I've been reading on the environmental issues since the 80s, I really never gave global warming a thought when I heard about the green house effect, environmentalists had been warning us about this for decades. Then when the ice caps started melting at an accelerated rate I didn't need an expert so spare me the condescending quips. My only intention of starting the thread was to entertain any intelligent argument otherwise and if you say their are none, your part of the problem. The idea that a warmer earth could help open up farmland were it was too cold appealed to me and I wanted to consider it. I don't need an expert for much of this but I don't worship at the altar of utilitarian science either.
I've always been interested in environmentalism and generally listen carefully when NASA scientists tell me statistically it's real, that have this really good reputation for that sort of thing, I mean these guys are famous for doing the math so spare me. This is just a friendly invitation to an alternative view, nothing more.
I was talking in general.
If the actual experts tell you that the world needs to take action fast, then you better listen.
They've been saying it for decades, indeed.
And for decades, oil lobbyists have been paying people to sow confusion and politicians to not do anything about. And plenty of people have been had by the propaganda.
And yes, when the "counter point" amounts to "
but hey, if it gets warmer here, then we might be able to produce wine in Belgium just like in Italy! that's great isn't it?" then you are missing the big picture so much that it is not even funny.
Yes, you might be able to get your vineyard. Meanwhile, plenty of species go extinct and millions upon millions die of famine, dislocation, etc etc.
And that's not even taking into account the longer term effects of this domino game we are playing with climate.
The question is not "will we do something?"
The question is not even "what will we do about it tomorrow?"
The only real question here is "what will we do about it TODAY?"
Any other question, is immoral and unethical.
These facts have been known since the bloody 60s for crying out loud.
There's even leaked memo's from Exxon board meetings from over 40 years ago, wherein they literally acknowledge the problem.
Everybody that matters, has known about this for decades.
They did nothing. They lie, lie lie and gullible people believe believe believe.
And they do it by downplaying expertise in favor of your average Joe's opinion, who only cares about his own paycheck and luxury.