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March 07, 2006
Global Warming "Connect the Dots" Game
I'm at a client site this week, and while watching CNN in the hotel room, I saw a commerial for the ECI folks that Jim has been writing on (and doing PR for). The commercial said--twice--that with God's help and our efforts we can "stop" global warming. With all deference to my blogger-in-law (who is not, I hasten to note, responsible for ad copy), this makes about as much sense as saying that we can pray enough to speed up global photosynthesis. I have two dots that have recently been reported on that need to be connected to demonstrate this.
Sun-spawned cosmic storms that can play havoc with earthly power grids and orbiting satellites could be 50 percent stronger in the next 11-year solar cycle than in the last one, scientists said on Monday.
Dot:
German scientists have found a significant piece of evidence linking cosmic rays to climate change.They have detected charged particle clusters in the lower atmosphere that were probably caused by the space radiation.
They say the clusters can lead to the condensed nuclei which form into dense clouds.
Clouds play a major, but as yet not fully understood, role in the dynamics of the climate, with some types acting to cool the planet and others warming it up.
The amount of cosmic rays reaching Earth is largely controlled by the Sun, and many solar scientists believe the star's indirect influence on Earth's global climate has been underestimated.
So there you have it. Connect the dots.
Posted by Doug at March 7, 2006 08:11 PM
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Sigh. I had a longer rebuttal composed, then decided that it was pointless. These two dots simply don't connect up to the point you're trying to make.
Increased solar activity will decrease galactic cosmic rays entering the atmo. Fewer and lower energy cosmic rays, these Germans say, would mean fewer charged particle clusters, and presumably (not a safe presumption) fewer condensed nuclei leading to dense clouds. Fewer dense clouds may or may not mitigate or contribute significantly to global warming.
You may as well point out that leap seconds have been coming less frequently in recent years, and ask pointedly whether this has any effect on global warming. (Hint: it doesn't.)
Posted by: s9 at March 8, 2006 09:06 PM
So what are your qualifications here? Are you a scientist, or simply someone picking up random facts and attempting to make some sort of connection through your "Christian" understanding? I'm trying to make people realize that they should simply remain quiet on issues they know nothing about. Old Testament law, the prophets, the pentateuch, etc.--stick with what you know. Don't presume you know enough to comment on global warming. The facts show that the ice is melting at the poles and as far as we know, it hasn't done this, well, ever. A wise man accepts instruction... Eat crow.
Posted by: Craig at March 12, 2006 12:02 AM
If it warmed up enough to do farming in Greenland, would you consider it catastrophic? Would you consider it a consequence of man's activities alone?
You'd be wrong. And the cause, according to these NASA scientists? The sun.
By the way, it appears that the Earth was significantly warmer during the Middle Ages, according to a team from Harvard University. No SUVs to blame then.
No, I'm not a scientist, nor do I pretend to be one. I do, however, point out information when I see it that gets very little play in the mainstream media.
Back on topic, to say that humans can "stop" global warming, as the ECI group says, doesn't make sense when it appears to be a rather natural process.
Posted by: Doug Payton at March 13, 2006 07:57 AM
Doug,
No use trying. You don't have any proper qualifications to comment on this subject. Unless you have a doctorate in something or another, you are not allowed. We will now be ruled by scientists. No debate allowed.
Posted by: Mark Sides at March 13, 2006 11:47 PM
It reminds me of:
"Shut up," he explained.
Posted by: eLarson at March 14, 2006 10:19 AM
Doug,
Glad to hear that you saw the ECI spot on CNN. We bought more time on Fox News to reach conservatives, but diversified with some CNN time. Where we reached you!
The phrase you based this post on, "stop global warming" was one of those unfortunate editing decisions. The orginal said "stop human-induced global warming." Indeed, humans can't stop natural processes, or the acts of God, but they can stop what they're starting.
And that, in the view of these evangelicals, and the vast majority of scientists in the world, may very well be enough to make a difference in climate change.
Posted by: Jim Jewell at March 21, 2006 03:51 PM