Re: Subduing the earth and misinterpretation

Clare W. Parr wrote (in part)

> On a more worldly note, see a recent Wall Street Journal opinion editorial,
> _Climate of Fear_ / Richard Lindzen, the Alfred P. Sloan Professor of
> Atmospheric Science at MIT / 04-12-06:
> <http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110008220>.
>

It is notable that both Nature and Science have been
publishing more articles in favor of melting of the
ice caps, global warming, etc. On the other hand,
though I have limited time I can spend on this subject
in my general reading, I do not see anything particularly
surprising .

I'll grant that truth is not measured strictly by whether
it is published in Nature or Science; nor am I any more
inclined to think that scientists cannot have vested
interests that distort their thinking. I note that I
only recall one paper in the last two years that mentioned
a possible pathway that ameliorates the effects of CO2 that
was published in Science. Nevertheless, it is clear that
CO2 is at the highest levels in the last 10 M years.

The problem is that when change of a large and complex
system begins, it is difficult to control and to know
what direction it is going to go, and so generally the
safest direction is usually to back off. This is
true of most system control: chemical engineering,
cryogenics, even driving a car. How many people
accelerate when they see a red light?

So at this point, I see little reason to question the claims
in Science or Nature other than a lot of links to internet
drivel and distortions. If the author really has a case,
and this is all just calls for more liberal spending and
vested science interests to keep their jobs, I am sure
that he can eventually show Science and Nature are
wrong. If the truth is so feeble that it cannot overcome
oppression, then those of us who love and honor the truth
are surely to be pitied. But if he is wrong, he should also
be ready to admit it.

We may survive this, but New York and Washington, DC
may end up being part of the Atlantic Ocean too. Certainly
right now, there is time enough that it can probably
be stopped, but even that, we don't really know. It's
not wise to over react, but I can't think that a policy
of acceleration when even this person admits that the
oceans have increased by 1 degree, is a wise idea.

by Grace we proceed,
Wayne
Received on Tue Apr 25 21:16:16 2006