As reported here, "Global warming may not be as dramatic as some scientists have predicted. ". That first sentence should have said "most", not "some", but I digress.
Duke University scientists of the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences have concluded that the dire predictions of most of the scientific community regarding so-called global warming are just a tad over-blown, citing a study they conducted recently, using temperature readings from the past 100 years, 1,000 computer simulations and the evidence left in ancient tree rings.
What their study found out is that the earth's temperatures fluctuate over time, with temperatures both rising and falling, and that the predicted steep increase of 16 degrees in this century because of an increase in so-called green house gases isn't very likely. As a matter of fact, "The Duke estimates show the chances that the planet's temperature will rise even by 11 degrees is only 5 percent, which falls in line with previous, less-alarming predictions that meteorologists made almost three decades ago." [Emphasis mine]
Let me repeat that folks. The chances of temperatures rising by even 11 degrees is only FIVE PERCENT! That means that there is a NINETY FIVE PERCENT chance that temperatures won't rise by even 11 degrees, let alone 16 degrees. Think about that for a minute. The chances of temperatures rising by even 11 degrees is only 5 percent. "Chances" does not equate to probability. "Chances" means that it might happen, not that it will happen. And the chances of it happening are only 5 percent!
Here's a few other nuggets of note from the article:
"In recent years, much academic research has indicated otherwise, often in colorful terms and citing the United States as the biggest contributor to global warming." Ah, yes - blame America for everything wrong in the world. Why, it's even our fault that China's air pollution is so bad that they have recently been forced to consider enacting pollution control laws modeled on those in force in the US. Imagine that.
"This month, a University of Toronto scientist predicted that a quarter of the planet's plants and animals would be extinct by 2050 because of rising temperatures." Well, darn. There go my plans for a garden, I guess. Actually, I'd be interested to know how he came up with that prediction. What are his sources? Did he consult the "magic eight ball", by any chance?
"On Wednesday, two geophysics professors at the University of Chicago warned those who eat red meat that their increased flatulence contributes to greenhouse gases." This one made me laugh out loud. So ... I take it we all better become vegetarians then? I wonder if their "research" was funded by the folks who make the product "Beano"? You know, the pill you take to keep you from getting gas from eating beans? How ludicrous. (Note - I don't think their "research" was funded by the fine folks who make "Beano". I was just trying to make a point, ok?)
"Last year, Oregon State University research linked future "societal disruptions" with global warming ..." Um, guys? I think future "societal disruptions" will be caused more from terrorists blowing people up (and that would include eco-terrorists like ELF and ALF)!
"[T]he Carnegie Institution reported that the insulating influence of northern forests alone would raise the Earth's temperature by 6 degrees." So, northern forests are going to make the earth warmer, huh? How about how much warmer it is (supposedly) in places like South America along the Amazon, and in Africa, where tress are being cut down willy-nilly, hmmm? Which is it, folks? You can't have it both ways. Nope, sorry, can't happen.
"In 2004, Harvard University scientists informed Congress that warming had doomed the planet to climatic "shocks and surprises."" Yes, we're all doomed - DOOMED! - I tell you! Actually, I think the Harvard scientists are DOOMED to have some "shocks and surprises" of their own after reading the data from this Duke University study.
"The topic of global warming, meanwhile, will be framed dramatically in "An Inconvenient Truth," a 94-minute documentary featuring former Vice President Al Gore, who has deemed rising temperatures "a planetary emergency." The Hollywood production will be released to theaters in May and is billed by producer Davis Guggenheim as "the most terrifying film you will ever see."" Any Hollywood movie featuring Al "Chicken Little" Gore telling more lies (such as the one where he said, "I invented the Internet!") - and in dramatic fashion no less! - will very likely be terrifying! But, I think the one's who will be even more terrified will be the financiers of this "documentary", when they see their investment go down the tubes when people don't flock to see it. Hmmmm, I wonder if it's going to be released straight to DVD?
Okay, the climate is changing, that much is obvious to anyone who has any functional gray matter between the ears, I'll admit. But is it due to an increase in so-called greenhouse gases, or is it just the natural cycle of the earth heating and cooling, as it has done in the past, moving into the heating stage? The Director of Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Gabriele Hegerl, "... discounts dire predictions of skyrocketing temperatures. The probability that the climate's "sensitivity" to greenhouse-gas levels would result in drastically higher temperatures is "substantially" reduced ...", and I tend to believe someone like her, over extremists like Al "Chicken Little" Gore.
Anyone with any amount of functional gray matter between the ears will, too.
Hat tip: mightyrighty
Update: Mark Steyn has something to say on this subject as well.
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