I do not know if there is global warming or not. I am inclined to believe that it is a possibility, but I can also see the arguments that are made that this is just a normal fluctation. Sometimes it seems like the debate is not really a debate, but a playground name-calling incident. At any rate, this just made me laugh. If this is not from the style over substance files, I do not know what is:
Kyoto is also unlikely to have much impact in stopping the effects of global warming, but nations should sign it anyway, says Dr. Robert Watson, chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the chief spokesman on climate change for the World Bank.
“Kyoto, as it is currently constructed, does send an important signal to governments and industry that there is a market for more energy-efficient … technologies,” Dr. Watson said yesterday in Ottawa. But without the United States as a signatory, it is difficult to see how the emissions-credit scheme might work for Canada, he said. “I can’t see how Canada can help meet its obligation by selling anything to the U.S., if the U.S. isn’t part of the protocol.”
Translation: Global warming is an important issue, but if you refuse to do exactly what we want, we will refuse any of your attempts to address the issue in a manner other than what we prescribe.
At least in this article, the scientists are admitting what they do not know, which is refreshing.
Dr. Watson acknowledged there is still much to learn about climate change, but said the world cannot wait for perfect knowledge before taking action.
“There are scientific uncertainties, but the weight of evidence suggests that we humans are responsible for most of the observed warming in the last 50 years. We believe that future climate change is inevitable and for most people in the world the impact will be negative.”
Or are they?
The impact of global warming in Canada is already apparent in the Arctic where ice thickness and coverage is being reduced, Dr. Watson said. Earth’s mean average temperature is expected to rise 1.4 degrees Centigrade to 5.8 degrees Centigrade by 2085.
“For many parts of Canada, the change in temperatures could be towards the upper 5, 6 to 7 degrees Centigrade — there is a huge amplification [in temperature effect] as you go north into the Arctic area,” Dr. Watson said.