| Author | Thread |
|
|
04/29/2008 07:43:55 PM · #1 |
Calling any scientist wanting to help out.
I have a school paper due tomorrow, in which I'm covering the global warming debate. I don't have to incorporate it into the school paper, but I have to have proof of the interview and it needs to be someone familiar with the topic. It doesn't matter which side of the issue you stand on, and its only ten easy questions, I would appreciate it greatly. I'll post the questions here in a minute. So if anyone is willing to help, it would be greatly appreciated. Just PM or post here if interested.
Thanks,
Ryan
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 07:48:06 PM · #2 |
 kirbic is an engineer and strikeslip is a geologist. There are probably many others here as well. Good luck! |
|
|
|
04/29/2008 07:51:27 PM · #3 |
1. Do you believe that the Earth's temperature is rising?
2. Do you think that human activities are the main cause for global warming?
3. Defend Answer for #2.
4. Do you think that paying "carbon credits" can slow down global warming? Why?
5. Is it natural for the earth to warm and cool? Is it cyclical?
6. Do you think its good that the government is stepping in and forcing us to reduce emissions, by different strategies? (i.e. getting rid of incandescent light bulbs, forcing a certain mpg on car manufacturers, etc...)
7. Is Global Warming a threat to human survival?
8. Is it possible to get funding if you stand up against global warming?
9. How much do you think that the Earth warmed in the 20th century? (no google)
10. Is over-representation a part of the Global Warming movement?
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 07:58:52 PM · #4 |
LOL, something tells me this wasn't assigned yesterday...
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 08:03:44 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
LOL, something tells me this wasn't assigned yesterday... |
yeah, I tend to procrastinate, but in my defense, I was thinking that my teacher was going to find one to interview, but she couldn't so I'm now turning to the DPC community (a.k.a. the DPCC)
Message edited by author 2008-04-29 20:23:26.
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 08:28:42 PM · #6 |
Ryan,
First of all I agree with DrAchoo.
As to ten "easy' questions, global warming is the most complex subject we are facing today.
I know you are looking for an interview. Sorry I cannot help you there. But if you still have time to get to the library, I may have some help for you. The book: 8 Preposterous Propositions by Robert Ehrlich addresses the questions you raised. He argues, as a lawyer would, both sides of the problem. The essay is only 48 pages long. And if you need to get down to brass tacks quickly (which it sounds like you do) you can jump to page 182 where he answers your questions. Good luck.
I am guessing the interview does not have to be strictly oral. . . since your asking for help here.
BTW Ehrlich is a Professor of Physics at George Mason University. He is also the author of Nine Crazy Ideas in Science.
Message edited by author 2008-04-29 20:33:31. |
|
|
|
04/29/2008 08:30:50 PM · #7 |
| Debate?? There's a debate?? |
|
|
|
04/29/2008 08:34:17 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
Debate?? There's a debate?? |
I would love to answer that, but I'm wanting to leave this thread in the "General Discussion" area of the forums.
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 08:35:23 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by drydoc:
As to ten "easy' questions, global warming is the most complex subject we are facing today.
|
By easy, I meant most of them are simply yes/no answers, I realize its a complex subject. I appreciate the advice on the topic, but I'm pushed for time, I may try to check it out after the essay is due.
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 08:37:06 PM · #10 |
ryand, there is *someone* on here who is friends with a scientist studying global warming, or is one himself? I honestly can't remember who, though. Go to rant and skim through the global warming threads. If you can find the one where someone was complaining about the global warming conference (summit/meeting/powow) in a tropical environment so that everyone had to fly jets there, I think you will find who it is.
I would find it for you, but geesh, it's your homework. hahahaha |
|
|
|
04/29/2008 08:38:28 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by karmat:
ryand, there is *someone* on here who is friends with a scientist studying global warming, or is one himself? I honestly can't remember who, though. Go to rant and skim through the global warming threads. If you can find the one where someone was complaining about the global warming conference (summit/meeting/powow) in a tropical environment so that everyone had to fly jets there, I think you will find who it is.
I would find it for you, but geesh, it's your homework. hahahaha |
lol, thanks, I appreciate it, I'll try to find it.
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 08:38:29 PM · #12 |
| His answers in the conclusion are just that; yes-no. . . and probably. With a one or two sentence explanations. |
|
|
|
04/29/2008 09:06:13 PM · #13 |
While I'm not a scientist working in this area, I have read fairly extensively on the subject. I'll give you my take on your questions:
Originally posted by ryand:
1. Do you believe that the Earth's temperature is rising?
|
Yes, absolutely.
Originally posted by ryand:
2. Do you think that human activities are the main cause for global warming?
|
It seems highly unlikely that the data can be explained otherwise
Originally posted by ryand:
3. Defend Answer for #2.
|
The temperature trends for the past 30 years or so are damning. More convincing still is the correlation of atmospheric greenhouse gases to human activity. We can track CO2 concentrations easily back through prehistory with ice cores, for instance, and we know how natural disasters like major volcanic eruptions disrupt the climate. At this point, the evidence for a strong human component to global warming is extremely convincing.
Originally posted by ryand:
4. Do you think that paying "carbon credits" can slow down global warming? Why?
|
No. At most it shifts energy consumption around, at worst it's nothing but marketing.
Originally posted by ryand:
5. Is it natural for the earth to warm and cool? Is it cyclical?
|
Yes, it is natural, and yes, cyclical though not a repeatable cycle but a chaotic one. It does not follow, however, that the current trend can be explained by this natural variation.
Originally posted by ryand:
6. Do you think its good that the government is stepping in and forcing us to reduce emissions, by different strategies? (i.e. getting rid of incandescent light bulbs, forcing a certain mpg on car manufacturers, etc...)
|
Some measure of government intervention is necessary. A free market will always burn the cheapest alternative to obtain the desired energy; environmental concerns don't have much if any bearing. Governmental policy must favor research and development that yields truly sustainable and clean alternative energy. An example of *bad* policy is the promotion of the idea that a "hydrogen economy" would somehow solve the emissions problem. Bunk. We still need to generate all the energy to crack water to hydrogen and oxygen, and then the additional energy to transport the hydrogen. It's at best a zero-sum game, and at worst a sham.
Originally posted by ryand:
7. Is Global Warming a threat to human survival?
|
It may well be, if left entirely unchecked. I doubt that we will allow it go get that far. In point of fact, we are more of a direct threat to our own survival. We're up against strong odds... over 99% of all species that have ever existed are extinct.
Originally posted by ryand:
8. Is it possible to get funding if you stand up against global warming?
|
This question really has no bearing on anything. You seek funding for research to test a hypothesis. You *don't* seek funding with your conclusions already in hand. Those who do are biased, and should not be getting funding whatever their personal views on the topic.
Originally posted by ryand:
9. How much do you think that the Earth warmed in the 20th century? (no google)
|
Certainly less than 1°C. Just how much is up for debate. Check out the trends for the past 30 years, however, and it will make your eyes pop.
Originally posted by ryand:
10. Is over-representation a part of the Global Warming movement? |
I truly don't understand the gist of this question. If you'd like to clarify, I may be able to provide a reasoned answer.
I hope the above helps you out. If you'd like clarification on any of the above, I'd be happy ot provide it. |
|
|
|
04/29/2008 09:07:25 PM · #14 |
Thanks so much Kirbic, I really appreciate it.
Thanks to everyone else for the responses as well.
Oh and number 10 reworded:
Do people exaggerate the threat of global warming?
Message edited by author 2008-04-29 21:09:44.
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 09:15:42 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by ryand:
Do people exaggerate the threat of global warming? |
Yes, they do. It's easy to extrapolate worst-case trends and project tremendous impact to life as we know it. While this may gain attention (read headlines) this type of "the sky is falling" attitude is exactly what we don't need. What we *do* need is intelligent, objective discussion, not politically or financially motivated rhetoric.
Edit to add: the same exaggerated rhetoric can be found on the other side of the issue, just to be quite clear.
Message edited by author 2008-04-29 21:16:32. |
|
|
|
04/29/2008 09:19:06 PM · #16 |
Thanks again Kirbic, I appreciate you putting in the time to help me out, I owe you one ("one" being a 10 during a challenge, but shhh... don't tell the SC, oh crap, you can just forget I said that)
Message edited by author 2008-04-29 21:20:16.
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 09:30:15 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by ryand:
1. Do you believe that the Earth's temperature is rising?
Temps peaked until 1998, now are falling.
2. Do you think that human activities are the main cause for global warming?
The sun is the cause for all global warming.
3. Defend Answer for #2.
If you turned off the sun, the earth would be a big ice ball.
4. Do you think that paying "carbon credits" can slow down global warming? Why?
Since man has nothing to do with global warming, it can't possibly help. It will make some people rich though.
5. Is it natural for the earth to warm and cool? Is it cyclical?
You know it is natural. The earth has heated much warmer than this before, and cooled much colder than this. This is because our sun is a variable star, and its output fluctuates. Thankfully for us, it doesn't fluctuate by very much.
6. Do you think its good that the government is stepping in and forcing us to reduce emissions, by different strategies? (i.e. getting rid of incandescent light bulbs, forcing a certain mpg on car manufacturers, etc...)
It's not a bad idea to try to conserve our resources, but if you think changing lightbulbs is going to change the temperature of the planet, you are wrong.
7. Is Global Warming a threat to human survival?
Humans do much better with warmer temperatures than they do with colder temperatures. If you study Europe during the warming and cooling phases of the first and second millenium, you will see much evidence. Cold is mankinds enemy.
8. Is it possible to get funding if you stand up against global warming?
It appears that it is much more difficult.
9. How much do you think that the Earth warmed in the 20th century? (no google)
1.5degree F?
10. Is over-representation a part of the Global Warming movement? |
Hysteria is a better word. |
|
|
|
04/29/2008 10:02:58 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by cloudsme:
Originally posted by ryand:
1. Do you believe that the Earth's temperature is rising?
Temps peaked until 1998, now are falling.
2. Do you think that human activities are the main cause for global warming?
The sun is the cause for all global warming.
3. Defend Answer for #2.
If you turned off the sun, the earth would be a big ice ball.
4. Do you think that paying "carbon credits" can slow down global warming? Why?
Since man has nothing to do with global warming, it can't possibly help. It will make some people rich though.
5. Is it natural for the earth to warm and cool? Is it cyclical?
You know it is natural. The earth has heated much warmer than this before, and cooled much colder than this. This is because our sun is a variable star, and its output fluctuates. Thankfully for us, it doesn't fluctuate by very much.
6. Do you think its good that the government is stepping in and forcing us to reduce emissions, by different strategies? (i.e. getting rid of incandescent light bulbs, forcing a certain mpg on car manufacturers, etc...)
It's not a bad idea to try to conserve our resources, but if you think changing lightbulbs is going to change the temperature of the planet, you are wrong.
7. Is Global Warming a threat to human survival?
Humans do much better with warmer temperatures than they do with colder temperatures. If you study Europe during the warming and cooling phases of the first and second millenium, you will see much evidence. Cold is mankinds enemy.
8. Is it possible to get funding if you stand up against global warming?
It appears that it is much more difficult.
9. How much do you think that the Earth warmed in the 20th century? (no google)
1.5degree F?
10. Is over-representation a part of the Global Warming movement? |
Hysteria is a better word. |
Thanks for getting back to me, I appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 10:40:31 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by ryand:
1. Do you believe that the Earth's temperature is rising?
|
Yes
Originally posted by ryand:
2. Do you think that human activities are the main cause for global warming?
|
Probably, but hard to say. Insufficient data (what, last 120 years is all we've recorded, temp wise)
Originally posted by ryand:
3. Defend Answer for #2.
|
Assuming Man is a contributing cause, then it's not CO2. It's two other things. 1) Buring of fossil fuels creates heat and that heat is trapped on earth. Hot car engines, houses heated in the winter, factories, etc all generate heat. 2) Man's paving of the world and reduction in forests. Go out on any summer day and you'll see that a parking lot is a lot hotter than any yard, any city is 5 or more degrees warmer than the countryside. And concrete radiates heat all night long.
Originally posted by ryand:
4. Do you think that paying "carbon credits" can slow down global warming? Why?
|
No. It's not the carbon that's causing the warming.
Originally posted by ryand:
5. Is it natural for the earth to warm and cool? Is it cyclical?
|
Yes. There is ample evidence that the earth was much warmer 60 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It was much cooler during the last ice age, or even the mini ice age in the dark ages. It's normal.
Originally posted by ryand:
6. Do you think its good that the government is stepping in and forcing us to reduce emissions, by different strategies? (i.e. getting rid of incandescent light bulbs, forcing a certain mpg on car manufacturers, etc...)
|
Probably not. People will do what's in their own best interest, or what is easiest (people being lazy and all). Saving energy is a good idea overall, but sometime not economically sensible. I can insulate my house and put in new windows - that will cost $12,000. It will cut my heating bill in half. That will save me $1800 a year (at current prices), but of course I'll have to borrow the money and pay interest on it. It will take 8 to 10 years to pay off. Will I be here in 8 to 10 years or will I move? Would I rather have a big screen TV and a new L lens with my $12,000? Or can I even afford to borrow the money at all? It's certainly easier to do nothing and just pay the higher utility bill and complain about it.
Originally posted by ryand:
7. Is Global Warming a threat to human survival?
|
No. Sure, people in the warmer climates and around the coasts will have a hard time - move, adapt or die. Those in Canada, russia, etc will be better off. Food production will migrate northward to the now temperate zones.
Originally posted by ryand:
8. Is it possible to get funding if you stand up against global warming?
|
Probably not.
Originally posted by ryand:
9. How much do you think that the Earth warmed in the 20th century? (no google)
|
I've heard it that they've made an adjustment in temps to allow for some error. So the claim that 4 of the 6 hottest years of the last century were in the 1990s has been changed. Now they say that the hottest years were before WW2 and we are now cooling, relatively speaking. I don't think they know as much as they say they do. Last year's hurricane season was not the strongest on record - as scientist had predicted it would be. There is a worldwide study on how much solar energy actually hits the earths surface - it's down considerably in the second half of the 20th century. If the sun isn't hitting the earth's surface with as much intensity, what does that mean? They say the earth is growing 'dimmer'
Originally posted by ryand:
10. Is over-representation a part of the Global Warming movement? |
? I don't understand the question.
|
|
|
|
04/29/2008 11:38:16 PM · #20 |
The film An Inconvenient Truth has been on several times this month on satellite TV here in Japan. It's one quite heavy side to the argument that the world is changing - more rapidly than ever.
In my city here since the turn of the century, the cherry blossoms have bloomed earlier than average and the gingko leaves have turned yellow later, almost every year. |
|
|
|
04/30/2008 12:23:36 AM · #21 |
Iâm an Engineer in aerospace for the last 10 years and 3 years in the automotive field before that. Iâve been interested in the debate for years, have read most of the articles and studies, pro and con. While I always understand what Iâm reading itâs not my field and Iâm not claiming to be an expert on the topic.
1. Do you believe that the Earth's temperature is rising?
Depends on the time frame. Last 100 years, yes. Last 10 years, no.
2. Do you think that human activities are the main cause for global warming?
No, not the main cause.
3. Defend Answer for #2.
It warmed and cooled before we were here on itâs own. The last 10 years with high amounts CO2 emitted and the CO2 levels rising, the earth has cooled. The sunâs variations has far more effect on the planet then CO2. Temperature recording efforts are flawed. And, human beings are but a speck of dust on this planet, sure we may have an effect but I can say with high confidence that human activity is not the âmain causeâ of global warming.
4. Do you think that paying "carbon credits" can slow down global warming? Why?
No, being rich and donating money does not excuse irresponsible behavior. Eliminating charter jets, inefficient homes, and 8mpg daily driver vehicles does more good then a carbon credit.
5. Is it natural for the earth to warm and cool? Is it cyclical?
Of course. It always has before we got here, it will when we are gone.
6. Do you think its good that the government is stepping in and forcing us to reduce emissions, by different strategies? (i.e. getting rid of incandescent light bulbs, forcing a certain mpg on car manufacturers, etc...)
As long as government policy does not cause economic hardships on people, living cleaner is a good thing.
7. Is Global Warming a threat to human survival?
No more a threat then war, poverty, disease, or global cooling.
8. Is it possible to get funding if you stand up against global warming?
Yes
9. How much do you think that the Earth warmed in the 20th century? (no google)
Very little, less then a degree.
10. Is over-representation a part of the Global Warming movement?
Yes, Al Gore has admitted it. Itâs become a political issue where truth takes a backseat to accomplishing the goals.
|
|
|
|
04/30/2008 08:34:18 PM · #22 |
//www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aU.evtnk6DPo&refer=worldwide
Does this article just speak volumes to the ridiculous global warming debate. To paraphrase the article...The oceans are cooling, but this is because of global warming. At least we have to present it to you like that, or you may actually think and not believe in global warming anymore. Add this to your report. |
|
|
|
04/30/2008 09:36:44 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by cloudsme:
//www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aU.evtnk6DPo&refer=worldwide
Does this article just speak volumes to the ridiculous global warming debate. To paraphrase the article...The oceans are cooling, but this is because of global warming. At least we have to present it to you like that, or you may actually think and not believe in global warming anymore. Add this to your report. |
But read it first. This poster apparently didn't, or he may have noticed that the article nowhere says that the oceans are cooling because of global warming. |
|
