So some background.
About 5-6 months ago I was a firm believer in the traditional climate change story. But I was in an environmental class (because every civil engineering student is required to take classes on environmental science, atmospheric chemistry, and water quality. Why I do not know). I also had to go to lectures from environmental PhDs. One of the lectures stated that the science was still out. He stated that some empirical models showed cooling and that data from the past few years didn't fit with the traditional warming model. My other professor wouldn't comment on temperature, as he was more concerned about changes in water pH as a result of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
So I did a bit of research and found that carbon dioxide is responsible for less than 25% of the total greenhouse effect, and human activity accounts for less than 25% of that. I found that current temperatures are still no higher than those during the "medieval warm period." I'm currently reading a book on atmospheric chemistry. So I'm wondering what the actual facts are on this.
On a related note I endorse efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. And this has promoted that. So, if it was true that climate change is somewhat overblown, is it still ok to exaggerate if it gets people motivated and acting in a more sustainable manner?
About 5-6 months ago I was a firm believer in the traditional climate change story. But I was in an environmental class (because every civil engineering student is required to take classes on environmental science, atmospheric chemistry, and water quality. Why I do not know). I also had to go to lectures from environmental PhDs. One of the lectures stated that the science was still out. He stated that some empirical models showed cooling and that data from the past few years didn't fit with the traditional warming model. My other professor wouldn't comment on temperature, as he was more concerned about changes in water pH as a result of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
So I did a bit of research and found that carbon dioxide is responsible for less than 25% of the total greenhouse effect, and human activity accounts for less than 25% of that. I found that current temperatures are still no higher than those during the "medieval warm period." I'm currently reading a book on atmospheric chemistry. So I'm wondering what the actual facts are on this.
On a related note I endorse efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. And this has promoted that. So, if it was true that climate change is somewhat overblown, is it still ok to exaggerate if it gets people motivated and acting in a more sustainable manner?
