By Richard Musgrove
My job is not to debate climate change but get one to think rationally. Temperature measurement methodology from weather stations have changed from liquid-in-glass thermometers to electronic instruments which may effect data interpretation. Changing the time of day for these measurements can effect data. Weather station sites may become more urban with less trees and more asphalt which can introduce artificial warming. Even with these factors taken into account, a warming rate of 0.14° F per decade since 1880. Since 1981, the rate of warming has been 0.32° F per decade.
Humanoids first appeared on the Earth about 5-7 million years ago. Scientists at New University (Melbourne, Australia) studied the warming trend that ended the last ice age due to the Earth's axis tilt angle being greater. This caused longer and hotter summers due to closer to the sun. Using radiometric dating from cave stalagmites and ocean sediments, they showed increased axis tilt of the Earth caused the last two ice age terminations. Today, the Earth's axis is tilted 23.5°. Every 40,000 years, it varies from 22.1° to 24.5 °. More tilt means more severe seasons—warmer summers and colder winters; less tilt means less severe seasons—cooler summers and milder winters.
The Earth's orbit changes from elliptical to circular every 90,000-100,000 years. When it is highly elliptical, the point when it is closest to the sun can receive 30% more sun exposure and heat than when farthest from the sun.
Others believe man is the sole culprit with 90% increase in CO2 emissions due to fossil fuel combustions since 1970. More trees have been cut in the 20th century than were cut in the period from 8,000 B.C. to 1900. Mid-twentieth century, we used more glass which was recyclable and less one time use items. We need to follow things that help the environment but government control is not the answer. The U.S. has cleaner air and water than countries such as China which follow fewer restrictions.
A seven-day weather forecast is about 80% accurate. A ten-day forecast is about 40% accurate. How can we predict a doomsday scenario due to climate change ten years away with any accuracy? Yes, man has some effect on climate. And yes, the Earth's axis and rotation also has an effect. We need to use common sense but not rush into an alarm mode.