The Reality: Global warming has been in the news so long you would think everyone would be fed up with the debate. What’s interesting is that it remains the top environmental issue, not pollution, over population, deforestation, extinction, or any other topic. Earth has been though countless warming and cooling stages, and life adapted, and life will adapt in this cycle as well. Certainly there is an anthropogenic factor in this cycle, but that point is too often overstated. Additionally, warming could have benefits, although costal areas and polar bears may suffer. Politicians of course see this as a way to enlist support from a large group of irate citizens that may be more fanatic than realistic. It is also a way to keep people focused on an issue that is far less crucial than poisoning the air, land, and water with toxins which are far more likely to be a death warrant to all life on this planet.
Carbon dioxide is a benign gas that is essential for photosynthesis. It is only one of the factors involved in temperature regulation of the planet, and has also fluctuated over the millennia due to many factors, volcanic activity one of the main sources. While it may make sense to curtail the burning of fossil fuels sooner than later, it is important to take the focus away from this issue and put our efforts into more serious matters.
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form