Science Forums 2

[Moontanman]

Originally Posted by InfiniteNow

Can you clarify something, moontanman? If you concede that humans are warming the planet, then how can you suggest that the temperature would be warmer right now naturally?

Basically, we are ABOVE natural temperatures as a result of the actions of humans, so clearly what is "natural" would be cooler than it is at present. I'm just struggling to understand the point you are making, I guess, and any clarification would be welcomed.

No problem, Yes humans are contributing to the warming of the earth, human CO2 emissions are speeding up the process. But even if we could stop all CO2 emissions the Earth would continue to warm up, slower, but warmer none the less. In the last half a billion years or so there is much reason to think the earth has spent more time with out ice caps than with ice caps. We really don't know for sure what drives these temperature fluctuations but the reality is that the Earth's so called set point is higher than it is now. LB, I agree that methane is released due to a rising temperature. That in it's self is enough for me to support lessening of our CO2 emissions but I have no doubt that we cannot postpone forever the rise that will release the methane cathrates under the sea and in permafrost. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that the cycles of cold allow methane to be deposited that would not be in a warmer ocean and the rise back releases this methane in a regular cycle. The Earth is NOT A STABLE environment, never has been, never will be. All we can do is try to minimize our foot print and hope we can cling to our civilization as the Earth changes. This idea of a non stable Earth is one reason I support space colonies but that is another thread. Suffice it to say we are at the mercy of the Earth not the other way around. I've tried to say this several times but I don't seem to be getting my idea across very well. We are not in control, we have a small influence that manifests it's self in the illusion of control but it is an illusion.