World data for 2007 are in, and again it was among the hottest on record. We have heard the message before, and we need to keep hearing it. This time, the reporter, Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post, 12 January 08, p. A3), provided a nice short summary:
"The world is about 1.44 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it was in preindustrial periods, and many scientists warn that the globe cannot afford to get 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it was in pre industrial times. Current climate models indicate that Earth will warm by about three-quarters of a degree over the next two decades because of greenhouse gasses already emitted into the atmosphere."
Okay, we "can't afford" to allow global average temperature to go up 3.6 degrees F. We're already up 1.44 degrees, and past emissions mean another 0.75 degrees is coming within two decades (2028), which adds up to 2.19 degrees F. So we are already committed to a 2.19 degree increase -- 60% of the 3.6 degree increase we "can't afford".
And still we go on emitting with no agreement to stop.
Young people are about to inherit an incredible mess from their parent and grandparent.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Scientists Say It -- Again
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1 comments:
Yes, we are about to inherit the mess you described, and it scares me...
But at the same time...I know we, the youth, do have the power and a voice, and we are trying to do something to change it.
That is what Our Task is all about.
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