Lost Cat, it could very well be a farce for all we know. The sad truth is that the science is not there to support any conclusions about human activity and planetary warming.
I have a graduate degree in atmospheric sciences so I know a little bit about the nature of the research. However, I am not claiming to be a climate expert.
All of the evidence for human-induced warming comes from numerical models. The output from these models is wholly dependent on how the modeler sets up his/her model.
In my view, there are two very important flaws in climate models.
1. The physical processes determining climate are poorly understood. How much heat is absorbed by the oceans? What other heat sinks are there and to what degree do they affect climate? It’s an extremely non-linear process.
2. The output of these models cannot be verified because of the time scales involved. Short-term modeling results can always be verified. Long-term modeling with a time scale of centuries cannot be verified. To act on their results is nothing but a leap of faith.
I personally don’t believe retooling our economy (a multi, multibillion dollar effort) based on some model output is the way to go.
It appears I’m not alone in that assessment. Here’s alink to the Byrd-Hagel resolution. Please read and discuss. It will tell you why Kyoto never made it to the Senate for ratification.
