Afterword

The National Academy of Sciences reported that the recent warmth is unprecedented for at least the last 400 years; that average global surface temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere rose about 1 degree during the 20th century; and that human activities are responsible for much of the recent warming.

The Academy reported a high level of confidence that the last few decades of the 20th century were warmer than any comparable period in the last 400 years.

I think it’s worth our while to examine that landmark statement. It appears that around 1606 it was as warm as it is now (most likely driven by CO2 emissions from scores of 600 HP oxen teams). But wait a minute. CO2 concentrations were not so great back then, and yet the temperature was “high” like it is today. But if it was high then, and is only now high again, guess what had to happen in the intervening time period. Can you guess?

OK, liberals have trouble with math so I will tell you. The global temperature DECREASED, it went DOWN (for the folks in Rio Linda) during the "Little Ice Age.” From Wikipedia: During the period 1645–1715, right in the middle of the Little Ice Age, solar activity as seen in sunspots was extremely low, with some years having no sunspots at all. This period of low sunspot activity is known as the Maunder Minimum. Throughout the Little Ice Age, the world also experienced heightened volcanic activity. When a volcano erupts, its ash reaches high into the atmosphere and can spread to cover the whole earth. This ash cloud blocks out some of the incoming solar radiation, leading to worldwide cooling that can last up to two years after an eruption. Let’s see, less sun, lower temperature. Got it?

Interestingly, most temperature-time graphs used by the hysterics start around 1850, just after the Little Ice Age, when the warming of the interglacial period resumed its normal course. And guess what? It warmed right up to the level it was before the Little Ice Age. Amazing!

Anyway, I was finished with this silliness (“Last Words on Global Warming,” 6/20/06) but, like the capo in the Godfather, Every time I try to get out, they drag me back in. By “they” I mean my faithful readers. I want to thank Mel, Gary, Tex, Vic and a couple of Anonys for comments that drag me right back in.

Mel derided my ridiculous accusations that this issue is primarily a “leftist based historical notion. Hysterical, Mel, not historical. Mel said: Global warming is likely to cause major disruptions to our environment and the livability of much of the planet. What to do about it is a very complex question. Obviously, we have to substantially reduce the carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels. Using alternate energy sources such as nuclear, wind, and solar is one component of the solution. And major increases in gas mileage of our vehicles.

Gary said I’m still left with the question Bill wants me to confront, what to do, specifically, given my science-based belief in global warming. Of course, the “specifically” is a trap. And if I should have the temerity to advocate a $1 a gallon rebatable tax on gas, strong emission controls and alternative energy sources, well, forget it.

Tex offered these solutions: We should grab Kyoto and support it, accepting that, at the moment, it's a largely symbolic move. Also establish higher automobile mileage standards, tougher emissions regulations for automobiles, diesel engines and industry. The U.S. car industry is on its knees because it HASN'T embraced these principles.

Thanks, guys, for your advice: Increased gasoline taxes, higher mileage standards, tougher emissions regulations on industry and alternative energy sources. And drive the last nail into the auto industry coffin. It appears that California is going to try out this policy. Let’s see how it goes.

Oh, and embrace Kyoto, though it is largely symbolic. No Tex, Kyoto is dead, killed off by the Europeans who had no chance to meet their targets, and the likelihood of a successor of that nonsensical type is somewhere between zero and nada. Unfortunately, like a zombie, Kyoto is still roaming the globe scaring the children.

The Bush administration has warned that the proposed emissions controls would cost 5 million American jobs. Do you hear that Arnie? You might remember that the Clinton Senate voted 99-0 to reject Kyoto, so Bush is only continuing their good policy. Thank the Lord the adults are in charge.