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Re: Human vs. natural influences on the environment
kowens@teleport.com (Jeff Owens) wrote for all to see:
>brshears@whale.st.usm.edu (Harold Brashears) wrote:
>> I have no doubt that we want to minimize CO2 in the atmosphere, and
>> further no doubt that wind will be a competitive technology (though I
>> would not want to live next to a wind farm). But the more accurate
>> projections we are beginning to see do not persuade me we need any
>> kind of emergency approach to the problem.
>
>Not sure what is meant by an *emergency approach*, but most of
>post I have seen so far are not suggesting anything drastic.
I guess it would have to depend on your definition of the word
"drastic".
>
>It is interesting that this method of arguing keeps being repeated
>over and over. The topic is assumed to be divided into two extremes,
>without a range of moderate views.
>
Frankly, I thought I was being moderate, not extreme. I acknowledged
that CO2 increase should be of concern, but current knowledge (as
distinct from models), does not justify extreme measures like a carbon
tax or electric automobiles.
>> "By September 1979, all important life in the sea was extinct.
>> Large areas of coastline had to be evacuated... A pretty grim
>> scenario. Unfortunately were a long way into it already...based
>> on projections of trends already appearing..."
>> - Paul Ehrilich, Environmental Handbook, 1970, pp 174
>
>OK, the world is full of bad predictions. Our interest should
>be to look at the facts and decide if todays predictions are
>based on good science or immature science. The best way to do
>that is to discuss todays science and the recommendations by
>a consensus. Why introduce radical views or obsolete views
>just to create a villain.
The idea were not introduced by me. The quote is an illustration
thaty the extremist, alarmist view is that of the "greens", and opne
of their guru's, Paul Erlich.
The alarmist view of some environmentalists reminds me of visiting a
usde car lot, where I am told if I do not act now, drastic price
increases will occur tomorrow. If you have not observed this, then
you clearly were not paying attention.
Regards, Harold
----
"The threat of a new ice age must now stand alongside nuclear war as a
likely source of wholesale death and misery for mankind."
---Nigel Calder, International Wildlife, June 1975
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