Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2000 11:26:19 EDT From: Biodan@aol.com To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg1262$foo@default> Subject: Re: Global Warming
Guys, guys!...
"None of the people who responded to my post really disagree with what
I wrote. I didn't say that car emissions do not contribute to the
creation of "greenhouse gasses", only that they are a minor
contributor. We all agree that there is no conclusive evidence
regarding the human role in global warming. All there is is
projections based on computer models. Debating this further is a
debate of THEORIES. So we can all draw what conclusions we may from
the available data.
My position is that I am not willing to give up ANY of my legal rights
or to change my lifestyle, based on someone's unproved theories,
whether anyone likes it or not. To those who have a problem with my
delivery or style, I yam how I yam, and I don't stay up nights because
someone may be offended or not like me."
Michael, Michael, Michael!!!!
It sounds as if you've sunk to the quasiscientific level of laymen!
To the layperson, a theory is only a guess based upon some
observations or perceptions gleaned from limited, and often
anecdotal information. To a scientist, a theory is the best answer
to a problem given the information known from testable data. It
takes years for a true theory to be formed. It is then tested,
retested, modified and maybe, just maybe, it will become a
scientific law. To say that global warming or humanity's effects on
the atmosphere are overstated or wrong is like those creationists
who are also evidently ignorant of true scientific date and
theories. Scientific theories ARE proven - but are subject to
change as new discoveries are made.
Our planet's biosphere exists mainly from the greenhouse effect.
This is effected by water vapor, carbon dioxide, particulate, and
yes, even methane from the south end of a north bound cow (although
you had this wrong - termites actually produce more than all other
animals combined). However, with the advent of the industrial age
in the 19th century, the natural greenhouse effect began to be
'enhanced' to the point that in the 70s we noticed a greater
increase than predicted. This we call global warming. The only
difference between this past century and Earth's past is the
inordinate and unnatural combustion of fossil fuels. So,
researchers checked their data, did boucoup experiments,
double-checked their data, argued and discussed with peers and
colleagues, and ultimately figured out that: YES!!! global warming
is caused by humanity's activities - primarily deforestation and
fossil fuel combustion!!! No, we're not offended by your stance,
just by the apparent lack of actual scientific
understanding/background for some of your statements. Like I tell
my students - you can have an opinion and share it with those who
want to listen, but if you can't logically back it up, it ain't
worth nothin'!
Dan
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