Does it really matter which side of the Man-made global warming theory debate you’re on? It makes for fascinating reading, but I don’t think it does matter. What IS important is that, global warming aside, there is clear evidence that Man as a species is tearing up his planet. We have devised bigger and better and faster ways to destroy a rain forest, or to poison an ocean. Being the lovers of luxury and bowing to our desire for iPhones, music-on-demand, SUVs, and fossil fuels, we’re inherently lazy.
You don’t have to choose a side of the debate. Forget about Al Gore’s Nobel Peace Prize and what your personal feelings are about that. Do what you can, personally, at home to start cleaning things up. Recycle, reuse, get a hybrid, use alternate sources. That’s what matters; your own action or inaction. Watch the video below and give me your thoughts.
I must give credit to Some Go Softly for having pointed out this video to me.
I believe being good stewards of our planet is important. However, the debate about man-made global warming has become much larger. The science surrounding this discussion is still in its infancy. For example,scientist don’t understand how or why clouds form. They do know that clouds play a huge role in our climate. However, because they don’t know how they form, they don’t know how to predict how they form. Because of that, every global climate model is suspect. If you can’t accurately model clouds, how accurate can your model be?
I think people should conserve and recycle. However, I get frustrated when politicians attempt to pass laws based on global warming. Without the science, it is just politicians attempting to control your life.
The problem with hybrid cars is simply that they’re supposed to be “good for the environment” but are less fuel-efficient, which makes them worse.
What I would say is rather than using hybrid cars it’s far more important for people to actually ask themselves whether they need to use their car for a particular journey. Far too many of us drive when we could so very easily walk, and when the weather is bright and sunny there’s no really excuse to choose driving over walking.
The video is good, I have to say it made me think, but I would say it has a flaw in its thinking. The presumption is that if we act to stop Global Warming we will lessen the impact of it (that’s the main argument in favour of column A) but I can see a scenario where the column B outcome happens regardless of what we do. If the second row boxes were both identical (which is what I’d say is more accurate) then column B actually becomes the better choice.
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You and MP have some excellent points. It seems like modern life has become so complicated that it is easy to forget what is important. Once a year I read “Walden Pond” and take “simplify, simplify” to heart.
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As I am not a driver, Mr. President, I will concede the point on the hybrid cars. I only know a little of what I’ve heard about them and that they are supposed to be “good for the environment.”
I’d agree with doing what you can. For example I use energy-saving lightbulbs and rechargeable batteries. I re-use shopping bags and recycle my newspapers. None of this is particularly hard and is not only better for the environment but in many cases better for the back pocket.
Where I disagree with you is hybrid cars. At this point in time the technology is by and large, useless. Most hybrid cars weigh more on account of having more than one engine, and simple physics will tell you it requires more fuel to move a heavier object.
Toyota claim that the Prius gets 70mpg. This is probably true…if you live in the 1950s. Working on modern roads, with the modern traffic levels we have it’s closer to 40-45mpg. The EPA claimed the Prius was the most fuel efficient car in the US (according to newly revised testing procedures, I might add). Then they suddenly claimed it was the Insight. They really haven’t got a clue.
The demand for biofuels is pushing food prices through the roof. Milk, for example, has rocketted in price because it’s costing farmers more to feed their herd. I am all for “doing our bit” but I draw the line at where it starts making food more expensive.
That, I think, is where the importance of whether Global Warming is man-made or not comes in. If our impact is only as small as some scientists say, or if those who say we’re destined for global cooling in the medium-term are right, then it becomes a cost-benefit analysis.
There’s no point paying higher food prices if it won’t make any difference to the environment. Especially as it may mean more people live in poverty. We have to decide which is more important and to that end it really does matter how much impact we’re having on Global Warming.
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