Why do you think Global Warming is being ignored?

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by Wondering

Hi everyone! This is my first time on this site, and I was just wondering what you're thoughts are on Global Warming and why you think people (including politicians) may be ignoring this global issue. What is the reason for overlooking this? Is it fear? (That is if you think people ARE ignoring it). Do you think Global Warming, Climate Change, and Natural Disasters deserve more attention?

It was being ignored because of corporate opposition to cleaning up their act as an added expense to cut into their profit margins.
But now the publicity about the disappearing ice caps has given this problem an added momentum to do something.

However, a very important cause to this problem is being ignored and that is the deforestation of trees that are our 'natural' air conditioners that not only convert the carbon dioxide gasses to refresh the air but these trees also contribute to 'cooling' the planet because of the tremendous amount of the energy from the sun is used for their growth to eliminate these heat energies that would normally be reradiated into the air to heat up the planet as the deserts do.

So, deforestation is very important to stop this practice that is happening in Spoth America for grazing lands for cattle production and in other countries like Indonesia for extra land to grow 'gourmet coffee' beans (recent news item) where this wild forest land is destroying the habitats of the Orangatans and elephants in that region.

So, These deforestations are also then causing the elimination of the wildlife also besides contributiong to the GW problem.

Mike C

[questor]

Global warming is being ignored because people always ignore problems that are not of an immediate nature. Also people ignore it because to do anything about it would call for a major change in lifestyle. Perhaps someone who has read the Nobel Laureate's book on the subject could tell us what Gore thinks we should do. I notice that he is a major user of energy and has not changed his lifestyle.

[Zythryn]

Q, Gore does use a lot of energy. However, the second half of your statement is false. He has done quite a bit to mitigate his carbon footprint as well as attempting to help convince the world to cut its carbon footprint.

iamnoman, you can make a surprisngly big difference without shelling out 50k. If you are building a new house anyways, and if the soil in the area is correct for it, put in a geothermal system. Make sure the house is adequately insulated.
Bring your own bags to go shopping. Not only do you cut down pollution, less energy needs to go into making plastic or paper bags.
Turn your thermostat down 3 degrees in the winter and up 3 in the summer.
Drive the speed limit, better efficiency. I buying a new car, consider mileage.
And many others.

[questor]

There are a little over 300 million people in the US, each consuming oxygen and exhaling co2 while creating 4.6 lbs of garbage each day. The rest of the worlds 6 billion inhabitants also create co2 and xlbs of garbage each day. It would seem that we are not in control of what the other 5.7 billion are doing
or what they will continue to do as they try to emulate our lifestyle of profligacy. We are preaching to ourselves while the rest of the world is not listening to or caring about the message.

[freeztar]

Originally Posted by questor

There are a little over 300 million people in the US, each consuming oxygen and exhaling co2 while creating 4.6 lbs of garbage each day. The rest of the worlds 6 billion inhabitants also create co2 and xlbs of garbage each day. It would seem that we are not in control of what the other 5.7 billion are doing
or what they will continue to do as they try to emulate our lifestyle of profligacy. We are preaching to ourselves while the rest of the world is not listening to or caring about the message.

Where'd you get that idea from?
At the recent Bali conference, the US was one of only three countries to not sign on to the agreement. To me, that sends a message to the world that we don't care or choose to ignore it.

the United States - the richest country and the biggest CO2 producer in the world has refused to bind itself to any commitment, and Canada, which promised a six-per-cent CO2 reduction under Kyoto, has instead increased its emissions by 33 per cent.

Now, as The Hindu reports, it appears that rich countries are trying to pass the responsibility off on developing economies like India and China.

It is interesting - and reassuring - that (contrary to the North American agenda of inaction) China, for example, is already creating a climate change strategy designed to contain its emissions, despite its efforts to bring the nation out of poverty.

Bali: U.S., Canada, Japan Stand Up for Selfishness | DeSmogBlog

[questor]

Let's not be naive about what developing nations are doing about global warming. Having a few meetings or signing treaties does NOT attack global warming.

Kyoto Protocol
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Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Opened for signature December 11, 1997 in Kyoto, Japan
Entered into force February 16, 2005.
Conditions for entry into force 55 parties and at least 55% CO2 1990 emissions by UNFCCC Annex I parties.
Parties 174 countries and other governmental entities (as of November 2007)
The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the international Framework Convention on Climate Change with the objective of reducing Greenhouse gases that cause climate change. It was agreed on 11 December 1997 at the 3rd Conference of the Parties to the treaty when they met in Kyoto, and entered into force on 16 February 2005.

As of November 2007, 174 parties have ratified the protocol. Of these, 36 developed countries (plus the EU as a party in its own right) are required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the levels specified for each of them in the treaty (representing over 61.6% of emissions from Annex I countries) [1] [2], with three more countries intending to participate[3]. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) developing countries have ratified the protocol, including Brazil, China and India, but have no obligation beyond monitoring and reporting emissions.

Among various experts, scientists and critics there is some debate about the usefulness of the protocol, and there have been cost-benefit studies performed on its usefulness.

Global Warming in Alaska

Global Warming in China: New Documentation
China is the rousing giant of global warming. It stands as a developing nation outside the guidelines of the Kyoto treaty, yet with more than one billion people and a huge energy-gobbling economy, it is one of the most influential countries in climate change. It is first in coal consumption and the number two nation in carbon dioxide emissions behind the United States. Many of its cities are thick with air pollution and large regions are beset with drought, failing crops and sandstorms linked to global warming. China's leaders remain fixed on rapid development and increasing energy use, yet the first steps are being taken toward emissions control and alternative energy. These few photos represent the first attempt by World View of Global Warming to bring China into focus among all the other effects documented. More information and photos will be added soon.

Capitol Steel Mill, the largest polluter and emitter in Beijing, dominates the west side of the city.



Beijing's center is a metropolis to rival New York and London, and automobile use is increasing rapidly

Most rural folk make their own briquettes for heating from pulverized coal from local coal mines.

[freeztar]

Have a look at this link:
Official: China acting on climate change_English_Xinhua

Questor, I feel your statement: "We are preaching to ourselves while the rest of the world is not listening to or caring about the message." ...is highly innaccurate. This is a global problem and every major country is aware of the issues.
Can more be done? Certainly!