New Climate Theory Says End Of World Soon

[Eclipse Now]

Hi all,

anyone here been following this group? They're real, peer-reviewed climate scientists that are freaked out about a new 'methane bomb' hiding off the Arctic. It's very scary stuff that seems misunderstood by other more mainstream climatologists. Have a look at their major summary papers down the side of the blog and let me know what you think.
http://arctic-news.blogspot.com.au/

[sanctus]

I assume that Stephen Baxter, being a good SF-author, did a lot of research into it. He published a book called Transcendence (third in a series) the story is in the near future and with some post-human a few million years into the future. The guy in our time is still a hero in the far future, because he managed to stop the methan-release in Siberia.

I bring this up, just because it makes it even more scary if not only science but also science fiction brings the issue up.

[Moontanman]

The people who want to stop global warming are obviously part of a conspiracy to prevent us from growing oranges in Alaska!  

[jackk]

hello,

 

according to me

 

The primary causes of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere—mainly carbon dioxide. Other  kind of human activities, such as  deforestation and agriculture is also contribute to the propogation  of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.While some of  quantities of these gases are a naturally happening and becomes a   critical part of Earth’s temperature control system.[/size]

 

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[exchemist]

hello,

 

according to me

 

The primary causes of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere—mainly carbon dioxide. Other  kind of human activities, such as  deforestation and agriculture is also contribute to the propogation  of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.While some of  quantities of these gases are a naturally happening and becomes a   critical part of Earth’s temperature control system.[/size]

 

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[spam link removed]

That is also my understanding.

[sanctus]

But only until the heat-up released the methan reservoirs then methane will be the primary cause

[Maine farmer]

If you want to combat climate change, I'm afraid educating people doesn't seem to be helping the cause any.  It's not just a matter of combat "deniers", but of combating human nature, and that is no easy task.  Have not governments and religious institutions been trying to modify human behavior for as long as there have been governments and religious institutions ?  Think about the 7 deadly sins.  They are not just called the 7 sins that may cause discomfort,but " DEADLY" and still people everywhere every day commit some or several if not all of them.

 

Given all of the foolishness going on in the world, it can be difficult to maintain optimism about the future of humanity.

[exchemist]

If you want to combat climate change, I'm afraid educating people doesn't seem to be helping the cause any.  It's not just a matter of combat "deniers", but of combating human nature, and that is no easy task.  Have not governments and religious institutions been trying to modify human behavior for as long as there have been governments and religious institutions ?  Think about the 7 deadly sins.  They are not just called the 7 sins that may cause discomfort,but " DEADLY" and still people everywhere every day commit some or several if not all of them.

 

Given all of the foolishness going on in the world, it can be difficult to maintain optimism about the future of humanity.

I disagree totally.

 

Education has already changed people's perceptions, raised awareness and given governments at least a limited mandate to devote resources to decarbonising national economies. Just look at Germany, or even the UK, where I gather 25% of electricity came from renewables last year, to everyone's amazement. China has also got the message - aided by their appalling pollution problems - and even in the USA the argument over the need to change is being won. 

 

It is in my opinion silly defeatism to claim that "human nature" is unchangeable. Humans have changed their behaviour a lot over history - we call it civilisation.

[Maine farmer]

I disagree totally.

 

Education has already changed people's perceptions, raised awareness and given governments at least a limited mandate to devote resources to decarbonising national economies. Just look at Germany, or even the UK, where I gather 25% of electricity came from renewables last year, to everyone's amazement. China has also got the message - aided by their appalling pollution problems - and even in the USA the argument over the need to change is being won. 

 

It is in my opinion silly defeatism to claim that "human nature" is unchangeable. Humans have changed their behaviour a lot over history - we call it civilisation.

I didn't say human nature was unchangeable, merely that it is extremely difficult.  We humans, for the most part, like to consume, we like pleasure, and we like for things to be easy.  Education alone won't yield the desired results very quickly.  I took a walk in a public park not long ago in a beautiful location where I saw the ground littered with cigarette butts.  How long have there been efforts to get people to quit smoking and littering?  

[exchemist]

I didn't say human nature was unchangeable, merely that it is extremely difficult.  We humans, for the most part, like to consume, we like pleasure, and we like for things to be easy.  Education alone won't yield the desired results very quickly.  I took a walk in a public park not long ago in a beautiful location where I saw the ground littered with cigarette butts.  How long have there been efforts to get people to quit smoking and littering?  

Well OK, I see what you mean. But I suspect the people who determine energy policy are not the same as those who leave litter and cigarette butts around. :)

[Maine farmer]

Well OK, I see what you mean. But I suspect the people who determine energy policy are not the same as those who leave litter and cigarette butts around. :)I'm

Perhaps not, but hypocrisy seems to be another of those undesirable human traits.  Who appoints the people who determine policy?  Our political "leaders" seem to do nothing but pander to our greed and envy.  Besides, clever people usually find ways around policy to do whatever they want. How many environmental laws leave loopholes for those that can afford to just buy their way around them?

 

To really make a difference to the climate would take a huge cultural shift away from our materialist and consumptive  nature.

[exchemist]

Perhaps not, but hypocrisy seems to be another of those undesirable human traits.  Who appoints the people who determine policy?  Our political "leaders" seem to do nothing but pander to our greed and envy.  Besides, clever people usually find ways around policy to do whatever they want. How many environmental laws leave loopholes for those that can afford to just buy their way around them?

 

To really make a difference to the climate would take a huge cultural shift away from our materialist and consumptive  nature.

No, all it would require would be a shift away from our dependence on fossil fuel. That is quite different, is far more easily achievable and, as my examples indicate, is a process that is already under way. 

[Maine farmer]

No, all it would require would be a shift away from our dependence on fossil fuel. That is quite different, is far more easily achievable and, as my examples indicate, is a process that is already under way. 

And just how long do you think that will take?  I bought a work truck not too long ago, and while I was waiting for some paperwork, I roamed the dealership showroom, and I was appalled at the poor mileage of most of the vehicles for sale.   In my state they recently raised the speed limit on the interstate highway and state turnpike to 70 mph, and when I drive at those speeds, I still frequently get passed, sometimes by people driving a Prius .  I am fairly certain the Prius doesn't get the advertised fuel economy at those speeds.  Why couldn't they have maintained the old standard of 55 mph speed limits?  

 

I wish I could share your optimism.

 

By the way, I really would like to know if anyone has calculated the carbon footprint of the last climate change summit in Paris.  Would it not have been less to have a conference in virtual reality?

[exchemist]

And just how long do you think that will take?  I bought a work truck not too long ago, and while I was waiting for some paperwork, I roamed the dealership showroom, and I was appalled at the poor mileage of most of the vehicles for sale.   In my state they recently raised the speed limit on the interstate highway and state turnpike to 70 mph, and when I drive at those speeds, I still frequently get passed, sometimes by people driving a Prius .  I am fairly certain the Prius doesn't get the advertised fuel economy at those speeds.  Why couldn't they have maintained the old standard of 55 mph speed limits?  

 

I wish I could share your optimism.

 

By the way, I really would like to know if anyone has calculated the carbon footprint of the last climate change summit in Paris.  Would it not have been less to have a conference in virtual reality?

It's not optimism, it's just looking out the window. 

 

Change in attitudes are widely  apparent. Everyone today is aware of the climate change issue and the need to get off fossil fuel progressively is accepted by most thinking people. And dependence on fossil fuel has already changed for the better. There are almost no coal mines in Britain now and a fortnight ago we achieved for the first time a 24hr period in which no coal was burnt at all to provide our electricity. Germany is far in advance of Britain, of course...... 

[Maine farmer]

Okay, I guess things look better from where you sit.

 

Personally, I would love to cover every rooftop on our farm with solar panels, but for us it remains cost prohibitive.  

[exchemist]

Okay, I guess things look better from where you sit.

 

Personally, I would love to cover every rooftop on our farm with solar panels, but for us it remains cost prohibitive.  

Yes I don't see that happening here either. I don't pretend I think it's a rosy picture. I agree there is a huge concern that we do not move fast enough to avoid excessive climate change. All I'm arguing is that things ARE changing now, at a quite perceptible rate. (In fact, I was just reading today about the Swansea Bay barrier project in the Financial Times. Tidal power for another 120,000houses if and when that is built....... ) 

Edited May 26, 2016 by exchemist

[Maine farmer]

On the consumption side of things, one would think people would realize that once you have clean water, adequate food, shelter, clothing, family and friends, and a purpose in life, everything else is just stuff.