Emissions - Page 3 - GreenHybrid

Hot_Georgia_2004 · #21 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 02:59 PM

Quote:

But it doesn't do any good at all for global warming,

Whethere or not man is causing global warming or if it is a naturally occuring cycle could be another debate in itself

johanerlandsson · #22 (**permalink**) 11-19-2004, 10:53 AM

And it is an enormously important debate. USA is now one of few countries that has not signed the Kyoto protocol, due to it's heavy dependence on oil. You can hate me for saying this (being a non-american), but I think it is a disgrace.

Read this, from the Pew Center:

Quote:

Washington, DC — Over the past century, Earth’s average temperature has increased by approximately 1oF.* There is now strong evidence that this global warming is largely due to human emissions of greenhouse gases from a growing fossil fuel economy.* Unless these emissions are checked, additional warming of 2-10 degrees is projected by the end of the 21st century.* There are abundant signs, however, that the warming has already been sufficient to induce significant changes in the ecosystems and wildlife of the United States.

http://www.pewclimate.org/press_room/sub_p...ressrelease.cfm

And this, from Arctic Climate Impact Assessment:

Quote:

There is an international scientific consensus that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities.

http://www.acia.uaf.edu/

The above is definetely enough for me to believe it. But I'd say that even slightest chance that global warming is caused by us is enough for us to react. The possible effects of global warming is so severe that it is hard to believe.

xcel · #23 (**permalink**) 11-19-2004, 01:32 PM

johanerlandsson · #24 (**permalink**) 11-20-2004, 12:43 AM

The main point I want to make here is that global warming is a terrible problem, probably man-made, and it should have major influence on emissions debates like this one. It freaks me out when it is ignored.

xcel · #25 (**permalink**) 11-20-2004, 02:15 AM

johanerlandsson · #26 (**permalink**) 11-20-2004, 07:50 AM

Take a look at this diagram from the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report (released November 11th) . I'd say it would be a hell of a coincidence if warmer climate is not caused by our CO2 emissions (of which Europe and North America stands for almost half):

It seems rational to me that a signed Kyoto protocol, with emission trading, will stimulate CO2 sequestration. It will be profitable for a company to sell its emission rights if it buries its CO2.

I also think it is a lame standpoint to say that there is nothing you, as an individual, can do about it. Of course you can.

xcel · #27 (**permalink**) 11-20-2004, 10:29 AM

johanerlandsson · #28 (**permalink**) 11-20-2004, 12:07 PM

Wayne, please don't take it personal. I'm not a 100 % at english, so I think you maybe misinterpreted that last section. I meant we as individuals, not you in particular. I know you as one of the most wise people at this forum. I mean that each one of us shouldn't sit back and watch things go to h*ll. There is lots to do about travel habits and house heating/cooling for example.

I'm sorry, I don't follow you on the sequestration argument. Do you have a link to that part about 7 trillion in debt?

Yes, I understand that the increasing population brings a risk for even higher CO2 emissions. What do you want to say with that?

xcel · #29 (**permalink**) 11-20-2004, 01:39 PM

johanerlandsson · #30 (**permalink**) 11-20-2004, 02:06 PM

This has become a quite complicated discussion...

To summarize the last part, am I right if I say that you, Wayne:

1. Agrees that the current global warming (strengthened greenhouse gas effect) situation is mostly man made.

2. Think that the U.S. should ratify the Kyoto protocol, but is worried about the economical consequences.

3. Don't think that individuals needs to bother about greenhouse gases, because it will have to be solved by sequestration, where the U.S. has clearly taken a lead.

Then just a comment. I am swedish and am familiar with swedish circumstances. My country is not the EU or Europe. The EU is not (yet) a federation. Each country in Europe differ a lot. An example: There are hardly any diesels in Sweden, taxes are too high for diesel vehicles to sell here.