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Originally Posted by EonBlue
There is zero proof that we are causing the rise in temperature.
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No, you're mistaken. There is lots of proof. In basic terms, we are producing gasses such as Carbon Dioxide and Methane. Both of these are called "greenhouse gasses" because they rise high into the atmosphere and trap much of the heat that is usually radiated by planet into space, and instead is reflected back down. Since less heat can escape, more heat remains in our environment, slowly raising the average temperature.
We are also cutting down trees at crazy rate. Trees absorb Carbon Dioxide from the air. Less CO2 means less heat reflecting back.
What are doing 2 really bad things at the same time. We're polluting more, and simultaneously making it harder for the earth to heal itself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EonBlue
There is zero proof that the temperature rise is a problem.
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Yes it is a big problem. A warmer climate means less ice arctic ice, shorter winters, stronger storms, more flooding in some places and more drought in other places. The cost of all of these things means some people lose property or crops, or suffer more damage than they should. It also means changing migration patterns for animals, loss of sea life, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EonBlue
There is zero proof that we can do anything about one way or another.
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It's looking pretty bleak for sure, and some scientists are already saying its too late, but I don't want to give up yet. I'm pretty sure there are lots of things that we can do to help at least first slow down the rate of increase, and then maybe, hopefully, reverse the trend.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EonBlue
To assume that we can stop the temperature from rising is to assume that natural climate variability has stopped completely and that we are the sole cause of it from here on out. Are you prepared to make that claim?
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Sort of, but let me break up what you said a little to clarify my beliefs on each issue.
You said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by EonBlue
To assume that we can stop the temperature from rising is to assume that natural climate variability has stopped completely
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These 2 things are not necessarily in lock step. I think that the climate is changing naturally, but slowly, all on its own. I also think that we are contributing to that change.
You said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by EonBlue
and that we are the sole cause of it from here on out.
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We may or may not be the sole cause, but lets say that we are not - it does not matter. If the climate is getting warmer and disastrous in the (near) future, then it makes sense to for us today to try to find a way to prevent it or at least, reduce the impact. Speaking in strict financial terms, we would save a lot of money, and new industries born from it would create more jobs, etc.