Matt

I've heard the global warming trend expressed in degrees per decade, but about how much energy per unit time (i.e. power) does this represent? Ideally I'd like to include atmospheric heating, ocean heating, and the heat of fusion for ice melt.

As you might guess, googling this question leads mostly to a blog that won't answer this question, so please link a reference. Thanks!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2127204/Ba...

It is sometimes claimed in the press and online that global warming stopped at some recent point, 1998 or so.

The mainstream theory, that CO₂ emissions from human activity were the primary driver of 20th century global warming, holds that warming since 1998 is merely obscured by ENSO cycles and other short-term noise. The mainstream theory predicts that warming has not stopped, and will continue for some time.

What alternative theories for the cause of 20th century global warming have been suggested, that are consistent with the warming observed last century, and consistent with the claim that warming stopped around 1998? Do these alternative theories predict that warming will remain stopped? (For example, is the urban heat island effect believed to have increased through 1998 and is now declining?)

Some claim that the observed trend of warming global temperatures is attributable to natural, that is, non-anthropogenic causes. If this is true, what could we predict to observe as a consequence? Have any such predictions turned out to be accurate?

New Year's resolution time!

Will you be making a lifestyle change to reduce your carbon footprint in 2011? What change or changes do you plan on making?

How many tons of CO2 emissions (or equivalent) will your change prevent next year? Please provide a reliable source for your estimate.