idea if GW is happening or not but they sure know how to exploit a tax cash cow when they see one.

[bogeyman]

Assuming you're a believer... what do you propose we do about it then?

I am of the opinion that governments around the world have no idea if GW is happening or not but they sure know how to exploit a tax cash cow when they see one.

A 'believer'?

I tend to form my opinion on the basis of available evidence from credible sources.

As I see it, the overwhelming majority of climatologists and scientists in related fields are sure that global warming is happening and is an effect far more rapid and extreme that the long term natural cycles of warming and cooling, and that it is MAN MADE.

They have plenty of evidence of recent temp/CO2 trends and long term past trends (ice cores from thousands of years past etc.).

On balance, I prefer to 'believe' highly skilled scientists. I don't think there is some 'agenda' or conspiracy here, or if there is, it's the 'ignore it, it will go away' propaganda from various vested interests in the oil and industrial lobbies.

Many people want not to 'believe' because they want to carry on with their lifestyle unchanged and damn the consequences - they just don't want to feel guilty about it, so they pretend it's not a problem, or a big nutty conspiracy, or worst of all 'God's Will'.

I agree that tax seems to be the only tool governments seem to apply to any problem, but that doesn't mean there isn't a problem.

[XperTest]

A 'believer'?

I tend to form my opinion on the basis of available evidence from credible sources.

As I see it, the overwhelming majority of climatologists and scientists in related fields are sure that global warming is happening and is an effect far more rapid and extreme that the long term natural cycles of warming and cooling, and that it is MAN MADE.

They have plenty of evidence of recent temp/CO2 trends and long term past trends (ice cores from thousands of years past etc.).

On balance, I prefer to 'believe' highly skilled scientists. I don't think there is some 'agenda' or conspiracy here, or if there is, it's the 'ignore it, it will go away' propaganda from various vested interests in the oil and industrial lobbies.

Many people want not to 'believe' because they want to carry on with their lifestyle unchanged and damn the consequences - they just don't want to feel guilty about it, so they pretend it's not a problem, or a big nutty conspiracy, or worst of all 'God's Will'.

I agree that tax seems to be the only tool governments seem to apply to any problem, but that doesn't mean there isn't a problem.

Well said. The sad part is the problem doesn't seem unsolvable at all, but looking at reactions in this thread (and elsewhere) it looks like we're doomed..

[PAH]

Well said. The sad part is the problem doesn't seem unsolvable at all, but looking at reactions in this thread (and elsewhere) it looks like we're doomed..

How is it solvable in realistic terms?

[bogeyman]

How is it solvable in realistic terms?

I think it is unlikely to be entirely solvable.

Probably more a matter of being able to predict what's going to happen and change whatever we can to moderate the effects.

Any kind of action on a scale that will make a real difference is unlikely. I don't think we can get out heads around it

[PAH]

Does it really matter? We'll adapt. Some will die. Most will not. That's life.

The only real threat is a rising sea level and that's not going to be overnight. Plenty of time to move elsewhere or convert their homes into submersibles. They may even decide to drain some of the oceans into the giant holes left where the oil and gas used to be.

Overall the forecast is for more rain instead of snow. No big deal, unless you live on a flood plain or valley bottom.

[gingerjedi]

Probably more a matter of being able to predict what's going to happen and change whatever we can to moderate the effects.

Which is what I originally said.

My point was there are lots of people who are only too willing to jump on the GW bandwagon with little understanding of what they are trying to tackle.

[bogeyman]

Which is what I originally said.

My point was there are lots of people who are only too willing to jump on the GW bandwagon with little understanding of what they are trying to tackle.

Whereas you, of course, have a gargantuan understanding of what we are trying to tackle, yes?

What are your qualifications in climatology, geology, physics, chemistry?

I'm just a layman in these matters myself, so tend to put my trust in papers that proper scientists publish rather than the Daily Mail letters column.

[threaded]

Maybe that's why there's so many townhouses being built with a garage at the ground level. Keeps the sofa dry.

Those types of houses are a proper pain to strengthen to withstand earthquakes, and with all this global warming we'll soon be having lots of them.