Since everyone agrees on the science of climate change: should we manage or attempt to stop the problem?

Question

Since everyone (by everyone I mean 3000 top scientists in the world, all major atmospheric scientists, George Bush, 86 Evangelical leaders, NASA, and everyone with the training to evaluate the science) accepts that the evidence clearly supports both that global warming is happening and that it is caused by humans; we need to start debating actually what we should commit most of our funds. Should we manage the problem? Sea walls, expanded programs to those displaced by global warming, etc. Or should we attempt to stop the problem? Cuts in CO2 and other greenhouse gasses.

We have limited resources, and although it is not a choice where we can only choose one, we should pick one to focus most of our energies on.

www.ipcc.ch
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=11107
http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/global_warming_worldbook.html
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5194527

Answer 1

Both. Without defenses then nature will destroy our attempts at cutting CO2, without cutting CO2 then our defenses will be overwhelmed. It's going to need a LOT of money and commitment - something people aren't willing to give at the moment, and may not be willing until the changes are so undeniable it may be too late.

If we're only to choose one then I'd say defenses first - you need to have a good solid base to attack from. Defenses may only take a few years to construct, but weaning ourselves off carbon will take decades.

Answer 2

First of all, not everyone agrees (that 3000 scientists claim is a complete lie) that humans are the cause.

Second, obviously the climate changes all the time (there use to be an ice age), and has been doing so for billions of years before humans existed.

Third, CO2 levels have been drastically higher in the past when the Earth was cooler.

Fourth, other planets in the solar system are warming as well as Earth, and there are no humans on them.

Fifth, the hottest temperatures recorded in human history were in the middle ages, centuries before the industrial revolution.

There is no evidence to support the theory that humans have any affect on the global climate. Anyone that says otherwise is wrong.

The climate is always going to fluctuate, and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it except to adapt as best we can.

Answer 3

Not everyone agrees , just because you do and also having people that agree with you. But anyway, what to do , I always found it funny that anyone would think that we could reduce our emmision by 1% and that would make any difference.

The only thing that can be done if it is/does become a big problem is adapt. Walls , people move to different areas etc..

Answer 4

You are living in a fantasy world thinking there is ANY agreement on this subject.