Arctic sea ice hits second-lowest extent, likely lowest volume

October 2, 2008
Arctic Sea Ice Extent, September 2008

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Arctic sea ice extent for September 2008 was 1.8 million square miles, second lowest on satellite record. University of Colorado at Boulder researchers believe it may be the lowest sea ice volume ever recorded. The light blue line in the Arctic shows the normal ice edge. Image: University of Colorado at Boulder's National Snow and Ice Data Center

Arctic sea ice extent during the 2008 melt season dropped to the second-lowest level since satellite measurements began in 1979, reaching the lowest point in its annual cycle of melt and growth on Sept. 14, according to researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder's National Snow and Ice Data Center.

Preliminary data also indicate 2008 may represent the lowest volume of Arctic sea ice on record, according to the researchers. The declining Arctic sea ice is due to rising concentrations of greenhouse gases that have elevated temperatures across the Arctic and strong natural variability in Arctic sea ice, according to scientists.

Average sea ice extent during September, a benchmark measurement in the scientific study of Arctic sea ice, was 1.8 million square miles. The record monthly low, set in 2007, was 1.65 million square miles. The third lowest monthly low was 2.15 square miles in 2005, according researchers at the center.

The 2008 low strongly reinforces the 30-year downward trend in Arctic sea ice extent, said CU-Boulder Research Professor Mark Serreze, an NSIDC senior scientist. The 2008 September low was 34 percent below the long-term average from 1979 to 2000 and only 9 percent greater than the 2007 record. Because the 2008 low was so far below the September average, the negative trend in the September extent has been pulled downward, from a minus 10.7 percent per decade to a minus 11.7 percent per decade, he said.

"When you look at the sharp decline we have seen over the past 30 years, a recovery from lowest to second lowest is no recovery at all," Serreze said. "Both within and beyond the Arctic, the implications of the decline are enormous."

Conditions in the spring, at the end of the growth season, played an important role in the outcome of this year's melt, the researchers said. In March 2008, thin first-year ice covered a record high 73 percent of the Arctic basin. While it may appear to be a recovery of the sea ice, the large extent masked an important aspect of sea ice health since thin ice is more prone to melting during the summer. The widespread thin ice in spring 2008 set the stage for extensive ice loss during the melt season, according to the NSIDC researchers.

Through the 2008 melt season, a race developed between the melting of thin ice and gradually waning sunlight, said CU-Boulder Research Associate Walt Meier, a research scientist at NSIDC. Summer ice losses allowed significant solar energy to enter the ocean and heat up the water, melting even more ice from the bottom and sides. Warm oceans store heat longer than the atmosphere does, contributing to melt long after the sunlight has begun to wane, Meier said. In August 2008, the Arctic Ocean lost more ice than any previous August on record.

"Warm ocean waters helped contribute to ice losses this year, pushing the already thin ice pack over the edge," said Meier. "In fact, preliminary data indicate that 2008 probably represents the lowest volume of Arctic sea ice on record, partly because less multiyear ice is surviving now and the remaining ice is so thin."

In 2008, summer conditions worked together to save some first-year ice from melting and to "cushion" the thin ice pack from the effects of sunlight and warm ocean waters, preventing the "perfect storm" for ice loss seen in 2007, according to the researchers. Temperatures in 2008 were cooler than in 2007, although still warmer than average.

Cloudier skies also protected the ice from some melt, and wind patterns spread the ice pack out, leading to higher extent numbers, according to CU-Boulder Research Associate Julienne Stroeve, an NSIDC research scientist. The end result was the natural variability of short-term weather patterns provided enough of a "brake" to prevent a new record-low ice extent from occurring, she said.

"I find it incredible that we came so close to beating the 2007 record, without the especially warm and clear conditions we saw last summer," said Stroeve. "I hate to think what 2008 might have looked like if the weather patterns had set up in a more extreme way."

The melt season of 2008 reinforces the decline of Arctic sea ice documented over the past 30 years, said CU-Boulder Senior Research Associate Ted Scambos, NSIDC lead scientist. "The trend of decline in the Arctic continues, despite this year's slightly greater extent of sea ice," said Scambos. "The Arctic is more vulnerable than ever."

Source: University of Colorado at Boulder

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Velanarris
Oct 02, 2008

Rank: 3.3 / 5 (12)
When they say, "fastest loss of ice on record" why don't they clarify that the record is only 30 years old?
SongDog
Oct 02, 2008

Rank: 1.4 / 5 (10)
The ice IS the record.
Velanarris
Oct 02, 2008

Rank: 4.4 / 5 (10)
The ice IS the record.

We're not talking cores. We're talking sea ice so no, the ice is not the record.
GrayMouser
Oct 02, 2008

Rank: 4 / 5 (8)
Isn't this just a re-release of the report on 28Sep08 titled "NASA data show Arctic saw fastest August sea ice retreat on record" and the report on 16Sep08 titled "Arctic sea ice settles at second-lowest, underscores accelerating decline"?
GrayMouser
Oct 02, 2008

Rank: 3.8 / 5 (8)
By the way, why aren't they noting the climate change legislation in the bailout bill (http://www.capita.../?p=950) going from the Senate to the House?
barakn
Oct 02, 2008

Rank: 3.2 / 5 (11)
When they say, "fastest loss of ice on record" why don't they clarify that the record is only 30 years old?
They said "since satellite measurements began in 1979" in the very first sentence. Try reading a little more carefully next time.
barakn
Oct 02, 2008

Rank: 3.6 / 5 (9)
By the way, why aren't they noting the climate change legislation in the bailout bill (http://www.capita.../?p=950) going from the Senate to the House?
No. Notice the additional claim that this year had the record lowest volume. The previous reports were about area, not volume.
gmurphy
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 2 / 5 (9)
la nina, a cold influence, is currently acting on the planet. We are also in the most severe solar minimum for 50 years, typically associated with cold weather. Even with these influences, the ice has still reduced to a near record level. Its very likely to go completely within a few years. This is exactly what the climate models predicted but these results were shouted down by vested interests, dogmatic idiots and self righteous zealots.
Velanarris
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 3.8 / 5 (10)
No. Notice the additional claim that this year had the record lowest volume. The previous reports were about area, not volume.
Yes but ice has a fixed mass to volume depending on temperature. In order to claim anything about volume you'd need to have more data, which this article doesn't. That makes the volume statement just a supposition.


They said "since satellite measurements began in 1979" in the very first sentence. Try reading a little more carefully next time.


Right, satellite measurements, how about this line:

Preliminary data also indicate 2008 may represent the lowest volume of Arctic sea ice on record, according to the researchers.
Compared to what dataset.
la nina, a cold influence, is currently acting on the planet. We are also in the most severe solar minimum for 50 years, typically associated with cold weather. Even with these influences, the ice has still reduced to a near record level. Its very likely to go completely within a few years. This is exactly what the climate models predicted but these results were shouted down by vested interests, dogmatic idiots and self righteous zealots.

If you want to site La Nina here and disregard El Nino in the charts of global warming you have a problem.

You can't site La Nina as preventing this year from being the lowest sea ice on record and disregard El Nino as being responsible for the figures shown on global warming charts. It's dishonest.
bwanajohn
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 3.8 / 5 (10)
Remember satellite records started in 1979 just 4 years after the infamous April 1975 Newsweek article claim Global Cooling was sending us to the next Ice Age. It is likely 1979 was a near maxima for sea ice extent following the warming period of the 1930's. As such, it is hardly surprising the current sea ice is near a record given the recent warming.

All indications are that warming has ceased in 2000-2001. No ocean warming, no atmospheric warming, no tropospheric warming (never was), and no near surface warming - nada.

This year's sea ice recovery is just one more indicator of the coming cooling cycle. Next year's sea ice recovery will get even less, alarmist hysterical press but there will be some true believers to spin it someway.
Modernmystic
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 3.5 / 5 (8)
Do they do ANY actual research at UC? It's way past the point where when I hear a study came out of Boulder that I instantly dismiss it out of hand...
rubberman
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 2.2 / 5 (10)
"all indications are that warming has ceased in 2000-2001"
If warming had ceased at that time, one would think that the record minimum sea ice extent would not have been set in 2007, one would also think that worldwide glacial retreat would have halted by now....
GrayMouser
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 4 / 5 (8)
Its very likely to go completely within a few years. This is exactly what the climate models predicted but these results were shouted down by vested interests, dogmatic idiots and self righteous zealots.


This is NOT what the climate models predicted. They did not predict the current steady state/cooling until after their noses were rubbed in it.

As far as the ice in the arctic, there was a warm air current that was unusually far to the north last year and not this year. The models didn't predict that either.

Finally, since the arctic cap has been smaller than it is not in the last 100 years there is no reason to think that what is occurring isn't a natural pattern.
superhuman
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 1.8 / 5 (10)
Do they do ANY actual research at UC? It's way past the point where when I hear a study came out of Boulder that I instantly dismiss it out of hand...


Actually you global warming denialists instantly dismiss *any* study that does not support your world view.
mikiwud
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 4 / 5 (8)
NASA said that a reversal of currents in the Arctic was taking the new ice south before it could fully form.Seems conveniently forgoten as main cause of less sea ice.
Modernmystic
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 3.5 / 5 (8)
Do they do ANY actual research at UC? It's way past the point where when I hear a study came out of Boulder that I instantly dismiss it out of hand...


Actually you global warming denialists instantly dismiss *any* study that does not support your world view.


Nope not so much, just UC at Boulder :)
Velanarris
Oct 03, 2008

Rank: 3.8 / 5 (10)
Do they do ANY actual research at UC? It's way past the point where when I hear a study came out of Boulder that I instantly dismiss it out of hand...


Actually you global warming denialists instantly dismiss *any* study that does not support your world view.



There's another group that calls anyone who doesn't believe "denialists." Scientologists.
superhuman
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 1.9 / 5 (9)
Do they do ANY actual research at UC? It's way past the point where when I hear a study came out of Boulder that I instantly dismiss it out of hand...


Actually you global warming denialists instantly dismiss *any* study that does not support your world view.


There's another group that calls anyone who doesn't believe "denialists." Scientologists.


Is that your new argument against global warming? Everyone who doesn't agree with you is a scientologist?
Interesting rationalization.

BTW heres definition of the term from wiki:

http://en.wikiped...enialism
Denialism is the term used to describe the position of governments, political parties, business groups, interest groups, or individuals who reject propositions on which a scientific or scholarly consensus exists. Such groups and individuals are said to be engaging in denialism when they seek to influence policy processes and outcomes by using rhetorical tactics to give the appearance of argument or legitimate debate, when in actuality there is none.

The term was first used in the sense of 'holocaust denialism', but the usage has broadened to include 'AIDS denialism', 'climate change denialism', and 'evolution denialism'.


Nothing about scientology, but notice that you are in good company.
vlam67
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 1 / 5 (5)
I am going to open a chain of stores selling air-cond and refrigerators to Eskimos and their neighbors!
Velanarris
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 4.2 / 5 (10)
No, SH, it's the fact that you seem to take a stance that is doubtless in belief of AGW and anyone who suggests that there isn't enough evidence, or they are not convinced of the evidence due to opposite research, is automatically labeled a denialist. Many of us have said in the past that we're not saying AGW is impossible, just that it's improbable and the evidence is not of a sufficient amount to suggest it as fact. It's a theory and an oft challenged and modified one at that. There is not a great concensus for AGW but suggesting there is and labeling any opposition with a negativly connotated word is an old tactic employed by religion around the world.
MikeB
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 4 / 5 (8)
Two new studies show wind to be proximate cause of Arctic melting.
http://www.nature...316.html
http://www.agu.or...39.shtml
MikeB
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 3.7 / 5 (9)
"When you look at the sharp decline we have seen over the past 30 years, a recovery from lowest to second lowest is no recovery at all," Serreze said.

The recovery is not a recovery.
Draughts caused by Global Warming. Increased rainfall caused by Global Warming. Warming is warming. Cooling is warming. Wind is because of warming. Lack of wind is because of warming.
Is there nothing that Global Warming can't do?

See here for a list of some of the things caused by Global Warming:

http://www.number...list.htm
MikeB
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 3.7 / 5 (9)
"I find it incredible that we came so close to beating the 2007 record, without the especially warm and clear conditions we saw last summer," said Stroeve. "I hate to think what 2008 might have looked like if the weather patterns had set up in a more extreme way."

Would you really hate that Ms. Stroeve, or would you consider it an affirmation of you alarmist research?
Speaking of CU-Boulder, why the pause of sea level information when it appears that the sea levels are declining over the last few years? I'm sure it doesn't have anything to do with the upcoming election.

MikeB
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 3.9 / 5 (7)
http://sealevel.colorado.edu/

This graph shows the recent sea level decline, and the announcement of the suspension of posting new data.
superhuman
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 2.3 / 5 (6)
As for my stance I am certain that humans do impact climate (as thats beyond question really), I am not so certain as to the magnitude of this impact and not so certain that the global temperature will even continue to rise.

I do however agree with scientific consensus, and there is a consensus, even though the issue is controversial, that it is more likely then not that temperature will continue to rise and that it is more likely then not that man made emissions are responsible for significant portion of this effect.

I also agree that potential outcomes might be quite catastrophic for some areas, and that it justifies initiatives which aim at lowering our impact, I do however believe that any such intervention has to be carefully balanced with properly calculated economic costs which will certainly be substantial (unless some miracle new technology comes to save the day).

Actually I wont be *THAT* surprised if in a couple of years global warming will be no more, and some other new mechanism will be presented to explain why it is the case, the climate is an extremely complex system. But that certainly doesn't mean that global warming is not the most likely explanation for what we are seeing today and that we should dismiss it or not try to prevent possible negative outcomes. It only means that we have to factor our uncertainty into any decisions we make.

All in all that makes me pretty skeptical, I do however still consider you denialists cause you jump at each and every study concerning the issue, always disagreeing with *everything*.

And especially you Velanarris, I've already seen so many absurd claims you made on this topic (like completely misunderstanding radiative heat transfer, saying Earth can only cool by precipitation and convection instead of radiation, when in fact its PRECISELY the opposite, etc) that it is obvious you don't understand what you are talking about. Yet it doesn't stop you from spreading your anti-GW mantra everywhere. Your opposition has much more in common with religious fanatism then anything else. For some reason being against global warming is such an important part of your identity that you will go to any length to defend it.

Such approach wont get you far (unless maybe in politics) and you should really rethink your position if staying objective or neutral has any value to you.
MikeB
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 3.9 / 5 (7)
"I also agree that potential outcomes might be quite catastrophic for some areas, and that it justifies initiatives which aim at lowering our impact, I do however believe that any such intervention has to be carefully balanced with properly calculated economic costs which will certainly be substantial (unless some miracle new technology comes to save the day)."

How much would you have spent to keep Hurricane Ike from hitting Houston?
The thing is, sir, that no amount of money could have prevented it. That is why most economists say that mitigation is the wrong strategy for dealing with Global Warming. The correct strategy is adaptation, something that the human race has always done.
Mitigation initiatives cannot be justified.
superhuman
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 2.1 / 5 (8)
How much would you have spent to keep Hurricane Ike from hitting Houston?
The thing is, sir, that no amount of money could have prevented it. That is why most economists say that mitigation is the wrong strategy for dealing with Global Warming. The correct strategy is adaptation, something that the human race has always done.
Mitigation initiatives cannot be justified.


Its not so much about preventing a single hurricane as about lowering their frequency or mean strength (there are of course other factors besides hurricanes, this is just an example). The case is similar to insurance calculations. If a reliable relation can be established between CO2 emissions and hurricane strength and frequency then some amount, up to which it makes sense to try to lower CO2 emissions, can probably be put forth.If it can't be established now then maybe it will be possible in the near future. Maybe some informed guesses are worth the potential benefit, maybe not.

What interventions are presently justified and to what extent is an extremely complex issue, it should be decided by a panel representing all the sides involved with access to the best data and models available (including uncertainties and proper economic costs).

The cost of just blindly forcing everyone to suddenly cut emissions is astronomical and it would kill economy instantly. Even if such laws are passed they will be quickly abandoned when people realize how much it will cost them.
But there might be some initiatives which are economically justified and we should try looking for them before we give up and settle on adaptation.

After all it goes without saying that we will have to adapt no matter what.
Velanarris
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 4 / 5 (8)
And especially you Velanarris, I've already seen so many absurd claims you made on this topic (like completely misunderstanding radiative heat transfer, saying Earth can only cool by precipitation and convection instead of radiation, when in fact its PRECISELY the opposite, etc) that it is obvious you don't understand what you are talking about. Yet it doesn't stop you from spreading your anti-GW mantra everywhere. Your opposition has much more in common with religious fanatism then anything else. For some reason being against global warming is such an important part of your identity that you will go to any length to defend it.
Considering the definition of radiative forcing that you use I'm rather surprised you can say a word on the topic. As for convection and precipitation it's a well understood mechnism for energy transfer in the atmosphere, (which is what we're talking about here).

Such approach wont get you far (unless maybe in politics) and you should really rethink your position if staying objective or neutral has any value to you.
It's funny you bring up politics seeing as there is really no such thing as a scientific concensus. Concensus is a political word, not a scientific word.
Velanarris
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 3.9 / 5 (7)
And at no point did I say convection and precipitation were the ONLY means of energy loss in the atmosphere. I said they were the primary means of energy transfer OUT of the tropopause. That's the area of the atmosphere in question as the upper atmosphere has very little bearing on planetary temperatures in regard to IR and "radiative forcing".

You're a word twister, and it's a poor tactic in discussion.
MikeB
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 3.5 / 5 (8)
"Its not so much about preventing a single hurricane as about lowering their frequency or mean strength (there are of course other factors besides hurricanes, this is just an example). The case is similar to insurance calculations."

Sir, If this WAS similar to insurance calculations, we would need to add even more CO2 to our atmosphere. When there was less CO2 in our atmosphere, the death rate from extreme weather was much, much higher. See this study:

http://www.csccc....t_23.pdf
MikeB
Oct 04, 2008

Rank: 3.7 / 5 (9)
You see, CO2 doesn't kill people, poverty does. CO2 is the Earth's wealth marker. (I know this one's going to be controversial.)
deepsand
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 2.3 / 5 (7)
Considering the definition of radiative forcing that you use I'm rather surprised you can say a word on the topic. As for convection and precipitation it's a well understood mechnism for energy transfer in the atmosphere, (which is what we're talking about here).

What you refuse to understand is that radiative forcing is the source of the thermal energy that is available for dissipation via non-radiative means.

The former operates independent of either of the latter; and, in its absence there would be precious little need for such.
deepsand
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 2 / 5 (7)
You see, CO2 doesn't kill people, poverty does. CO2 is the Earth's wealth marker. (I know this one's going to be controversial.)

More accurate to say that it is a marker of man's ignorance and/or stupidity.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.3 / 5 (7)
Deepsand, Is it really stupid to produce CO2? Is every breath you take an act of stupidity? When you fly out to visit a dying relative, is that ignorance? Do you drive a car? Do you have pets? They breathe too, you know. Do you capture your own flatulence to prevent the terrible GHG methane? Have you ever grilled a hamburger? Have you considered suicide? Should you let your parents and children continue breathing?

Sir, you are living in a dream world. Wake up before it's too late and you have ceded your rights to someone else.
Who is really stupid and ignorant here?

When you remove all CO2 production from your life, please report back here to tell us how it's going...
Velanarris
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.5 / 5 (8)
You see, CO2 doesn't kill people, poverty does. CO2 is the Earth's wealth marker. (I know this one's going to be controversial.)

More accurate to say that it is a marker of man's ignorance and/or stupidity.


You went a little too far with this comment. CO2 is a vital gas in the environment. It's production from human or non-human means is a vital part of our ecosystem and a necessary element for life on this planet. Reducing CO2 below 100ppm would lead to catastophic cooling and the death of the majority of plant life on the planet. Humans artificially produce CO2 for boosting crop yields and ensuring there are enough resources for all humans. CO2 isn't necessarily as evil as it's been sold to be.
deepsand
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.7 / 5 (6)
When you remove all CO2 production from your life, please report back here to tell us how it's going...

When you learn how to engage in rational discourse, rather than sophistry, let us know.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.5 / 5 (6)
That was deep. Now answer the questions.
deepsand
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 2.7 / 5 (6)
You see, CO2 doesn't kill people, poverty does. CO2 is the Earth's wealth marker. (I know this one's going to be controversial.)

More accurate to say that it is a marker of man's ignorance and/or stupidity.


You went a little too far with this comment. CO2 is a vital gas in the environment. It's production from human or non-human means is a vital part of our ecosystem and a necessary element for life on this planet. Reducing CO2 below 100ppm would lead to catastophic cooling and the death of the majority of plant life on the planet. Humans artificially produce CO2 for boosting crop yields and ensuring there are enough resources for all humans. CO2 isn't necessarily as evil as it's been sold to be.

No, it's not necessarily evil; but, it's also very far from being as MikeB claimed.

Taken within the intended context, mine was a most accurate statement. The uncontrolled production of any substance whose presence has either unknown or undesirable consequences is the result of ignorance and/or stupidity.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.7 / 5 (6)
The known consequence of CO2 production is wealth. With wealth, mankind can handle any unproven consequences of CO2.

You still haven't told anyone how you will eliminate your CO2 production. My previous comment was not sophistry. It is only a few questions that you refuse to answer.

Will you take responsibility or not?
deepsand
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.7 / 5 (6)
That was deep. Now answer the questions.

Irrelevant, inconsequential, non-responsive, and non sequitur.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.7 / 5 (6)
I knew you wouldn't answer the questions. You, sir, are being very hypocritical. You realize that your own wealth is dependent on your CO2 production, while you believe that CO2 is harming the environment and your children's future.
I would hate to live inside that conflicted head. If you really believe what you say you do, get off the computer, buy a little land somewhere, build a sustainable house off-grid, and grow your own food. Otherwise, be quiet. You are harming your psyche.
deepsand
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 2 / 5 (7)
The known consequence of CO2 production is wealth.

All CO2 production yields wealth? That categorical claim is yours to prove.
With wealth, mankind can handle any unproven consequences of CO2.

Assumes facts not in evidence.
You still haven't told anyone how you will eliminate your CO2 production.

Both red herring and straw man.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (7)
Who is the sophist now?
deepsand
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.7 / 5 (6)
I knew you wouldn't answer the questions. You, sir, are being very hypocritical. You realize that your own wealth is dependent on your CO2 production, while you believe that CO2 is harming the environment and your children's future.
I would hate to live inside that conflicted head. If you really believe what you say you do, get off the computer, buy a little land somewhere, build a sustainable house off-grid, and grow your own food. Otherwise, be quiet. You are harming your psyche.

Argumentum ad hominem.
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.6 / 5 (7)
Who is the sophist now?

Clearly that would be you, as evidenced by the number and kinds of fallacies that you continue to employ.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.7 / 5 (6)
Anyone who believes that CO2 is a pollutant or is causing harm to future generations must take personal action now. Inaction can only mean disbelief or fear.
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.9 / 5 (7)
Anyone who believes that CO2 is a pollutant or is causing harm to future generations must take personal action now. Inaction can only mean disbelief or fear.

"Anyone who BELIEVES ... must take personal action ... . Inaction can only mean DISBELIEF ... " Restated, "he who believes but does not act does not believe." Contradiction?

"... or fear."

Fear of what?
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.7 / 5 (6)
Fear of poverty.
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.6 / 5 (7)
Fear of poverty.

You are becoming increasingly irrational.

Not only have you ignored the seeming contradiction called to your attention, but you've now made a statement that is most specious.
barkster
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.5 / 5 (8)
"As for my stance I am certain that humans do impact climate (as thats beyond question really)"... "and that it is more likely then not that man made emissions are responsible for significant portion of this effect."


Man made emissions. How ironic. Everytime someone farts this nonsense, the world get a little "warmer".
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.3 / 5 (7)
He who (says) he believes but does not act, does not (really) believe. No contradiction whatsoever, only a tremendous cognitive dissonance.
barkster
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.8 / 5 (5)
Anyone who believes that CO2 is a pollutant or is causing harm to future generations must take personal action now. Inaction can only mean disbelief or fear.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.3 / 5 (7)
Excalibur, It's simple really. Try to follow along. Not even Al Gore will give up his CO2 production. Why? He does not believe that CO2 is harmful. He also fears the loss of much that is dear to him. What must he give up if he believes that CO2 is poisoning our atmosphere?
Houseboats, mansions, extra houses, meat, limosines, airplanes... to name a very few things that I have recently seen demonized by the IPCC, Gore, Pachauri and many others. Whether you like it or not, big changes must be made by the believers. Their alarms are definitely NOT credible when they themselves act in a hypocritical fashion. I don't know how to put it any plainer.
If any person here believes that even their expirations are killing their own children, they must act. If, however, they do not act, it would only be logical to question their intentions.

I believe that most people will not act because most people have a fear of poverty, and the common sense to know that these measures will cause poverty.
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.7 / 5 (6)
He who (says) he believes but does not act, does not (really) believe. No contradiction whatsoever, only a tremendous cognitive dissonance.

You've here employed a logical fallacy, that of holding a conditional relationship to be commutative.

While the lack of desire may cause a failure to act, failure to act does not perforce indicate a lack of desire.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (6)
When did I say anything about a lack of desire??
That sounds like a personal problem to me, better discussed on a different type of blog. :)
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 2 / 5 (6)
Excalibur, It's simple really.

When viewed logically, it is indeed quite simple. However, your position is clearly grounded in the subjective; namely, a concern only for your own personal comport during your very short life span.
If any person here believes that even their expirations are killing their own children, they must act.

That is both specious and non sequitur.
I believe that most people will not act because most people have a fear of poverty ...

Fear of poverty is not the greatest of all fears.
... and the common sense to know that these measures will cause poverty.

Setting aside that fact that "common sense" is quite frequently anything but, it does not follow that mitigating mankind's effects on his environment must result in poverty. I look forward to your providing rigorous proof of this claim.
GrayMouser
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.4 / 5 (5)
As for my stance I am certain that humans do impact climate (as thats beyond question really)


Non sequitur Superhuman, in science nothing is beyond question. On in religion can things be "beyond question" since they depend on faith.
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.8 / 5 (5)
When did I say anything about a lack of desire??

What did you not understand? You are the one who equated belief with a desire to act.
That sounds like a personal problem to me, better discussed on a different type of blog. :)

In which case you should see the Chaplain about getting your TS card punched.
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.8 / 5 (5)
... in science nothing is beyond question.

Presumably, then, you do not consider Mathematics to be a Science?

Or, that empirical observations have any basis in reality?

To claim that "in science nothing is beyond question" is to cast all knowledge and understanding into the realm of metaphysics.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (4)
belief=lack of desire? OK now you lost me
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 1.8 / 5 (5)
belief=lack of desire? OK now you lost me

Is that what I said? I think not.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 5 / 5 (1)
Excalibur are you a Brit or some kind of Anglophile? You sure don't talk like an American.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (4)
Excalibur, my dear old chap, I fear that your hopeless reliance on classical logic has somehow prevented you from perceiving the sophistry that has become the hallmark of those who espouse AGW. Here's hoping that you and yours realize the pure folly of trying to mitigate climate changes, and sign on to the real hope for mankind-adaptation. Please take a lesson from King Canute, the wise Dane who ruled England from 1015 to 1035.
Cheerio!
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 2.6 / 5 (5)
Excalibur, my dear old chap, I fear that your hopeless reliance on classic logic has somehow prevented you from perceiving the sophistry that has ...

permeated your statements?

As for hope, I've little hope of mankind not so thoroughly soiling his cradle as to bring about his own demise.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 5 / 5 (2)
Good one... I'll give you a five for that.
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (6)
Excalibur are you a Brit or some kind of Anglophile? You sure don't talk like an American.

Fancy that.
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (4)
Hey you added that last sentence... I wish I could take back my five and give you a one.
Alas... Oh well i guess I'll give you a one for "fancy that"
MikeB
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.7 / 5 (3)
Good night Excalibur, was fun, gotta tell ya I love the lingo, hate the pessimism... you win, but you didn't change any minds... of course that is as it always is... Thanks Mike
Excalibur
Oct 05, 2008

Rank: 3.3 / 5 (7)
... hate the pessimism...

Hope for the best; plan for the worst.

Sound advice, is it not?

... you win, but you didn't change any minds...

Seems more like a draw, then.
Velanarris
Oct 06, 2008

Rank: 3.3 / 5 (7)

Hope for the best; plan for the worst.

Sound advice, is it not?


The only exception being when planning for the worst becomes self fulfilling prophecy.
MikeB
Oct 06, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (6)

Hope for the best; plan for the worst.

Sound advice, is it not?


That is sound advice... we must plan for the coming cool cycle.
MikeB
Oct 06, 2008

Rank: 3.3 / 5 (7)
When the hurricane is coming, here in south Texas, we mitigate by boarding up the windows. We also adapt by leaving. Sometimes the boards hold up and sometimes the whole house blows away.
Adaptation wins. We cannot control climate. Let the climate change as it always has, then deal with it.
MikeB
Oct 06, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (6)
Some interesting comments about climate change:
http://www.theoni...in_beard
Mesafina
Oct 07, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (4)
MikeB, you say "We cannot control climate. Let the climate change as it always has, then deal with it."

We can't control climate? But if we later discover that in fact humans are even partially responsible for global warming, then you would be wrong. You speak with religious conviction on a subject that does not need your "assured conviction in spite of a general lack of evidence on way or another".

You are guilty of the very things you accuse others of. You criticize anyone who says anything that isn't "I specifically disbelieve that humans could possibly have any impact on the earths climate".

Why don't you turn your critical gaze inward for a while, or are you afraid you might not like what you see?
Velanarris
Oct 07, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (4)
MikeB, you say "We cannot control climate. Let the climate change as it always has, then deal with it."

We can't control climate? But if we later discover that in fact humans are even partially responsible for global warming, then you would be wrong. You speak with religious conviction on a subject that does not need your "assured conviction in spite of a general lack of evidence on way or another".

You are guilty of the very things you accuse others of. You criticize anyone who says anything that isn't "I specifically disbelieve that humans could possibly have any impact on the earths climate".

Why don't you turn your critical gaze inward for a while, or are you afraid you might not like what you see?


"Hi Pot? This is kettle."
"Oh, hey kettle, you're black."
Excalibur
Oct 12, 2008

Rank: 1.8 / 5 (5)
"Hi Pot? This is kettle."
"Oh, hey kettle, you're black."

Actually, no.

Rather, this is a case of righteous self-indulgent posturing, so as to avoid having to accept responsibility for the consequences of ones actions, to be able to continue to seek to sate selfish desires.

The "me firsters" have been called out.
Velanarris
Oct 13, 2008

Rank: 3 / 5 (4)
"Hi Pot? This is kettle."
"Oh, hey kettle, you're black."

Actually, no.

Rather, this is a case of righteous self-indulgent posturing, so as to avoid having to accept responsibility for the consequences of ones actions, to be able to continue to seek to sate selfish desires.

The "me firsters" have been called out.


Ok, what's your suggestion in response to the issue?

(My fault on the comment, I should have just quoted "You are guilty of the very things you accuse others of. You criticize anyone who says anything that isn't "I specifically disbelieve that humans could possibly have any impact on the earths climate.")
Excalibur
Jul 23, 2009

Rank: 3 / 5 (2)
Believe what you like; just don't expect the Universe to respect such.
Rank 2.8 /5 (32 votes)
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