Divers Take Note

[Outside Bend]

IMO debating global warming science is a moot point, which is why I sat on my hands most of these threads- it'mostly settled among scientists, and now they're trying to convince a public who doesn't want to believe the findings because of what it may mean for their way of life. It's tough fighting beliefs with facts- whether if it's Elvis is dead, we didn't land on the moon, Obama is secretly a Muslim, or global warming science, if someone believes in something enough, no amount of evidence is going to convince them otherwise. If you don't want to believe the science you may choose do to so, but I don't believe the rest of the planet should be held hostage. The stakes are just too high.

I'm done.

[eric1978]

IMO debating global warming science is a moot point, which is why I sat on my hands most of these threads- it'mostly settled among scientists, and now they're trying to convince a public who doesn't want to believe the findings because of what it may mean for their way of life. It's tough fighting beliefs with facts- whether if it's Elvis is dead, we didn't land on the moon, Obama is secretly a Muslim, or global warming science, if someone believes in something enough, no amount of evidence is going to convince them otherwise. If you don't want to believe the science you may choose do to so, but I don't believe the rest of the planet should be held hostage. The stakes are just too high.

I'm done.

That post cuts right to the heart of the problem here, and if it would have been the second post in this thread, a few of us could have retained some of our dignity by not bothering with this waste of time. Think I'll save that post for future reference, and use it whenever a topic comes up involving politics or religion.

[Gatorjet]

Doing my "homework" and a lot of google searches turns up as many claims of the global warming myth as it does global warming truths. All site various credited scientists for the findings.

I did not say the scientists making the dooms day predictions of global warming are terrorists. Nor the politicians using the threat of global warming to change our very lives.

What I did say is that their efforts can destroy country as we know it as sure as terrorists or missiles.

Mr. Smith, it's heart warming to see that you recognized the genius of using the boiling frog analogy to point out to those who believe the global warming dooms day theory that their cause is being hijacked by those who would use it as fuel to boil away our very rights. Thank You

This argument is like so many others based on liberal vs conservative views. Not unlike abortion, gun control, or animal rights (elimination of hunting and fishing). I have my views, others have theirs. I find information supporting mine, others theirs. As long as we remain a free country it will continue.

[Outside Bend]

What I did say is that their efforts can destroy country as we know it as sure as terrorists or missiles.

But look at it from the flip side gatorjet- other nations are moving towards reduced carbon emissions, regardless of the United States' position on the issue.

If we don't want to invest in the research, other nations will. If we don't want to invest in the technology, other nations will. If we don't want to put an idle labor force to work building these green technologies, other nations will. If we don't want to be an economic powerhouse for green technology, other nations are all too happy to gobble up that sector.

Regardless of where you fall on the climate debate, green technology provides a dynamic avenue for growth in a languishing American economy. You may not want to pay American workers to build a Volt, but there are folks abroad who will. You may not want to pay American engineers to develop more efficient solar panels, but there are folks abroad who are interested in that technology. We can either reap the financial benefits of the demand for that technology, or climate science while China and Germany fill the shipping orders. You may think powers abroad are attempting to strip our nation of its power and prestige, but I think it's quite possible we're just shooting ourselves in the foot.

[Gatorjet]

But look at it from the flip side gatorjet- other nations are moving towards reduced carbon emissions, regardless of the United States' position on the issue.

If we don't want to invest in the research, other nations will. If we don't want to invest in the technology, other nations will. If we don't want to put an idle labor force to work building these green technologies, other nations will. If we don't want to be an economic powerhouse for green technology, other nations are all too happy to gobble up that sector.

Regardless of where you fall on the climate debate, green technology provides a dynamic avenue for growth in a languishing American economy. You may not want to pay American workers to build a Volt, but there are folks abroad who will. You may not want to pay American engineers to develop more efficient solar panels, but there are folks abroad who are interested in that technology. We can either reap the financial benefits of the demand for that technology, or climate science while China and Germany fill the shipping orders. You may think powers abroad are attempting to strip our nation of its power and prestige, but I think it's quite possible we're just shooting ourselves in the foot.

I agree completely with all of your points. My concerns are with government mandated restrictions, not technological advances. To the point, cap and trade legislation that would restrict US industries and business. All while China is continuing to produce more and more pollution everyday. I worked in Champaign, and Bloomington Illinois, and saw the wind farms there. Very impressive technology. I happen to believe there is much more we can do with nuclear energy also. The electric car, small super efficent cars, and the like are fine if they fit someones lifestyle, but I don't want the government telling me that is what I have to drive. I don't want the government telling me how much I can drive or taxing me if I exceed the limit they set. Our efforts should be in new technology, not in government control over peoples lives.

[lee G.]

Outside, are China and India moving to reduced emissions?

[FishinCricket]

are China and India moving to reduced emissions?

yup...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-11-26-copenhagen_N.htm

http://m.timesofindia.com/india/Indias-2020-target-Reduce-emission-by-20-25/articleshow/5297073.cms

[Smalliebigs]

both countries emmision rates will still be going up just not as fast of a rate as they currently are.well aren't they special!!!! they really do care about the enviroment...they really do!!!

[FishinCricket]

both countries emmision rates will still be going up just not as fast of a rate as they currently are.well aren't they special!!!! they really do care about the enviroment...they really do!!!

I'll admit it isn't optimal if you'll admit that it is a start..

[Gatorjet]

Credibility of those two countries is right up there with the credibility a certain President of a certain country in North America!!! Only I don't think they read all their statements from a teleprompter.