Global Warming, Is it an Inconvenient Truth?

We are told that Global Warming is a fact, and that in the next few years The ice pack will melt with disastrous consequences. As proof, statistics are quoted indicating that 2003 was the warmest year in history. The shrinking of the polar icecap, is cited as further proof.

We are told that as a result of this global warming, if action is not taken to stop it, polar bears will be extinct by 2025. The water level in the ocean will rise by possibly as much as 1-2 feet. flooding huge areas of costal plain and reducing or eliminating vast areas of farm land. The warming climate will cause reduced rainfall, resulting in much of the earth becoming desert.

The cause of this warming trend is believed to be the increased emmissions of so-called greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from cars, factories, and other fuel burning applications. The solution is a cessation most use of carbon fuels worldwide to reduce the levels of these gases. The proof of the cause is that the levels of hydrocarbons in glaciers is much higher in newer ones than in those of several hundred thousand years old.

As a result, a concerted effort to unite all nations to combat this situation has been mobilized. Every effort is being exerted coerce uninvolved nations to become part of the effort. The biggest problem is getting emerging economies to decide they'd rather remain in poverty.

Back in the 1960's a hole in the ozone layer was discovered. the hole was growing at an alarming rate, allowing heat to escape from thae atmosphere. If allowed to continue, the earth would continue to cool, causing huge areas to become unproductive. The polar icecaps would grow, causing the ocean to lower and rainfall to decrease as more and more was frozen. By 2000, the climatic change could well cause the loss of many tropical species. The cause of the problem was that the refrigerants in use at that time were causing depletion of the ozone layer. Does this sound familiar?

Historically, such claims as Global Warming have occurred from time to time. Always, It has been decreed that a specified action must be taken. Unfortunately, some of the solutions have produced worse results than the problem they were to prevent. Others have served only to make their proponents rich. The ozone layer depletion is a case in point.

About 1970-71 a program was begun to eliminate those harmful refrigerants, replacing them with less harmful versions worldwide. Some were banned immediately, while others were to be phased out over the next 30-40 years. in the meantime, observation of the ozone hole was to be continued to determine if faster action was required. The program has continued, and this year, another of the newer refrigerants is to be eliminated, making it essential to replace existing units. Chemical companies and equipment manufacturers have made a killing.

By 1980, It was determined that the hole in the ozone layer expanded and contracted with changes in temprature of the atmosphere, and that those changes while dramatic, did not infact indicate changes in the amount of ozone present. The refrigerants had no effect on the ozone layer. The situation has continued to be monitored and no overall change in the ozone layer has ever been observed. Nevertheless, we continue to follow the guidelines laid down because of the depletion of the ozone problem.

Temperaturs and rainfall levels across the United States began to be recorded systematically about 1950, partly as a result of the dustbowl. Many areas around the world do not have systematic records even at the present time. Nevertheless, proponents of Global warming insist that the records show that 2003 was the warmest year since 1950. As i examined their data, I discovered that While 2003 did appear to average approximately one half degree warmer than the temperature in 1950, no records were available for prior years. In addition, of all the years since 1950, only 2003 was higher, and while there had ben a gradual upward trend,from about 1980, there had ben acorresponding downward trend from 1950 until about 1980. The overall temperature average had fluctuated less than 2 degrees. No margin of error was given. At least 2 years since 2003 have been lower than 2003. and I have not seen 2007 or 2008 figures.

One year ago, galacial melting revealed some farms in northern Europe which had not been seen since about 1740. This implies that some time prior to 1740, the area had been enough warmer for a considerable time that the area could be farmed. It is not the first time it has been that warm.

The measures greenhouse gases in glaciers is far less exact than commonly supposed, especially as they tend to escape over time. and determining the age of a layer of ice is very imprecise.

Before we decide global warming is a fact, and take vigorous action. we need to review whether it is in fact scientific, or mere hyperbole. The money devoted to solving it might well be better spent on other things, including the economic crisis.