The Global Warming Thread

[Sionnach Glic]

Inspired by comments in another thread, I figured I'd make this, as we've never actualy discussed the subject here.

So, global warming. Does it herald the armaggedon, or is it all a load of BS?

[Tyyr]

I would propose a clarification. The question isn't "Is the planet getting warmer?" If it wasn't it'd be getting colder. The planet isn't a steady state system. The questions are, "Are we to blame?" and "Is it actually a bad thing?"

[Mikey]

Is global warming real? Absolutely.

Is it the end of mankind, as some high-strung orators would have us believe? I doubt it, although it is an issue of some concern. The role of man in the current state of global warming has, I believe, been overstated. It has happened before, without any technological input, and will probably do so again. Further, if one believes in a "Gaia" type hpothesis, mankind's role is simply a part of the natural bioshpere. Greenhouse gases always have been, and always will be. Are CFC's harmful to the ozone? Sure - but they won't single-handedly lead to the death of all mankind via skin cancer, as some far-left rhetoric makes it sound. Ozone is naturally unstable, and replenishes itself naturally through such odd and artifical processes like... lightning.

I guess my analysis is that it's an important topic for discourse, because I think going forward it's as important for people to think about the long-term effects of technology as the short-term benefits. I don't, however, intend to move anythime soon simply because I have some Chicken Little idea that my home will be swallowed up next year because of the rise in sea level.

[thelordharry]

Don't let Al Gore hear you say that, Mikey!!!

[Mikey]

Don't let Al Gore hear you say that, Mikey!!!

Yeah, I have to go anyway... there's a Sierra Club van outside, with some guys in ski masks...

[Tsukiyumi]

You should at least pay attention to the melting of Antarctic ice, Mikey. As should I. If the whole thing melts, Houston would be under a hundred feet of water.

[Monroe]

But the lost Ancient Outpost from Stargate: SG-1 will be found right?

[Tsukiyumi]

But the lost Ancient Outpost from Stargate: SG-1 will be found right?

As long as it's not below the new sea level (which a lot of the continent is).

[Deepcrush]

Is it real... Yes. If you didn't know this already then you don't have the right to live.

Is it the fault of people... Partly. There are natural heating and cooling trends of the planet. Human toxens are only speeding up one of the natural heating cycles and not allowing it to stop.

Is it bad... Yes. Many areas will flood such as parts of NY, MD, and much of the land around the Missippi river.

Can any good come of it... Yes, populations on the coast will be flooded out in many nations allowing for a high drop in planet Earth's human populations. Plus, much of the Middle East will be under water which means less trouble from them.

[Tsukiyumi]

...Plus, much of the Middle East will be under water which means less trouble from them.

[Tyyr]

I wouldn't get out the floaties just yet.

Antarctica is actually gaining mass:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25 ... 01,00.html

Greenland is questionable as the interior of the ice sheet is growing:
http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMILF638FE_planet_0.html

[stitch626]

Antarctica is actually gaining mass:

Yes because the Earth is trying to balance itself (not like a conscious being though). The area around Antarctica is gaining a lower temp to compensate for the rest of the planet.

[Deepcrush]

Antarctica is actually gaining mass:

Its gaining mass on one coast while losing it on others.

Greenland is questionable as the interior of the ice sheet is growing:

Let pray for the UK this works out to be true.