02-05-2007, 08:59 PM
Thanks for the links Elmo- I have read them, and so far I do not see evidence that global warming is a cult. From the first link, which was very interesting- although there is some evidence that the polar ice caps on Mars are shrinking, this is an observation- the mechanism, or causitive effect, is so far unknown. In the article, Dr. Habibullo Abdussamatov stated that "Mars has global warming, but without a greenhouse and without the participation of Martians. These parallel global warmings -- observed simultaneously on Mars and on Earth -- can only be a straightline consequence of the effect of the one same factor: a long-time change in solar irradiance." Unfortunately, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, this conclusion is no more than conjecture. I would be interested in finding the climate model, or evidence for, his reasoning that we are about to enter a global ice-age. If I have time, I will have a look on NCBI tonight, or perhaps you could point me in the direction of the relevant articles.
As to politicians becoming involved in science- yes, this often confuses the issue. Your third link, regarding Gore, has nothing to do with the scientific basis or otherwise for global warming. Gore is a politician and a spokesperson, not a scientist. As to data becoming mangled by the political machine this is true- the most recent IPCC study may have been toned down in response to political pressure. It is unfortunate that the peer-reviewed work of 600 scientists is second-guessed by non-scientists for political reasons.
As to politicians becoming involved in science- yes, this often confuses the issue. Your third link, regarding Gore, has nothing to do with the scientific basis or otherwise for global warming. Gore is a politician and a spokesperson, not a scientist. As to data becoming mangled by the political machine this is true- the most recent IPCC study may have been toned down in response to political pressure. It is unfortunate that the peer-reviewed work of 600 scientists is second-guessed by non-scientists for political reasons.