Global Warming: Pouring Cold Water On Skeptics’ Claims

Earlier this month, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report that confirmed and refined what scientists already knew: The recent global warming trend is real, it is caused primarily by human activities, and we can expect further dangerous warming of a few degrees if we don’t reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases. Despite the very high level of confidence that the IPCC placed on this assertion, climate skeptics refuse to allow themselves to be convinced by the facts. Global warming deniers — desperate for any information that might contravene the science — have latched onto this month’s colder-than-normal temperatures that have gripped much of the United States, particularly the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. In a recent headline, the Drudge Report joked, “Hearing on ‘warming of planet’ canceled because of ice storm.” Many on the right have cited the joke as actual proof that climate change isn’t occurring. The right-wing publication Newsmax.com referenced the headline to claim global warming is part of the “current media fed hysteria.” In fact, the temperature patterns we are currently experiencing are exactly what increasing greenhouse gas emissions predicts: climate destabilization. Still, many wonder why is it so cold if there’s global warming? Today’s Progress Report tells you what you need to know to counter the skeptics.

Source: Global Warming: Pouring Cold Water On Skeptics’ Claims

Cracker Boy on Seat Belts

I’ve been a commercial pilot, and I was a cop for a lot of years. I’ve investigated well in excess of 2000 traffic crashes.* I’ve taught traffic investigation — as well as tactical driving — to rookie cops. I’ve scraped children off windshields — and also adults who should have known better. I’m a rabid believer in wearing seat belts.

There are a few basic arguments against them, including the “libertarian” position that I’ll deal with last. None of them have merit when considered objectively, but many are used every day as excuses by people who simply don’t want to be bothered buckling up. Let’s look at a few.

The “Officer Said I Would Have Been Killed” excuse. … MORE>>

ENS

ARCTIC ICE RETREATING 30 YEARS AHEAD OF PROJECTIONS

BOULDER, Colorado, April 30, 2007 (ENS) – Arctic sea ice is melting much more quickly than projected by even the most advanced computer models, a new government funded study has found. Comparing actual ice observations with climate models, the scientists conclude that the Arctic could be seasonally free of sea ice as early as 2020.

http://www.ens-newswire.com

The arctic ice cap reflects a lot of heat.  What’s going to happen to the ocean currents when the North Atlantic warms and the water stops sinking?  That’s what drives the Gulf Stream and other major currents.  What will that do to fisheries worldwide — already strained by overfishing?  What will it do to the weather?  The highs that drive weather in the Northern Hemisphere form over the north pole because of the low temperatures.

It’s OK, though.  I have it on good authority that none of this is happening, and if it is, it’s OK, or the scientists will fix it…or something like that.


GREENHOUSE GAS CO2 SIDETRACKED IN OCEANS’ TWILIGHT ZONE

WOODS HOLE, Massachusetts, April 30, 2007 (ENS) – Climate experts have relied on the oceans to absorb enough of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to slow global warming, but new research by an international team of scientists shows that the oceans may have little impact on changes in the atmosphere or climate.

http://www.ens-newswire.com


FEDERAL REFUSAL OF HURRICANE AID OUTRAGES LOUISIANA GOVERNOR

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, April 30, 2007 (ENS) – Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco said today she is “disappointed and frustrated” by the refusal of the federal government to accept millions of dollars in aid and other assistance offered by U.S. allies in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

http://www.ens-newswire.com

ACCELERATING LOSS OF OCEAN SPECIES THREATENS HUMAN WELL-BEING

Current trend projects collapse of all currently fished seafoods before 2050

In a study published in the November 3 issue of the journal Science, an international group of ecologists and economists show that the loss of biodiversity is profoundly reducing the ocean’s ability to produce seafood, resist diseases, filter pollutants, and rebound from stresses such as over fishing and climate change.

The study reveals that every species lost causes a faster unraveling of the overall ecosystem. Conversely every species recovered adds significantly to overall productivity and stability of the ecosystem and its ability to withstand stresses. … SeaWeb – Press Release

QUOTE:

“I set a very bad example.”


~ GOV. JON S. CORZINE,  apologizing to the people of New Jersey 18 days after he was injured in a traffic accident in which he was not wearing a seat belt and was being driven at more than 91 miles per hour.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/01/nyregion/01corzine.html?th&emc=th

Or a very good example, depending on the point of view.