For all you skeptics about global warming...?

Question

Do you still do stuff that might reduce CO2 emissions? If not, why? Haven't you heard better safe than sorry? Would it really kill you to make small changes in your daily lives? I mean, what if you are wrong and global warming does persist? Won't you feel kind of stupid when the whole world is flooding? I know what you're thinking...what if global warming ISN'T real? Well, reducing CO2 in the air isn't going to kill you, will it? Just think about it...

Answer 1

You make a good point. However attacking skeptics will do nothing to further our cause. Education and assistance is what you need to offer not criticisms. suggest ways to change and lead by example. Thanks

Answer 2

Reducing CO2 could actually kill us. CO2 is one of the primary nutrients that plant-life gets from the atmosphere (followed closely by nitrogen). Increasing levels of CO2 have been shown to measurably increase the rate of growth in plants.

Most recent research is also indicating that CO2 is not a cause of warming, but a lagging indicator. Increasing temperature helps the oceans (the primary sink for CO2) volatilize CO2, so the temperature increase precedes the CO2 increase (usually by a couple of hundered years).

Global warming is real, but it is a natural process that if past warming periods are an indication, should be a period of human growth and prosperity (as was seen during the Roman Warming Period and the Medieval Warming Period).

If you want to get some answers based on actual research instead of political agendas go to this site:

http://www.sitewave.net/news/

Answer 3

There are things I do that will reduce CO2 emissions, but that is not why I do them.

I use high efficiency light bulbs because they save energy and also money (I worked out the savings myself, and at least for me, they do).

I use wind power for a portion of my household electricity use. This cost me more, but it does reduce the overall consumption of fossil fuels and thus, reduces the need for imports. To me this is an issue of national security.

I am under no illusions, however, that these steps, even if adopted by everyone, will have any significant effect on global warming. Historical trends indicate that the average global temperature will probably max out at about 3.0 deg. C higher than current values no matter what we do. So, I prefer to use my resources to get ready for the change, not to try and stop it.

Answer 4

I'm with Biz Iz on this one. It has been shown that the globe has warmed over the last 125 years, to me it is the cause that is in doubt.

I do try to conserve, though. It makes economic sense. The lower your energy usage, the lower your energy bills, the more money in your pocket. It just so happens that saving money lowers CO2 emissions.

To reduce our energy expenses, we got rid of our 2nd car 4 years ago.

We have not used the heat or AC since we moved to San Diego from the Midwest. I am amazed how many people use the heat when it is below 55 degrees. The natives out here think that is cold.

To me, the environmental movement is not changing a significant number of minds because they are so strident in their efforts to scare people into believing that catastrophe is just around the corner. This argument just is not effective.

Most people can be swayed by a simpler cast/benefit argument that would highlight the monetary savings of being more energy efficient. People are ALWAYS looking to save money on expenses.

Answer 5

While I do agree the right thing to do is to protect our environment, there are more skeptics every day about this whole global warming hype.

A recent article in the New York Times has even asked Al Gore to stop all the hype:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/13/science/13gore.html?_r=1&oref=slogin That same article talks about Al Gore's claim that the oceans could rise 20 feet is exaggerated by 18.08 FEET! The latest UN study on the subject says the seas could rise a MAXIMUM of 23 inches. Al was only 18.08 FEET off. That, my freind IS hype...

If you look up any global temperature chart on the net, you'll find the earth's temperature has only increased by about 6/10 of one degree (C) - that's 1.1 degree (F), in the last 125 years. So yes, the globe is warming up, but it's not overheating like some would have you to believe. http://data.giss.nasa.gov:80/gistemp/2005/2005cal_fig1.gif

The latest research shows that the methane from cows and pigs is a major factor in the increase of "heat trapping gas". It's actually 23 times more potent as a heat trapping gas than is carbon dioxide. http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/climate-change/science/other_gases According to the newest UN report on Global Warming, "Livestock are responsible for 18 per cent of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together." http://news.independent.co.uk:80/environment/article2062484.ece

So if Al Gore and all the alarmists really want to do something about climate change, they MUST become vegetarians and shut down cow and pig farms. I mean seriously, if they truly believe that global warming is as disastrous as they are preaching then they need to stop eating meat, period! I doubt that will happen. If not, then they are the hypocrites that some of us already suspect they are.

Also Al Gore preaches to you to conserve, but he does not practice it himself. He uses 20 times more energy in his Nashville mansion than the national average. http://www.tennesseepolicy.org/main/article.php?article_id=367
One thing he has not learned is that you MUST practice what you preach... at some point you will get caught as he has.

Answer 6

As someone who does not doubt the fact of global warming in the recent past (but does doubt our predictive ability to determine future warming, as well as the concept that man is primarily responsible), I still try to conserve energy (and thus CO2 emissions) for several reasons:

1. It is economically wise to reduce one's expenses where possible
2. We will not have fossil fuels available forever, so we need to reduce our consumption to give humanity a longer time to devise alternative sources and improve such technology

Answer 7

You're right of course. However, don't get the idea that we can stop global warming. Global warming is a *natural* cycle that's been happening to the Earth for many millions of years. By following the ideas you expouse we can only decrease its severity. It's gonna happen no matter what we do or don't do.

Answer 8

Do what u want to the plants has taken care of the CO2 problem go measure it.
The methane what did u do with it,I cannot find it.
If the gas is not there neither is global warming.

Answer 9

And wouldn't you feel kind of stupid when it's just the earth changing naturally on its own as it has for millions of years? Maybe it's just getting ready for the next dominant species. Maybe it won't matter what man does to or for the planet.

Answer 10

Lets all just look for the asteroid thats going to turn the planet into ash , its on its way you know .