Global Warming - How Real Is It?

[DFCarlson]

He added it was more a problem of unplanned organisation than anything else.

So what else is new...

[kmart]

Don't cigarette companies still claim there is absolutely no scientific studies linking smoking and cancer?

No, they don't.

Then are they prepared to pay the NHS etc for lung cancer sufferers treatment/funerals ?

I doubt it, but the lung cancer sufferers who smoke need to take personal responsibility for their incredible stupidity anyhow!

I know we have gone off topic but i do agree somewaht, how much will a pack of 20 have to be before the smoker says 'thats it, too much for me "

Wanna take this over to the "Quit Smoking Forum?" I'm sure the irritable, angry, nicotine addicts suffering terrible withdrawal symptoms over there will appreciate your stirling input...

[lingling]

A dozen Thai delegates sat mutely during the second day of the closed-door climate change summit, watching officials from European countries hotly debate how best to come up with an effective report to deal with the impacts of the warming planet.

I think they should have used the opportunity to inform the world about the gravity warp in the middle of gulf of Thailand. I am sure their theories would have impressed the other participants.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=118280

``The climate change panel's projection was wrongly accepted to apply to the Gulf of Thailand,'' Suphat told The Nation newspaper. ``We are too far from melting glaciers or ice sheets.''

[PhilHarries]

It's all the fault of the rice farmers according to some. This from today's BKK Post.

Incredulity greets rice field warning

Fear finding may hurt country's rice output

KULTIDA SAMABUDDHI and ANCHALEE KONGRUT

The world scientific body on climate change's conclusion that paddy fields are one of the main causes of rising methane emissions has upset the Agriculture Department and the Thai Farmers Association, which fear the finding could hurt the country's rice production. Agriculture chief Adisak Sreesunpagit yesterday said he did not deny the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) finding that flooded rice paddy fields emit methane, but the amount of the heat-trapping gas emitted by the farm sector was far less than by other sectors, he said.

''It is premature to talk about reform of rice-growing methods as a global warming mitigation measure. The major culprits [in greenhouse gas emissions] are industrialised nations, not agricultural countries like us,'' said Mr Adisak.

Thailand has about 55 million rai of paddy fields, he said. Methane emissions come mainly from only two to three million rai of irrigated areas where the farmers flood their fields almost year-round, leading to fermentation of organic matter which releases the gas.

Scientists suggest rice farmers periodically drain their fields and stop burning rice straw from the previous crop to cut methane and carbon dioxide emissions.

Suwan Kathawut, president of the Thai Farmers Association, said shallow flooding of paddy fields was a traditional rice-growing practice.

The water would be kept in the field throughout the four-month cropping period to prevent invasion by weeds and to enhance rice growth.

''To periodically drain water out of the field does not make sense at all". How can we grow rice without water in the field?'' Mr Suwan said.

Complete peice here : http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/03May2007_news03.php

[Jai Dee]

People urged to conserve environment to alleviate global warming

Ecologist warns people to conserve the environment before global warming has reached a critical point.

Prof.Dr.Niphon Tangtham (นิพนธ์ ตั้งธรรม), an expert in water resources management and ecological system, reveals that abnormal weather conditions including very hot weather and off-season heavy rains are caused by global warming. Human activities which are mainly attributable to global warming include deforestation, inappropriate garbage disposal, burning of forest areas for agriculture, as well as rice growing which emits Methane gas to the atmosphere.

According to Prof.Dr.Niphon, researchers found that Methane gas causes global warming more than Carbon dioxide. Scientists forecast that in the next 60 – 70 years, the global environment will severely deteriorate and the level of Carbon dioxide will double.

As for Thailand, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has arranged campaigns to make people realize the importance of environmental conservation and lead their life without harming ecological system.

Prof.Dr.Niphon says it is necessary for people to conserve the environment and they cannot depend solely on scientific methods to improve the nature.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

BMA tries to stop greenhouse effect

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and relevant agencies will roll out a 10 rules of declaration to prevent greenhouse effect.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) said that Bangkok has consumed energy by 30-40% of the total energy consumption in the country. BMA recognizes the negative effect of greenhouse effect that all countries in the world are facing. In an attempt to stop the greenhouse effect, BMA has requested people to be economical of energy consumption seriously.

Today, Environment Center, Energy Ministry, Natural Resources Ministry, and environment network will attend a meeting to seek 10 rules of declaration to stop greenhouse effect. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be held on May 9th. People have been campaigned to switch off lights in their places at least five minutes per day, as well as to grow trees around their residences.

Bangkok Governor is scheduled to join the meeting concerning the greenhouse effect with leaders from 20 countries on May 14th-20th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Wrangle over costs hits climate change talks

Climate change experts battled for agreement Thursday on how to fight global warming as crucial UN talks here entered their final phase, with China railing against the cost of action, delegates said.

Week-long negotiations between scientists from 120 nations are expected to go well into the night here in Bangkok, before the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change unveils its findings on Friday.

It will be the third and last of their reports this year, after the first two looked into the evidence and potential impact of global warming, but countries are struggling to find consensus on exactly what should be done.

The economic impacts of reducing greenhouse gases that cause global warming have proved to be the biggest sticking point this week, but other issues such as whether to ramp up use of carbon-clean nuclear power have also caused fierce debate, according to delegates.

"The costs are the big 100,000-pound gorilla in the room," said a source at the closed-door meeting on Thursday.

"The cost is the underlying threat for some and the underlying opportunity for others."

Various delegates contacted by AFP said China has been the leading voice in expressing concern about the costs.

It has sought more than 10 amendments to a draft of the report, saying it will cost more and be harder to reduce greenhouse gas emissions than detailed in the draft, according to documents submitted to the IPCC and seen by AFP.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is measured in parts per million (ppm), withvtoday's levels close to 400 ppm but increasing rapidly.

An early draft of the report seen by AFP says that if the world wants to stabilize carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at 640 ppm by 2030, it would cost 0.2 percent of average global gross domestic product (GDP).

A more ambitious target of 550 ppm, the draft says, would cost 0.6 percent of GDP, and stabilising CO2 in the atmosphere at 445 to 535 ppm by 2030 -- an unlikely scenario -- would be about three percent of GDP.

China has said it does not agree with the estimates, according to documents submitted to the IPCC.

Environmental groups have warned that even at 535 ppm, the world will warm to an extremely dangerous level, causing droughts, floods and other disasters, while at 640 ppm the impacts could be catastrophic.

Traditionally, nations that are in favour of stringent measures to battle climate change want the cost to appear relatively low, while high-polluting nations who want to delay action are keen to portray the price as high.

One delegate from a European nation said that China was trying to water down every single statement relating to the cost of climate change.

"They want the evidence as low as possible on what we know about cost... China is trying to minimise the impact of the comments," the delegate said.

While countries battle it out over a percentage point of GDP, green groups have stressed that it is not only the economic impact nations should consider, but the environmental devastation that climate change brings.

"The costs for ambitious emissions reduction are very low compared to the dangers caused by climate change if they take no action," said Stephan Singer, European head of climate and energy policy at environmental group WWF.

Source: The Nation - 03 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

BKK uses 30-40% of national energy

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin says Bangkok is a city using up to 30 to 40 percent of national energy. He says he is aware of the global warming, and private and public sectors should work together to solve this problem. One of the solutions is for everyone to help conserve energy seriously.

Today, a workshop is being held to find ways to solve global warming. Representatives from the Environment Office, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Environment Network are participating in this workshop. They will seek 10 issues before drafting the Solutions for Global Warming Declaration, and it will be signed on May 9th. The workshop will campaign for agencies and public members to help prevent global warming through conserving energy. For instance, people do not have to open the lights that may not be used frequently or they can grow more trees in their residences and buildings.

From May 14th to 20th, Mr. Apirak will join the conference with city leaders from 20 countries worldwide to seek measures to stop global warming. He will bring the Solutions for Global Warming Declaration to this international conference.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Crucial climate change agreement reached

Climate change experts agreed Friday on measures the world can take to combat global warming, following intense debate and marathon negotiations at a crucial UN conference here, a French delegate said.

Scientists and other leading authorities from 120 nations finally achieved a consensus after an exhausting session that lasted from Thursday morning until 4:30 am on Friday (2130 GMT Thursday), French delegation chief Marc Gillet told AFP.

"It is over. The report has been accepted. The formal adoption will take place in the morning," Gillet said, adding the delegates would reconvene at 10:00m (0200 GMT) to give the final stamp of approval.

The delegates, from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, were scheduled to wrap up on Thursday night but a few key sticking points and the sheer complexity of the document put the event into overtime, delegates said.

"We are so tired, so we are going to finish things in the morning," another delegate from a European nation told AFP.

One sticking point subject to debate until the end was a push by China to highlight that the rich world was responsible for the vast bulk of greenhouse gasses that cause global warming, the European delegate said.

Another point of dispute was how much importance to give nuclear energy in the mix of new technologies that the world should depend upon as it moves away from fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases, he said.

The report is the third and last from the IPCC this year, after the first two looked into the evidence and looming devastating impacts of global warming.

It is scheduled to be released to the public at a press conference here at 1:00 pm (0600 GMT).

Although details of the final report were not immediately available, it is widely expected to warn that world leaders have little time to waste in tackling climate change.

However, it will also emphasise that the tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions already exist and many can be quickly implemented.

A draft summary of the IPCC report seen by AFP calls for a greater use of renewable energies such as solar, wind, and hydro-power, as well as ways to use energy more efficiently.

Storing carbon dioxide, the biggest greenhouse gas, underground is also under consideration, as are tariffs and other economic mechanisms to make using fossil fuels more expensive and renewable energies much cheaper.

Nevertheless, there was fierce debate at the IPCC meeting this week, which began on Monday, and it was not immediately clear as to what had been changed from the draft summary.

The costs of reducing greenhouse gasses that cause global warming was one of the biggest sticking points this week, delegates said previously.

Various delegates contacted by AFP said China has been the leading voice in expressing concern about the costs of cutting back.

It sought more than 10 amendments to the draft report, saying it will cost more and be harder to reduce emissions than detailed in the early draft, according to documents submitted to the IPCC and seen by AFP.

A top priority in tackling climate change is how to cut the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which are measured in parts per million (ppm).Today's levels are close to 400 ppm.

The draft of the report says that if the world wants to stabilise carbon dioxide levels at 640 ppm by 2030, it would cost 0.2 percent of average global gross domestic product (GDP) in that year.

A more ambitious target of 550 ppm, the draft says, would cost 0.6 percent of GDP, and stabilising CO2 in the atmosphere at 445 to 535 ppm by 2030 -- an unlikely scenario -- would be about three percent of GDP.

Environmental groups warn that even at 535 ppm, the world will warm to an extremely dangerous level, causing droughts, floods and other disasters, while at 640 ppm the impacts could be catastrophic.

Source: The Nation - 04 May 2007

[johna]

The worlds oceans cover approx 70% of the planet or 360 million sq Km.

The antarctic covers approx 14 million sq Km with 20% at sea level the rest varies in hight up to 5000 metres

The Web’s Longest-Running Climate Change Blog

May 27, 2005

Antarctic Ice: A Global Warming Snow Job?

Filed under: Polar, Antarctic, Glaciers/Sea Ice, Sea Level Rise —

Climate scientists have long suspected that warming the oceans around a very cold continent is likely to dramatically increase snowfall. Consider Antarctica. It’s plenty chilly, dozens of degrees below freezing, and it’s surrounded by water. The warmer the water, the greater the evaporation from its surface, and, obviously, the more moisture it contributes to the local atmosphere.

So, when this moisture gets swirled up by a common cyclone, do you think it’s going to fall as rain in Antarctica?

A recent study, no shocker to real climatologists (but perhaps to climate doomsayers), demonstrates this simple physics. It appears in the latest SciencExpress, and it shows that the vast majority of the Antarctic landmass is rapidly gaining ice and snow cover.

Obviously this moisture comes from the sea. And, being deposited in solid form on the land-way-down-under, this lowers the earth’s sea level.

Like we said, this should shock no climatologist. But consider the “profession” of environmental journalism, which ran these headlines just one teensy month ago:

ArcticArea: total area: 14 million sq km (est.), land area: 14 million sq km (est.), comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US, note: second-smallest continent (after

[KhunMarco]

The Great Global Warming Swindle

Interesting video

[A_Traveller]

The Great Global Warming Swindle

Interesting video

Thanks for posting this link, will watch it this evening.

Regards

[A_Traveller]

The Great Global Warming Swindle

Interesting video

Thanks for posting this link, will watch it this evening.

Regards

Did watch this and would recommend it to anyone interested in hearing a more balanced view. Don't agree with it all, but to see Nigel Calder making the point that the BBC programme in the '70s The Weather Machine presented the then know 'status quo' is highly relevant when looking at the programme itself. The IPCC section is also of considerable interest. FWIW my own view has been for some time that there are environmental risks, and that cooling {in particular the oceans} and that from 'real' pollution affecting the salinity of the oceans are much more critical.

Indeed a critique of the programme is the solar only emphasis, without correlation to other factors, something it is accusing, for example, Al Gore's film of doing.

However as I say a worthwhile addition to the debate and at just over an hour fifteen easily watchable.

Regards & thanks KhunMarco for the link.

[DFCarlson]

Well, I guess we'll find out in 20, or 50, or 100 years. I might be here in 20 years but my daugters and granddaughters will live to see the outcome of our profligate and unthinking way of life.

[Jai Dee]

10 measures to solve global warming

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin says the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has signed the Bangkok Declaration with 33 private organizations to seek measures to reduce global warming at the United Nations Office yesterday (May 8).

Today, Mr. Apirak says he and his group of officials will hand out booklets with 10 measures to help reduce global warming to the general public in 50 districts of Bangkok. The ten measures include using compact fluorescent lamps instead of conventional lamps, setting the temperature of air-conditions at 25 degrees Celsius, stopping the car engines when they are not being used, taking off the plugs of electrical appliances when they are not being used, reducing the quantity of trashes, using fabric bags for shopping instead of using plastic or paper bags, using public vehicles rather than private vehicles, closing unnecessary lights, growing more trees, and using products being produced in the country.

Mr. Apirak says the campaign will be carried out on the 9th day of each month throughout this year.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 May 2007

[english_farang_lady]

Sorry alexth, I fail to see a significany connection between wars and global warming exept for the exhaust gases of F-117's and a bit of guff from the ordnance. Nor do I see war affecting the numbers of fish in the Danube delta, that's down to overfishing fuelled by greed. Global warming is largely, but not entirely, about consumption of energy created by the combustion of hydrocarbons. Until the human race, largely the western countries, start to take actions to reduce energy consumption nothing will change but we individuals can make a small start.

Do you:-

have lights on in unoccupied rooms in your house?

have the a/c set at 15C when 20 would be just as comfortable or OFF could be tolerable?

drive 500m to the local shop when you could walk?

have the television twittering away to itself when nobody is particularly watching it?

Each of those, in itself, is insignificant but multiplied by 60 million makes a difference. There are many other ways we could, as individuals, make small sacrifices which will probably have no effect save to relieve our concience.

This Gentleman in KL is right on the money. Climate has always been cyclical. And I am fed up with people bashing the Americans. Human activity is probably contributing to climate change, but it is far from proven that it si the sole cause. Read Michael Crightons book NEXT with particular reference to the epilogue. It may open your minds somewhat.

[thefusilier]

Sorry alexth, I fail to see a significany connection between wars and global warming exept for the exhaust gases of F-117's and a bit of guff from the ordnance. Nor do I see war affecting the numbers of fish in the Danube delta, that's down to overfishing fuelled by greed. Global warming is largely, but not entirely, about consumption of energy created by the combustion of hydrocarbons. Until the human race, largely the western countries, start to take actions to reduce energy consumption nothing will change but we individuals can make a small start.

Do you:-

have lights on in unoccupied rooms in your house?

have the a/c set at 15C when 20 would be just as comfortable or OFF could be tolerable?

drive 500m to the local shop when you could walk?

have the television twittering away to itself when nobody is particularly watching it?

Each of those, in itself, is insignificant but multiplied by 60 million makes a difference. There are many other ways we could, as individuals, make small sacrifices which will probably have no effect save to relieve our concience.

This Gentleman in KL is right on the money. Climate has always been cyclical. And I am fed up with people bashing the Americans. Human activity is probably contributing to climate change, but it is far from proven that it si the sole cause. Read Michael Crightons book NEXT with particular reference to the epilogue. It may open your minds somewhat.

I think you'll find that most reputable scientists and organizations do not say we are the sole cause. Rather the Earth has natural heating and cooling cycles - but we are magnifying the effects.

[Jai Dee]

BMA and organizations to fight global warming

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has cooperated with over 30 organizations to fight global warming.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) discloses that BMA and 30 other organizations will jointly draft a five-year plan to fight global warming.

In addition, people will be encouraged to comment on the draft before it would be declared officially on August 12th.

At the same time, BMA will ask for cooperation from private sectors to set up a special organization for environment restoration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 May 2007

[ThaiGoon]

BMA and organizations to fight global warming

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has cooperated with over 30 organizations to fight global warming.

Good news.

[popshirt]

[quote name='PhilHarries' post='1178902' date='2007-03-05 15:15:17

<snip>

Do you:-

have lights on in unoccupied rooms in your house?

have the a/c set at 15C when 20 would be just as comfortable or OFF could be tolerable?

drive 500m to the local shop when you could walk?

have the television twittering away to itself when nobody is particularly watching it?

<snip>

At 20C I would need to wear a fur coat! We air con only one room (bedroom) in our house at around 27 or 28 degrees and it is quite comfortable.

But what a blessing it would be if televisions were turned off when not actually being watched. In many homes it seems that television background noise acts as a kind of "morphine drip" to the occupants. Anything but silence.

Edited May 29, 2007 by popshirt

[Bjorn]

I fully believe that global warming etc is a real threat to the whole world. Something has to be done urgently. There are many countries doing a lot, especially european countries, but a lot of others as well.

The worlds biggest polluter is by far north america. They don't mind polluting the whole world while making money. I have started , and many with me, to boycott american goods. Also now considering to do the same with chineese goods. Please join me in this boycott. At least you do something.

[larvidchr]

I fully believe that global warming etc is a real threat to the whole world. Something has to be done urgently. There are many countries doing a lot, especially european countries, but a lot of others as well.

The worlds biggest polluter is by far north america. They don't mind polluting the whole world while making money. I have started , and many with me, to boycott american goods. Also now considering to do the same with chineese goods. Please join me in this boycott. At least you do something.

China overtakes US next year, as the worlds biggest polluter because China is doing next to nothing, where as the US is doing quite a lot. So your statement "by far the biggest polluter" is not entirely accurate.

As to your boycott, hang in there, im sure they feel the impact allready I wonder what software and hardware you use to post on this forum? check your Pc and this may be the last we will hear from you for a while.

Regards

[TAWP]

Global Warming Threat?

Hah...atleast it generates money for the leftist enviroment-groups, and that cannot have anything to do with anything, since only the non-lefts ever do anything for money...

[Gary A]

This little globe we live on goes through cycles. Did people cause the ice age? What did cause it? There are many theories for sure. I don't think anyone can deny that we have global warming. The weather patterns have changed drastically over the past few years. The BIG question is what is causing it. The methane theory is gaining strength. Swamp gas or animal gas? Automobiles or industry? Could it be simply a natural cycle? In any case we should be conserving energy whenever and wherever possible. I view people who drive big gasoline guzzling vehicles as being selfish. I blame the US government politicians for not having the guts to put a big tax on gasoline. They say it would hurt the poor people. If everyone had an allotment they would try to conserve their allotment and if the didn't conserve, their pocketbook would get hurt. The additional tax could subsidize the personal allotment price. How difficult is that? It's amusing that the democrats can promise to bring down gasoline prices for everyone. HOW?

[Jai Dee]

Ministry of Natural Resources says global warming will cause permanent weather changes in Thailand

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment indicates global warming may result in a permanent shift in Thailand's weather patterns.

Permanent Secretary to the Ministry fo Natural Resources and Environment Mr. Pitipong Phuengbooon Na Ayutthaya (ปีติพงศ์ พึ่งบุญ ณ อยุธยา) reports that the global community is increasingly aware of the dangers of global warming and the greenhouse effect. Mr. Pitipong said that massive energy usage, careless industrial and agricultural practices, as well as deforestation contribute to these phenomenons.

The permanent secretary revealed that effects of global warming on Thailand may include permanent changes in weather patterns, with increasing prevalence of flooding and weather extremes recorded over the last 50 years. Changes to fragile coastal and maring ecosystems have also been noted. Mr. Pitipong urged the public to minimize gas emissions, reduce private transportation usage, and decrease deforestation and burnings.

The government will be implementing policies to support the prevention of global warming.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 June 2007

[JR Texas]

I fully believe that global warming etc is a real threat to the whole world. Something has to be done urgently. There are many countries doing a lot, especially european countries, but a lot of others as well.

The worlds biggest polluter is by far north america. They don't mind polluting the whole world while making money. I have started , and many with me, to boycott american goods. Also now considering to do the same with chineese goods. Please join me in this boycott. At least you do something.

China overtakes US next year, as the worlds biggest polluter because China is doing next to nothing, where as the US is doing quite a lot. So your statement "by far the biggest polluter" is not entirely accurate.

As to your boycott, hang in there, im sure they feel the impact allready I wonder what software and hardware you use to post on this forum? check your Pc and this may be the last we will hear from you for a while.

Regards

JR Texas: About China........I have lived there.......and they are doing a lot in terms of alternative energy and saving energy.....never saw so many photovoltaic cells......most people ride bicycles, energy efficient light bulbs all over, monitoring systems that turn the lights on and off depending on whether a person is in, say, a hallway or not........energy efficient flashlights..........electric motorcycles.......electric bicycles..........they are trying........it is the reliance on coal intersecting with high economic growth and huge population numbers that is resulting in CO2 problems.

About Thailand: a good proxy measure of global warming is bleaching of coral and that is happening all over Thailand

[Jai Dee]

BMA and the World Bank Thailand set to tackle global warming

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced its first official cooperation with the World Bank Thailand Office to reduce global warming in Bangkok.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Gosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) had a discussion with the executives of the World Bank Thailand Office on measures to tackle global warming in Bangkok. BMA and the World Bank will jointly complete the cooperative measures within two weeks before proposing to the World Bank headquarters at Washington D.C and the United Kingdom for consideration and further support.

Currently, BMA will be conducting a 5-year operational plan to tackle global warming, adding that Silom and Sathorn Road will be used as pilot roads. He says officials will consider on whether the plan can efficiently reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission. If the project proves efficient, it will be applied in other areas.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 June 2007

[antsinmypantsouch]

The debate is over about whether or not climate change is real. Irrefutable evidence from around the world - including extreme weather events, record temperatures, retreating glaciers, and rising sea levels - all point to the fact climate change is happening now and at rates much faster than previously thought.

The overwhelming majority of scientists that study climate change agree that human activity is responsible for changing the climate. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is one of the largest bodies of international scientists ever assembled to study a scientific issue, comprised of more than 2,000 scientists from 100 countries. The IPCC has concluded that most of the warming observed during the past 50 years is attributable to human activities. Its findings have been publicly endorsed by the national academies of science of all G-8 countries, as well as those of China, India and Brazil. The Royal Society of Canada – together with the national academies of fifteen other nations – also issued a joint statement on climate change that stated, in part: "The work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) represents the consensus of the international scientific community on climate change science. We recognize IPCC as the world's most reliable source of information on climate change."

Who are the climate change skeptics?

Despite the international scientific community's consensus on climate change, a very small band of critics continues to deny that climate change exists or that humans are causing it. Widely known as climate change "skeptics" or "deniers", these individuals are generally not climate scientists and do not debate the science with the climate scientists directly – for example, by publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals or participating in international conferences on climate science. Instead, they focus their attention on the media, the general public, and policy makers with the goal of delaying action on climate change.

Not surprisingly, the skeptics have received significant funding from coal and oil companies, including ExxonMobil. They also have well-documented connections with public relations firms that have set up industry-funded lobby groups to - in the words of one leaked memo - "reposition global warming as theory (not fact)."

Over the years, the skeptics have employed a wide range of arguments against taking action on climate change - some of which actually contradict each other. For example, they have claimed that:

• Climate change is not occurring
  
• The global climate is actually getting colder
  
• The global climate is getting warmer, but not because of human activities
  
• The global climate is getting warmer, in part because of human activities, but this will create greater benefits than costs
  
• The global climate is getting warmer, in part because of human activities, but the impacts are not sufficient to require any policy response
  

After 15 years of increasingly definitive scientific studies attesting to the reality and significance of global climate change, there has been a noticeable shift in the skeptics' tactics. Many skeptics no longer deny that climate change is happening, but instead argue that the cost of taking action is too high - or even worse, that it is too late to take action. All of these arguments are false and are rejected by the scientific community at large.

To gain an understanding of the level of scientific consensus on climate change, a recent study examined every article on climate change published in peer-reviewed scientific journals over a 10-year period. Of the 928 articles on climate change the authors found, not one of them disagreed with the consensus position that climate change is happening or is human-induced.

These findings contrast dramatically with the popular media's reporting on climate change. One recent study analyzed coverage of climate change in four influential American newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, and Wall Street Journal) over a 14-year period. It found that more than half of the articles discussing climate change gave equal weight to the scientifically discredited views of the skeptics.

This discrepancy is largely due to the media's drive for balance in reporting. Journalists are trained to identify one position on any issue, and then seek out a conflicting position, providing both sides with roughly equal attention. Unfortunately, the "balance" of the different views within the media does not always correspond with the actual prevalence of each view within society, and can result in unintended bias. This has been the case with reporting on climate change, and as a result, many people believe that climate change is still being debated by scientists when in fact it is not.

While some level of debate is of course useful when looking at major social problems, eventually society needs to move on and actually address the issue. To do nothing about the problem of climate change is akin to letting a fire burn down a building because the precise temperature of the flames is unknown, or to not address the problem of smoking because one or two doctors still claim that it does not cause lung cancer. As the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) acknowledges, a lack of full scientific certainty about some aspects of climate change is not a reason for delaying an immediate response that will, at a reasonable cost, prevent dangerous consequences in the climate system.

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/...ce/Skeptics.asp

[GuestHouse]

I can understand skepticism being the cause of sticking your head in the sand, after all Climate Change is a bit of a fuzzy thing to understand.

What I don't understand is the inability of some people, and in particular the bunch of clowns currently in control of the US Administration, failing to grasp that there are huge amounts of money to be made out of addressing climate change.

Almost all the technology to address climate change, with the exception of automotive efficiency, is held in the west, and in particular in the US.

Example: Failing to push for clean technology to be a requirement under international protocols leaves the emerging markets open to nations who are competing for business by selling old dirty technology.

China, India, Vietnam and I should add Iran, are buying crap technology because there is nothing stopping them polluting, if there was, they'd have to buy from the West instead of from Russia.

Alternatively:

The US can sit back, while other nations develop their own clean technologies - Just like they did with the automotive business.

[sbk]

GH, the National Renewable Energy Laboratories in the US have been studying alternative resources for quite some time. However, they are political pawns, seeing their funding cut and positions lost every year. Only to be reinstated when Bush makes a visit and needs to look like he's doing something.

Anyway, if anyone is interested in the technologies being explored, check out their website: NREL

Even more interesting would be seeing some of these technologies in use in Thailand. I believe there are a few biomass plants around, up near Bangkok somewhere, but not nearly on any kind of useful scale.