Posted by bobbapink on Jan 14, 2002 at 18:10
207-172-210-230.s230.tnt2.nrf.va.dialup.rcn.com (207.172.210.230)
Re: Global Cooling on it's way (Natalie L. Smith)
OK. This is a semi-serious question. Logically, one would expect that an increase in CO2 would cause a greenhouse effect, all other things being equal. Granted, it is that last qualifier and the over-riding complexity of any real-world problem that leads to all the debate.
granted, all things being equal.
Let's say, for the sake of sheer argument, that we are heading into another ice age and that our burning of fossil fuels tempers the degree of cooling observed. So, what happens next? What causes the larger scale hot and cold swings of our earth (sun cycles?) …
sun-cycle-forced warming has been forwarded by some quite seriously, and has been criticized quite seriously as well by the CO2-warming proponents because the induced warming from the changes in the sun cycles, while correlating strongly with temperature changes, are not strong enough to effect the necessary changes. IOW, while the energy output of the sun increases, that increase could not possibly drive the evidenced temperature changes…or something like that…don’t quote me.
Here's a quick graph but it's quick so double check the validity of it - it may be bogus junk, just offered for demonstration purposes.
source’…and, if we dampen a cold swing, would that alter any ensuing warm age? Would we really fry then?
The article I posted says something concerning this, but I forget exactly what. Something about it being still important to forestall the warming since that will make the cooling, when it occurs, even more drastic. Again, don’t quote me.