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Global Warming or just Hot Air?

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 8:36 PM
Written by Anthony L. Hall
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” 5.2% by 2012.
Each country has specific emissions targets to meet by this date and the worst polluters can compensate for their transgressions by paying off those who pollute way below their limits. Even worse, though, the United States (by far the world’s worst polluter) and other unrepentant polluters like China, India and Australia have not signed this treaty.
Meanwhile, many 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 findings by the National Academy of Science that industrial pollution is the cause of recent increases in global temperatures, presenting 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.

He argues, amongst other things, that greenhouse emissions, which are depleting the ozone layer, and the rapid destruction of the rain forest are the primary causes of global warming. Gore 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? 

 

Anthony L. Hall

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  1. Anonymous says

    I went to google news today, and searched for the word “climate.”

    I’d say stories are running pretty much in the “global warming is real” direction.

    I think that is a done deal, the only question is how the political types who have taken a hardline “there is no problem, we will do nothing” will respond next.

    The next “classic” state of denial is of course to say it is real, but we still don’t need to do anything. I think that will wear thin.

    Equally thin is the position that “any mediation will cost trillions.” We can of course choose any amount to spend on mediation … that is up to all of us.

    FWIW, I cut my electric and gasoline bills by about half, and saved money in the process. So that medation at least cost nothing.

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