Posted By:
Gilbert MainesYes Barry, thank you for refreshing my memory on which of those guys (I always confuse the names) was cited in the n28 set date identification.
But regarding the global warming hypothesis, I do not see this as political at all. It is solely scientific. As such, statements including "You can not deny that the average temperature is higher than it was 3-400 years ago. And you really can't contend that it is a coincidence that the industrial revolution occured during this period." Are fraught with hype.
Because if the temerature is the highest its been in the last several hundred years, then it follows that 3-400 years ago it was this high. And this is the observation of much of the scientific community. Specifically, conclusions can not be drawn based on hundreds of years of data for application to a system (this planet) which has typical temperature variation in much greater cycles. So, a 400 year variance is perhaps one data point among many which has to be assessed in order to estimate a trend.
Yes, ice melts. Primarilly in the warmer season. It always has. It freezes too. But is it time to buy up property in Chicago, because it is sure to be ocean front anytime soon? That may be premature.
Global warming is a theory which if true could have significant consequence. As such, the media will play it up because it impacts ratings and sales. But if you think beyond the hype, I believe that the conclusion will be reached that no conclusion can be reached.