Aug 07 2009
Oregon State University discovers cause of climate change
Oregon State University researches have reached the conclusion that historic climate change was caused by changes in earth’s rotation and the wobble in its axis leading to changes in the amount of solar radiation reaching earth.
More importantly for current discussions on climate change, increases in atmospheric CO2 followed the increase in temperatures that were predicted based on shifts in earth’s orbit or axis.
Of course, the researchers still couldn’t give up on the idea of man-made CO2 causing Global Warming. CO2 raising after increasing solar radiation reaching earth caused warming “amplified a process that had already begun”. (Something that occurs AFTER the warming is responsible for it?)
Then there’s the comment “and due to greenhouse gas emissions the Earth has already warmed as much in about the past 200 years as it ordinarily might in several thousand years.” By the way, if you happen to be interested in these topics, like I am, you know that this type of statement is misleading.
Yes, there has been warming in the last 200 year. The problem is that is in relation to a period of time with relatively cool temperatures. (Look up the phrase “Little Ice Age”) That period culminated with the 1814 Eruption of Mount Tambora . This is the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history and had a large cooling effect on the earth’s climate. 1815 is known as the “Year Without a Summer.” The name was literal in many cases.
Of course there has been warming in the last 200 years. It follows an event that resulted in massive cooling.
This story is a perfect illustration as to why there is cynicism about claims about man-made global warming.
First, we’re told that temperature have fluctuated in the past. Then we’re told that current warming is an exception to past climate change because NOW its man-made instead of natural.
Then the person telling us its man-made global warming chooses a time period that starts with an event that resulted in massive global cooling, neglects to tell us about that event, and blames the warming on man-made CO2.
Here’s a tip for the Scientist that believe in man-made Global Warming: if you want to convince people that your position is correct, try a little honesty.
