Ever since 1957, Revelle and Suess argued that human beings that were carrying out large-scale geophysical experiments would, eventually, disturb the atmospheric balances.
Over the years since then, data that has been collected at monitoring stations have confirmed the concerns behind this original warning. The issue of "global warming" relates to the steady accumulation in the atmosphere of carbon dioxide and other so-called 'greenhouse gases', such as methane and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are better known for the damage they have done to the ozone layer.
The problem however, that has transpired in recent years, is unraveling the climatic consequences of how the atmospheric composition has changed. The US, for example, refuses to recognise the 'science'. Why might this be in scientific terms?
Has the mathematics not proved beyond doubt that global warming and climate change is a very real issue as advocated by Revelle and Suess?
Because this issue has become as much a social science topic, some additional thoughts and comments may be found on the Channel-4 News forum, launched by me:
Prior to his death, Dr. Revelle co-authored an article with Fred Singer entited "What To Do About Greenhouse Warming: Look Before you Leap,” in the April 1991 issue of Cosmos magazine. The article concluded that “The scientific base for a greenhouse warming is too uncertain to justify drastic action at this time,”
Originally posted by skeptical yank: Prior to his death, Dr. Revelle co-authored an article with Fred Singer entited "What To Do About Greenhouse Warming: Look Before you Leap,” in the April 1991 issue of Cosmos magazine. The article concluded that “The scientific base for a greenhouse warming is too uncertain to justify drastic action at this time,”
That was probably correct then, 16 years ago. But a LOT of work has been done since.
That said, people can justify drastic action all they want. My colleagues at work are too busy moaning to management to make the place warmer than it already is, driving cars, and booking holiday flights to be interested in 'drastic action'.
Originally posted by CobblyWorlds: That was probably correct then, 16 years ago. But a LOT of work has been done since.
That's true but I suspect Dr Revelle would not endorse much of the current hysteria, nor would he attack those who disagree with him. This is an interesting read. Fred Singer claims that Al Gore tried to suppress the story. http://media.hoover.org/documents/0817939326_283.pdf
