As a meteorologist, with a Masters Degree in climatology from the University of Wisconsin, I would like to express a few of my thoughts on global warming. Scientists from both sides of this argument can point to statistics to boost their case. Global warming may indeed be occurring. If that is the case, there are two concerns. First it is difficult to definitively identify the cause(s), and, as a result, it would be even more difficult to implement a global solution. Data collected do not necessarily point to man versus a natural cycle as the cause of any global warming. I certainly support any efforts to environmentally preserve our atmosphere and oceans. But it may be possible that the Earth, atmosphere, ocean, and sun system is in a long term cycle of climatological change like we have experienced in past eras. The problem with any argument is that this is far more complex than any model can accurately resolve. Think of the variables - a three dimensional ocean that has tremendous capability for heat transport, a three dimensional atmosphere that is constantly changing, an Earth with varied terrain and ice, a sun as our ultimate energy source with its own tremendous variability, and feedback loops (any one or many of these variables interacting and changing the other variables). In summary, let me just caution everyone to use sound reasoning and good judgement when others talk of global warming, and consider my concluding statement - "Anyone who cites a singular weather event as proof of a historical climate change is either ignorant of the science or knows better and is a liar."
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AuthorDoug Pearson will offer his thoughts and observations while he documents life from his perspective and writing by the lake. ArchivesCategories |