Common Sense wrote:

On the other issue, the entire climate change situation has become politicized, which I hate. Those on the right, and those on the left hang out in “echo chambers”, listening to those with similar world views refusing to believe anything else could be true.

Is that something that you agree with?

Instead of jumping on whether climate change is manmade or not, the impact of the article is how people use things incorrectly to make a point. 

I agree with the article on that aspect wholeheartedly which I believe is the point he was trying to make. 


 

Good comments.
I've read a great deal about this issue. I can state with certainty:
There is a scientific consensus that the earth is warming rapidly compared to historic patterns.
That the cause is human industrial activity.
It will result in changes in climate that will challenge agriculture and coastal areas.

Models also predict, with a lower level of confidence that the western US will become more arid.
There is a great deal of controversy as to whether climate change will lead to more extreme weather events.

I think that more extreme weather events will occur, but it's kinda beside the point. If a typical hurricane should occur when the sea level is 8 inches higher than it is now, there will be more damage. If a typical drought occurs against a backdrop of a drier west, the consequences will be more severe.

Tennyson is correct in that we need the best info available. The right has a horrible record in this regard.

The Man asks the $64,000 question: What are you going to do about it?
I have two very broad answers.
First, the climate is going to change, you cannot stop it. So put more effort into being ready for it as far as coastal area planning, and drought planning.

Secondly, let's blunt the effects. Look to ways to cap the rise in CO2. This will require switching to renewable energy sources and other innovations. And, as the man observed, it's going to take some agreements with the other powers on the globe, such as China and India.

Let's at least recognize the problem.

Yes, indeed, One should always look at all available information on things like this. 
And, If you are going to look at CO2 emissions and make some sort of judgment as to how it relates to Climate change then you have to look at global CO2 emissions.







AND, you should look at the longest time frame possible.






Then you should look at Global temps over the same time period as best you can.







Then look at sources by region.



And, lest you think that the above graph suggests that the US is not a key player in this problemhttp://www.energytrendsinsider.com/2012/07/02/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-facts-and-figures/

http://climatechange.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=003800



Graph # 4 shows the importance of reaching agreements with other nations, as the man and I have alluded to.

Graph #5 shows per capita emissions. It suggests two things to me. First, if Asia, with its huge population, increases their per capita CO2 production until it mirrors US production it will significantly exacerbate the problem we face.

Secondly, there is the political aspect. We cannot keep our per capita CO2 production as high as it is and expect nations such as India or China to decrease their emissions. It is a political non starter.  The US could be a much cleaner player. We will have to be

Last edited by Goose (5/30/2015 5:18 am)

Here is one chart that shows what is happening worldwide. 



China is on a mission to curb its CO2 emissions as it has quickly become the worlds largest contributor to the pollution problem as it has industrialized. Even with their efforts, IF the Chineese start using cars like other developed countries, even the current efforts may not be enough. With prosperity and development sometimes come these environmental consequences.