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Getting back to the global warming myth/reality debate...
I was following the thread with interest yesterday, and have picked up on it again today.
Firstly I'd like to say that a robust debate is what is needed on this topic, probably at a higher level than a forum of an astronomy website, but anyway a start is a start.
Next I'd like to declare my qualifications, a Science degree in Chemistry and a Masters in Chemistry. I have worked for about 20 years in the analysis of molecules by Mass Spectrometry, so although I understand the chemistry of the GW/CC debate, but could not declare myself an expert on the mechanics of same.
As a scientist I have an intrinsically skeptical mind. I have yet to be convinced that there is a link between the man made CO2 level increase and the temperature rise of the Earth. What I am convinced of is that these two things are happening, just not convinced of the link between the two. Unfortunately the science to prove the link is basically to disprove every other cause, that would take a long time, which we may not have. The core samples merely prove that whenever there's a temperature rise, there's a CO2 rise. Usually the temperature rise precedes the CO2 level, not sure that's the case this time.
The main problem with all of this is that the cost of doing nothing if the global warming is man made is catastrophic. The cost of doing something about it could be economically catastrophic. More significantly for us is that our (Australia's) contributions to GW are minuscule, but our impact can be massive.
The main areas that man contributes to CO2 increase are in fuel and deforestation. Most of the fuel is used for power and transportation. We, as a nation with so much vacant land and solar resources should be investing massively in solar energy conversion. If we can develop a viable solar electricity generation plan we could lead the world and then build the technology or even better licence it. The technology is out there it just needs to be developed and scaled up.
Now for the rant.
What I can't stand is the media sensationalism associated with this. Everytime the temperature gets hot it's global warming, everytime there's a drought/flood etc. it's global warming, no people that's weather. The current drought in Victoria may have something to do with GW, but I doubt it, current temerature records only go back a couple of hundred years at best, so to say the hottest day on record means absolutely nothing. The media have linked it to GW and will continue to do so as it makes good press, bad journalism but good press.
Thanks for opening up the topic Peter.
Cheers
Stuart
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