Global Warming: Fact Vs. Fiction

Global Warming: Fact Vs. Fiction

Global Warming -- the gradual increase in planet-wide temperatures --

seems to be accepted by many scientists and people now as fact.

Generally, this warming is attributed to the increase of green-house

gases in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

However, some solar scientists are considering whether the warming

exists at all. And, if it does, might it be caused, wholely or in

part, by a periodic but small increase in the Sun's energy output. An

increase of just 0.2% in the solar output could have the same affect

as doubling the carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere.

What is the Problem?

What is the evidence for global warming? Certainly, there are

considerably more green-house gases (e.g. carbon dioxide) in our

atmosphere than in previous times. And there appears to be some

evidence that global temperatures are rising. But, how accurate and

correct are our global warming statistics? And, do we really know what

role, if any, the Sun might play in any global warming patterns?

These issues are currently being debated, and may significantly affect

you for the rest of your life. Would you like to do some research to

find out more about global warming?

We suggest here some research topics and places to begin looking for

information. But these are all controversial issues, and there are no

definitive answers (yet). As an informed, and voting, citizen of the

next millenium, you will need to keep listening, looking, and being

alert to new research and evidence.

Science

Is global warming occurri...

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... reside with chapter Lead Authors... Some Lead Authors

ignored valid critical comments or failed to... reflect dissenting

views..." The report was therefore the result of a political rather

than a scientific process.

Claim: The majority of scientists believe global warming is a process

underway and that it is human-induced.

Fact: A 1992 Gallup survey of climatologists found that 81 percent of

respondents believed that the global temperature had not risen over

the past 100 years, were uncertain whether or not or why such warming

had occurred, or believed any temperature increases during that period

were within the natural range of variation. Further, a 1997 survey

conducted by American Viewpoint found that state climatologists

believe that global warming is largely a natural phenomenon by a

margin of 44% to 17%.