What about global warming?

The science consensus is that there is global climate change occurring. There are a few dissenters in the scientific community, but they are a minority. The question is what are the main drivers. There is some indication that added carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere does contribute to this. One contributor which doesn't get much media press is the change in human settlement patterns. More humans live in urban areas than ever before. Indeed, more humans live than ever before! Since concrete and other heat retaining materials go into these urban centers, heat islands are created. These can have weather altering impacts and a case can be made that they are part of the climate alteration picture. .

The problem is often the media will hype the situation often pointing to this storm, or that heat wave, or that cold spell as proof, or conversely disproof, that climate change is happening. Add to that the normal cyclical patterns of weather and climate, it is often hard to see this in a micro way. Ultimately, we will have to get a better understanding of the interplay of variables, in order to minimize human impact or at least mitigate the negative impacts via alternate strategies. Some parts of the world may see small changes: maybe you could now grow peaches in Pennsylvania, but in other parts of the world it can be devastating.

It's not a myth - but it is being used by environmental scientists to pad their pockets. How? As long as they are yelling, "Danger, danger Will Robinson - the Earth is about to fry like an egg" their research grants are very likely to be renewed.

So: the consequences of global warming have been greatly - and intentionally - exaggerated.

- Jim

There is no real evidence of us being the cause of global warming. Nor is there any evidence that shows it isn't anything more the the normal warming and cooling cycle our planet has had in the past. Were it will warm for a period of years before have a period of years where it will cool.

What about it? I live in Minnesota and it's already getting cold. I could use some glbal warming. I hate freezing but all my family is here so I can't move...yet.

Climate change is occuring. Weather it is anthropogenic or not remains debated.

All of those things and a hoax too.