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Martian · 07-24-2008, 11:56 PM

Am I the only one who thinks Ustwo's absence rather conspicuous in these threads?

My issue with global warming is that the science isn't really there. Most of what's said is based on the IPCC studies, which are themselves based almost entirely on meta-analysis of smaller studies. Meta-analysis is not good science.

I'm skirting the rules maybe, by bringing up the IPCC studies. But given that I've actually sat down and read them in order to form an opinion and am now working based on prior knowledge, I think I'm okay.

So if the science isn't firm, then the question becomes why it's such a big deal. In order to know that we have to look at who the loudest proponents are and what motives they might have. I admit I'm a little uncertain what a politician like Al Gore should have to gain by taking such a firm stance on an issue like this. </sarcasm>

Anyway, I think history has adequately shown that we don't need to save the planet. The planet has proven time and again that it can take care of it's own damn self. One of the pitfalls of humanity's intellect is arrogance; sooner or later mother nature is going to throw us in the reject pile with the dinosaurs and five-legged zebras and that will be that. In the meantime, what we do doesn't seem likely to have much of an impact on anything other than ourselves. Oh, sure, we may end up taking a few other species with us, but the planet will continue on regardless.

I conserve where it makes sense to me. This is mostly in the form of finite resources. Recycling plastics makes sense, because they're petroleum based. Most of our energy comes from fossil fuels and the energy grid can only take so much, as was adequately proven in 2003 to people in my part of the world; plus, energy conservation has a direct impact on my personal finances. Paper I'm less concerned about, but trees are nice and it doesn't take any extra effort to use the facilities that are already in place. I harbour no illusions about saving the world, though. The world will carry on just as it always has regardless of my actions. It's big and I'm not. Big usually wins.

07-24-2008, 11:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Am I the only one who thinks Ustwo's absence rather conspicuous in these threads? My issue with global warming is that the science isn't really there. Most of what's said is based on the IPCC studies, which are themselves based almost entirely on meta-analysis of smaller studies. Meta-analysis is not good science. I'm skirting the rules maybe, by bringing up the IPCC studies. But given that I've actually sat down and read them in order to form an opinion and am now working based on prior knowledge, I think I'm okay. So if the science isn't firm, then the question becomes why it's such a big deal. In order to know that we have to look at who the loudest proponents are and what motives they might have. I admit I'm a little uncertain what a politician like Al Gore should have to gain by taking such a firm stance on an issue like this. </sarcasm> Anyway, I think history has adequately shown that we don't need to save the planet. The planet has proven time and again that it can take care of it's own damn self. One of the pitfalls of humanity's intellect is arrogance; sooner or later mother nature is going to throw us in the reject pile with the dinosaurs and five-legged zebras and that will be that. In the meantime, what we do doesn't seem likely to have much of an impact on anything other than ourselves. Oh, sure, we may end up taking a few other species with us, but the planet will continue on regardless. I conserve where it makes sense to me. This is mostly in the form of finite resources. Recycling plastics makes sense, because they're petroleum based. Most of our energy comes from fossil fuels and the energy grid can only take so much, as was adequately proven in 2003 to people in my part of the world; plus, energy conservation has a direct impact on my personal finances. Paper I'm less concerned about, but trees are nice and it doesn't take any extra effort to use the facilities that are already in place. I harbour no illusions about saving the world, though. The world will carry on just as it always has regardless of my actions. It's big and I'm not. Big usually wins. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame