Do we have to know "beyond a doubt" that our houses are burning down before we try to buy homeowners insurance? By that time, even Citizens won't write it.
Here are the facts: the evidence for global warming is compelling. NASA measurements show that 8 of highest global average temperatures have occured in the last 10 years and the trend is accelerating. Satellite measurements of solar irradiance prove that solar activity is not the cause. Concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are at the highest levels in more than 400,000 years and are headed straight up. The primary cause is human activities such as burning fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases absorption of infrared radiation (i.e. heat) that causes the atmosphere to warm is a proven scientific fact. Glaciers and ice caps are melting globally at unprecedented rates. Sea surface temperatures are rising globally. Ocean levels are rising at an increasing rate due to thermal expansion and glacial melt. The number of Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes globally are at new highs. Plants and animals are migrating toward the poles and up mountain tops. Drought, wildfires, heat waves, and torrential flooding are getting worse. Arctic permafrost is softening. The acidity of the oceans is increasing due to increased dissolved carbon dioxide and is threatening marine life. South Florida including Broward County is among the most vulnerable places in world due to its low elevations, rising seas and more intense hurricanes. What accounts for all of this? Before we take action, should we all just go about our business as usual, watch the seas engulf us, and suffer the destruction of one Cat 4 or 5 hurricane after another? Then we will surely know that global warming is real.
On the other hand, credit goes to 23 Broward city mayorsand the County Commission for making the commitment to fight global warming in their municipalities by signing the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and take steps to conserve energy and reduce emissions, as have over 800 mayors nationwide. The Broward Charter Review Commission should show that it too takes this threat seriously and makes climate protection a priority for Broward County. One more thought, one of the best things that can be done to reduce energy usage and emissions is mass transit
Friday, March 14, 2008
How much evidence do you need to understand that global warming is real?
Do we have to know "beyond a doubt" that our houses are burning down before we try to buy homeowners insurance? By that time, even Citizens won't write it.
Here are the facts: the evidence for global warming is compelling. NASA measurements show that 8 of highest global average temperatures have occured in the last 10 years and the trend is accelerating. Satellite measurements of solar irradiance prove that solar activity is not the cause. Concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are at the highest levels in more than 400,000 years and are headed straight up. The primary cause is human activities such as burning fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases absorption of infrared radiation (i.e. heat) that causes the atmosphere to warm is a proven scientific fact. Glaciers and ice caps are melting globally at unprecedented rates. Sea surface temperatures are rising globally. Ocean levels are rising at an increasing rate due to thermal expansion and glacial melt. The number of Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes globally are at new highs. Plants and animals are migrating toward the poles and up mountain tops. Drought, wildfires, heat waves, and torrential flooding are getting worse. Arctic permafrost is softening. The acidity of the oceans is increasing due to increased dissolved carbon dioxide and is threatening marine life. South Florida including Broward County is among the most vulnerable places in world due to its low elevations, rising seas and more intense hurricanes. What accounts for all of this? Before we take action, should we all just go about our business as usual, watch the seas engulf us, and suffer the destruction of one Cat 4 or 5 hurricane after another? Then we will surely know that global warming is real.
On the other hand, credit goes to 23 Broward city mayorsand the County Commission for making the commitment to fight global warming in their municipalities by signing the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and take steps to conserve energy and reduce emissions, as have over 800 mayors nationwide. The Broward Charter Review Commission should show that it too takes this threat seriously and makes climate protection a priority for Broward County. One more thought, one of the best things that can be done to reduce energy usage and emissions is mass transit
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