Global warming, scare mongering, and untold volumes of ignorance
I don’t disbelieve in global warming. Not exactly. I don’t put much credibility in most of the frantic scare mongering that’s becoming more and more prevalent in the last few years. I suppose it’s human nature, to blow things out or proportion, fear the unknown, and–most deplorably–take advantage of the fear of others. I’m looking at you Al Gore.
Perhaps that’s a bit unfair. I don’t know Al. He may be genuine, and totally believe most of the crap he’s spewing. At best his movie is socially irresponsible, just as any other propaganda is. Yes, I just called what is being lauded as a public service movie as socially irresponsible. Why? Because despite the intent it does what even the basest marketing firm will do, it uses human suffering to try and push its agenda.
Again, let me emphasize that I do believe the Earth is undergoing climate change. I do believe we’re feeling a warming trend right now, at least the appearance of one. I don’t agree with Gore’s methods, or many of the more alarmist climatologists decrying the end of the world.
The crux of the matter is, we’re damned ignorant. Climate is a fascinating study, and a lot can be learned from studying trends in localized areas, or correlating global data. However–even today–there are so many nuances lost to us, so many details we don’t understand. I appreciate arrogance, but a lot of this is just silly. I am all for climate study. I think more should be spent on observing our effects on the environment, making sure we can keep from killing ourselves, etc. I don’t think any of us have a truly firm grasp on our impact on the global climate yet, and I am absolutely positive many of the alarmists are simply using dire possibilities to further their own ends.
This is nothing new. I remember reading and researching on the topic in the mid 90’s when I first started catching wind of… well… the ill wind. I just ran across another article outlining a lot of things I’ve seen before, but it’s a nice comprehensive look at some of the things that have been done on the subject. Check it out.
Climate chaos? Don’t believe it
Confidence is good, but it’s foolish to assume we have a grasp on a system so large when we are probably only about halfway there. We should definitely continue to study and watch, but calm down! I have great faith in humanity’s ability to create, and to survive. Here’s a clever solution should the worst predictions become true.
Comment by James — November 24, 2006 @ 1:57 pm
Watch out… you and I share a very unpopular opinion.
I’ve been threatened, as well as called every name in the book because I somehow don’t agree I’m facing the end of the world.
My favorite was this one comment I received telling me that I had a SEVERE Character Flaw and needed to seek help.
That one actually made me laugh.
Good post!