Global Warming or just Hot Air?

The Kyoto Protocol on global warming takes effect today. It requires all 141 signatories, most notably 39 industrialised nations, to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases “that pollute the atmosphere” by 5.2% by 2012. But each country has specific emissions targets to meet by this date and the worse polluters can compensate for their transgressions by paying off those who pollute way below their limits.

It is noteworthy, however, that the United States (by far the world’s worst polluter) and other unrepentant polluters like China, India and Australia have not signed this treaty. And, many of its European signatories are finding it difficult to meet their obligations. But, like so many international agreements, there is no enforcement mechanism to compel performance or penalize countries that fail to comply.

Nevertheless, many eminent scientists doubt that the Kyoto Protocol is worth the paper it’s written on – not because few countries will actually comply but because the science that gave rise to it is so flawed:

One of the Treaty’s most prominent and accessible critics is Michael Crichton. Crichton, of course, is the author scientific novels (including The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park) and the creator of one of television’s most popular dramas ER. What is less known, however, is that Crichton is also a Harvard trained Doctor – which lends credibility to his criticisms.

In his new and very timely book State of Fear, Crichton dramatizes his doubts about the science of global warming in typically thrilling fashion. He dismisses the National Academy of Science’s findings that industrial pollution is the cause of recent increases in global temperatures and presents his own interpretation of scientific data to support his doubts. He argues, amongst other things, that global warming and cooling are natural phenomena that have occurred in cycles since the beginning of time. Furthermore, he lampoons believers in global warming as uninformed, fad-obsessed herds being led by a cadre myopic liberal media and intellectual elite.

Conversely, there are many who believe global warming is a proven scientific fact that portends our doom. And, they regard the Kyoto Protocol as mankind’s last hope to avert a cataclysmic imbalance to the earth’s ecosystems.

One of the Treaty’s most prominent and accessible supporters is Al Gore. Gore, of course, is the former VP of the United States and the author of the political bible on global warming Earth in the Balance. In his book, amongst other things, Gore refers to greenhouse emissions that are depleting the ozone layer and the rapid destruction of the rain forest as primary causes of global warming. He cites scientific research to demonstrate that the quality of our air and water face imminent peril. And, he warns that nothing less than a complete transformation of our way of life will avert this pending disaster.

Alas, only time will tell which side is right. And, none of us alive today will be here to see the outcome.


Meltdown?


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