If I had known a week or so ago that I had to write here about whether or not there are sufficiently convincing theories pointing out that there is overall global warming and that this will continue to get worse over the next 50 years, I would have kept the various articles I read about it and provided some references in this post, alas, I didn’t. In essence, many scientists who are studying global warming seem to concur that it is happening, but are unsure of its speed of development.

I recall doing a research assignment at university in 1982 where the topic I chose was about the impact of the burning of fossil fuels on the earth’s temperature. I recall quite clearly then that at that time there was not sufficient evidence to conclude that by 2020 the earth’s temperature would increase by up to 3 – 4 degrees. There were two camps, as there are now, one provided evidence that our temperature is very likely to increase by 3 – 4 degrees and the impact of that would be significant, while the other camp was entire ly unconvinced and concluded that the warming in evidence at the time would be due to natural temperature fluctuations.

It appears to me that there are now far more tents being pitched in the former camp (look for the one where the camp fire is replaced by solar-powered stoves).

The evidence we have today seems to indicate far more strongly that not only will our temperatures increase by 3- 4 degrees, but even go beyond 5 degrees. The impact on future generation’s lives (including those born today) will be tremendous.

If in doubt as to where the truth lies, there is absolutley nothing stopping any of us going to our local university’s library and start doing our own research into the matter. Don’t believe what is written in the media or bandied about by various interest groups. Do your own research and come to your own conclusion.

It is a complex subject but research into primary and secondary sources will shed enough light on the matter to enable you to draw your own conclusions.

Cheers!

Another side to the story is here,
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,17142604%255E953,00.html