Search Helium

Home > Politics, News & Issues > Environmental Issues > Climate Change

Predicting the end of the world from global warming

by Tad Wesley

Created on: February 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

I don't think there's any real doubt that climate change is occurring. Of the ten hottest years on record (over about 180 years), 6 of those years have been since 1995.

What IS in doubt is the following:

- How much of this warming, if any, is due to human activity?
- Is this warming just a temporary "warm spell" or a long term trend with little/no end in sight?


- What are the long term consequences, if any?
- What, if anything, can humans do to alter or change these consequences?

I don't think there's any real consensus on any of the answers to these questions, and those are the ones we need answers on more than anything. There are plenty of credible hypotheses, models, and sometimes outrageous forecasts. Much is little more than outright fear mongering by scientists trying to make headlines and score grants for their research. Some is even politically motivated. There is really no way to know who to believe, even if their intentions are honest, some of their models may be flawed. We can't predict weather patterns accurately for more than a week in advance, there's no way you can convince me that some computer model will be able to tell me what the climate will be like in 100 years, or even 30.

Without knowing the causes, and the effects, and the scope, of the problem, how can you say people NEED to act? And if so, how can you know WHAT they need to DO? There are numerous possible "natural" explanations for increases in global temperatures lately, including increased solar activity, termite-based methane emissions, and countless other competing theories.

Learn more about this author, Tad Wesley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Are ads denouncing the reality of global warming effective?

Click for your side.

175096

Featured Partner

Tigerlily Foundation

Tigerlily Foundation has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Tigerlily Foundation's featured titles, pick an issue and write! You can also donate your article earnings. Share what you ...more


CONNECT WITH US

Read
our blog
Helum for writers

Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills

Join our active writing community
Helium Content Source for Publishers

Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all

Get custom content today!

INFORMATION


Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA
#