OT - Global Warming

[Mudcat]

The fact of Global Warming is not a new thing but there is a fairly new DVD, An Inconvenient Truth which I highly recommend. It is a very intelligent (but not over-complicated) essay on the history and prospects of global warming.

I would particularly recommend it for anyone with kids. I would particularly recommend it for Americans (who, as a single nation comprising ~4.5% of the earth's population, contribute almost a third of planetary Carbon Dioxide emissions, and need to take action more than anyone).

Because global warming also contributes to the quantity and severity of extreme weather conditions (such as hurricanes and tornadoes), that is another reason for Americans to be interested.

It relates to droughts. It relates to diseases. It relates to the extinction of species.

Do not be gullible and believe the politicians who try to frame Global Warming as a theory. They are sinful (there's no other word for it) and they think you are stupid. Scientists know it's not a theory. Watch the DVD.

More info on this website.

Just trying to spread some awareness.

[Sam Odom]

How did the last big ice age end (because the globe warmed) for the evil USA wasnt around?

.

[scottyy11]

mudcat dont know if you caught this show a few weeks ago on the subject was very good

CBC News: the fifth estate - The Denial Machine

[Dark Horse]

All these years I thought they talked about Global Warning.

Warm is good isn't it? I like warm climates. Finally, these corporate A-holes do something right.

[Hulu]

I just saw that movie myself and it was excellent. Although it oversimplifies some of the science behind climate change, hopefully it will make it accessible to more people in doing so.

Climate change and its human causes are no longer in question. There is not a single peer-reviewed & published study that casts doubt on this, only psuedo-scientists working for various interests.

The main question now is: is it to late to stop and reverse the effects. Unfortunately I think it is. People will not change their habits overnight. Cleaner technology is on the way but people will have to make sacrafices in their lives in order to halt this catastrophe and I just don't see it happening. People are far too concerned with mindless entertainment and stupid bullshit to open their eyes on time. I really hope I am wrong on this for the sake of future generations but I just don't see this sea change coming before its too late. We'd better get ready for the next phase of life on this planet.

[Dark Horse]

Strange world. China is running out of water. Meanwhile the oceans are rising. This would be a good time for large scale desalinization.

[BuddyBear]

Strange world. China is running out of water. Meanwhile the oceans are rising. This would be a good time for large scale desalinization.

Stuff like this really puts the whole gaming industry uncertainty status in perspective....

[EBone]

Comment:

I believe only Ganchrow is allowed to use big words in a gambling forum. As the self-proclaimed leader of all the hicks at this forum, I'll speak for us: we don't understand words like "desalination" and believe you should use the term, "take salt out of water" instead.

Nonetheless, I've always wondered why we as a world don't do more "take salt out of water" processes? I mean its a pretty simple process. I suppose there is no money in it.



E

[scottyy11]

is it not a very expensive process? i thought some of the middle east countries do it, but its very costly.

[isetcap]

It is a well-produced effort that exposes many questions and provides few answers. I've stated before on this forum that everyone should see it with an open mind. To say that it's not over-complicated is perhaps the greatest understatement of all time, but its creators were well aware that to appeal to the largest audience it is vital that its presentation be simple.

The great "evil" that is capitalism will surprisingly solve this problem in the same manner it deals with all problems. As soon as the critical point is reached where a solution is profitable then change will almost INSTANTLY occur. Desalinization for example will happily occur in places where it is more costly to receive fresh water via other methods. Once gas prices exceed the cost of other fuel technologies then gas use will decline and surprisingly the world won't run out of this supposedly non-renewable resource, it will simply become less necessary. As the value of a cooler earth becomes more coherent, there will be more corporate activity cashing in on "Global Cooling". Contrary to the beliefs and exhortations of many doomsdayers, the process has already begun.

To say that there is impending, irreversible doom is simply pure demagoguery. Science does not exist that can accurately model the scope of change that will be caused by warming trends whether they be positive or negative. At this point everything is speculation. Perhaps it is the height of arrogance to think that we as humans can not only affect our environment but also control it. If we are to attempt such an exercise as to format Nature to best preserve our current standard of existence, then I suggest we rely on mankind's own most unstoppable force; Capitalism.

[Dark Horse]

In that case. Any buyers for some of that prime real estate beneath the Antarctican ice?

[isetcap]

In that case. Any buyers for some of that prime real estate beneath the Antarctican ice?

I've always wondered if there is even any real "land" there or if it's all just water in solid form (for the time being).

[jjgold]

73 here yesterday in NJ

[EBone]

Here's an interesting tidbit: I mowed my grass Wednesday afternoon in shorts and a Tee Shirt. It was 80 F that day. On Thursday, we got freezing rain and sleet from about 9 AM to 10 PM. At the time of this posting, it is 25 F at my house. So, that is a 55 F swing in temperature in about 44 hours. Pretty wild.


E

[HAPPY BOY]

73 here yesterday in NJ

Jj was out rollerblading in the park with headphones on mirrored shades a pink wife beater t-shirt daisy duke shorts knee high tube socks holding a big gulp and shifting to and bopping to "we dont have to take our clothes off to have a good time ungh ha" you didn't think I saw u did ya b-ii-atch!!

[Mudcat]

The great "evil" that is capitalism will surprisingly solve this problem in the same manner it deals with all problems. As soon as the critical point is reached where a solution is profitable then change will almost INSTANTLY occur.

You made me wince. I'm sure there is some truth in what you say. Based on experience, it is fair to assume that some wealthy, comfortable nations will not simply act out of intelligent forethought/morality/whatever; it will take a direct threat to that comfort to make things happen.

(On a bit of a tangent, the capitalist effect you describe is happening right now to some extent. For example Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines has undertaken significant research initiatives into alternative fuel sources - and when he talks about his motives, he talks as much about long-term profit as environmental issues.)

The problem is, some would say that from a world view, the critical point has already been reached. Vital lakes are drying up in Africa, seasonal shifts have already occurred that effect the life cycles of species. It is unfortunate for the earthlings being affected by these things TODAY that they are at the mercy of such comfortable folks.

That's why I think that spreading awareness is important.

[Dark Horse]

The US refusal to sign the Kyoto treaty is a clear sign that the 'Capitalists' are more concerned with their own shortterm profits than with the longterm inconvenience of an inhabitable world.

[Mudcat]

There is a quote from Upton Sinclair which was brought up in the movie which is apt:

"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it."