Climate Change - Fact or Fiction?

Fruitonica · 07-01-2009, 06:54 AM

I don't understand the argument that we aren't significant enough to affect the climate. Since the industrial revolution we have plainly added significantly to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it isn't hard to believe that the temperature might follow the observed pattern for almost the last million years.

Son of JayJamJah · 07-01-2009, 06:59 AM

It's a simple argument, the Earth survives and thrives through billions of years and it's hard to imagine us having an impact so great in such a relatively short period of time without any noticeable tangible evidence.

Fruitonica · 07-01-2009, 07:32 AM

Ah well, I guess I just think that belief puts too much faith in the status quo, and when we have tangible evidence it will be too late.

I'm not really a doomsday scenario person, the Earth will 'survive and thrive' but it's just going to make things less ideal for human habitation in a lot of places.

~~The Unfan~~ · 07-01-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayJamJah

It's a simple argument, the Earth survives and thrives through billions of years and it's hard to imagine us having an impact so great in such a relatively short period of time without any noticeable tangible evidence.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NASA

Climatologists (scientists who study climate) have analyzed the global warming that has occurred since the late 1800's. A majority of climatologists have concluded that human activities are responsible for most of the warming. Human activities contribute to global warming by enhancing Earth's natural greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect warms Earth's surface through a complex process involving sunlight, gases, and particles in the atmosphere. Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are known as greenhouse gases.

Oh really? Looks like people who know what they're talking about disagree.

dansmith1001 · 07-01-2009, 03:22 PM

fiction. CO2 levels have been much higher in the past and the climate changed just as dramatically before we ever came along!

Son of JayJamJah · 07-01-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Unfan

Oh really? Looks like people who know what they're talking about disagree.

I never said I'd disagree with any of that.

LoathsomePete · 07-01-2009, 03:46 PM

I believe in climate change and I believe that a century of spewing toxins into the atmosphere has had an impact on it. I think we're at the point where we are faced with three options:

1.) We enact global policy to reduce greenhouse emissions on a global level and we're able to slow down the process or stop it all together.

2.) Essentially the same as option 1, but it's too late, we're pasting the point of fixing it and we'll see some of the theorized effects take action.

3.) We continue to point the finger and waste time squabbling over who gets to say they're right. This either leads to irrefutable proof in that it exists or doesn't and half the room gets to go home with a smug feeling about themselves.

The dangers with option 3 is the possibility that it does exist and while we'll know it does, it could be too late to actually fix anything.

TheCunningStunt · 07-02-2009, 12:10 AM

Climate change is occuring.

The weather is sunny one day, raining the next here in Manchester.

Changing all of the time.

But yeah, it's something I've never really thought about. I'd imagine climate change will happen. I don't think we're the cause of it, I think it's just evolution.

sleepy jack · 07-02-2009, 12:10 AM

my head hurts

Astronomer · 07-02-2009, 12:14 AM

I read somewhere about the Earth having cycles according to what is happening on the sun.

For example, at the moment here in Australia for the last 12 years we have been experiencing serious 'drought' and everybody is all like, "Oh no, climate change is occurring that look what's happening, it's getting really hot and we're stuck in drought." BUT weather experts have come to the conclusion that Australia was like this for hundreds of years, then went through a wet stage, and now is back to 'normal' Australia weather (i.e. very hot and dry.)

I don't know if that anecdote is really relevant to this discussion or not, but I just thought that this viewpoint - of the Earth having these cycles that it goes through - is interesting. In my opinion humans really have little impact on these cycles, but it's still beneficial to try and reduce our footprint and look after the environment.

07-01-2009, 03:46 PM	#17 (permalink)
LoathsomePete Cardboard Box Realtor Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hobb's End Posts: 7,648	I believe in climate change and I believe that a century of spewing toxins into the atmosphere has had an impact on it. I think we're at the point where we are faced with three options: 1.) We enact global policy to reduce greenhouse emissions on a global level and we're able to slow down the process or stop it all together. 2.) Essentially the same as option 1, but it's too late, we're pasting the point of fixing it and we'll see some of the theorized effects take action. 3.) We continue to point the finger and waste time squabbling over who gets to say they're right. This either leads to irrefutable proof in that it exists or doesn't and half the room gets to go home with a smug feeling about themselves. The dangers with option 3 is the possibility that it does exist and while we'll know it does, it could be too late to actually fix anything. __________________ Last.FM 101 Albums That May Not Change Your Life, But I Really Like And You Might Too

07-02-2009, 12:14 AM	#20 (permalink)
Astronomer we are stardust Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 2,894	I read somewhere about the Earth having cycles according to what is happening on the sun. For example, at the moment here in Australia for the last 12 years we have been experiencing serious 'drought' and everybody is all like, "Oh no, climate change is occurring that look what's happening, it's getting really hot and we're stuck in drought." BUT weather experts have come to the conclusion that Australia was like this for hundreds of years, then went through a wet stage, and now is back to 'normal' Australia weather (i.e. very hot and dry.) I don't know if that anecdote is really relevant to this discussion or not, but I just thought that this viewpoint - of the Earth having these cycles that it goes through - is interesting. In my opinion humans really have little impact on these cycles, but it's still beneficial to try and reduce our footprint and look after the environment. __________________

07-01-2009, 06:54 AM	#11 (permalink)
Fruitonica Pale and Wan Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Aus Posts: 917	I don't understand the argument that we aren't significant enough to affect the climate. Since the industrial revolution we have plainly added significantly to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it isn't hard to believe that the temperature might follow the observed pattern for almost the last million years.

07-01-2009, 07:32 AM	#13 (permalink)
Fruitonica Pale and Wan Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Aus Posts: 917	Ah well, I guess I just think that belief puts too much faith in the status quo, and when we have tangible evidence it will be too late. I'm not really a doomsday scenario person, the Earth will 'survive and thrive' but it's just going to make things less ideal for human habitation in a lot of places.

07-01-2009, 03:22 PM	#15 (permalink)
dansmith1001 Groupie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1	fiction. CO2 levels have been much higher in the past and the climate changed just as dramatically before we ever came along!

07-02-2009, 12:10 AM	#18 (permalink)
TheCunningStunt love will tear you apart Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Manchester, UK. Posts: 5,107	Climate change is occuring. The weather is sunny one day, raining the next here in Manchester. Changing all of the time. But yeah, it's something I've never really thought about. I'd imagine climate change will happen. I don't think we're the cause of it, I think it's just evolution.