What GlobalWarming!

Gripped by the chilling winter, we wonder if the snow will ever melt and return us again to the euphoric summer months. I've noticed lately that everyone is mocking Global Warming (or the lack there of) and some are indicating that the hype is wrong. With resent headlines of old growth forest dieing faster than expect and polar ice melting at alarming rates. I wonder where these people are finding their astute knowledge. Thus I turn to my trusty search tool: Google.

I found the site www.globalwarmingisafarce.com which claims to tell the other side of the store. There are some links to recent news reports that “support” their claim. The articles I looked at appeared to be reports poking fun at the global warming issue. One article caught my eye though. The story Report: Ice Age to blast Earth. The article explains how the northern hemisphere has had record lows for the past two years and that we are at the end of a 100,000 year cycle. But at the very end of the article, Professor Steve Colman states "the amount of greenhouse gases we are contributing to the atmosphere, and the rate at which we are doing so, completely dwarfs the natural variations.". Interesting how an article selected to convince the reader that global warming is a myth goes and contradicts itself.

There is also a great video The Global Warming Myth - Dr Noah Robinson - Telecosm 2007 that breaks down the myths presented by Al Gore. They show graphs and explain how solar radiation, not carbon emissions are affecting the planet. I was getting convinced myself. It's interesting to note however, that the video ends by saying that Carbon Dioxide is a good fertilizer (plants grow faster when their is more CO2 in the air) and that taxing or rationing energy will only hurt US industry as well as third wold countries who rely on high co2 levels for farming.

That's great, now I need to burn more fossil fuels so I wont loose my job or starve the poor people in third wold countries! I thought you told me Al Gore was trying to sell me fear!

Well I couldn't bring myself to read anymore. Sure, Al Gore and everyone he supports might be wrong. But I'd rather see humanity error on the side of caution for once. Why does a civilization need to abuse its resources in order to see what will happen.

SpotTheCamper

Earth Hour Update

According to my local newspaper the town I live in managed a 9.4% drop in power during Earth Hour.

Earth Hour Review

For me Earth Hour was a success. All four of my children (ages 6 – 13) were excited. When the appointed hour arrived, we lit candles and watched the sun go down. There was so much enthusiasm that the three youngest decided to try to persuade some of our more pessimistic neighbours to partake in the event. Unfortunately they didn't have much luck. As a matter of fact, I was able to count nine of the fifteen or so houses visible from my living room, illuminated by electrical lighting.

Regardless of my neighbours' views, we were determined to do our part. So much so, that when someone opened the refrigerator we all shouted to close the door because there is a light bulb burning. Of course my thirteen year old argued unsuccessfully that it didn't matter.

Once Earth Hour had ended some of my children wanted to turn the lights on with a count down but we realized that there was no need. "Let's just keep them off and keep the candles going. It's warmer, cosier and prettier." The real sign that this was a success was when my twelve year old daughter announced at dinner tonight, "Lets do it every Saturday night!"

I think we might…

Climate Change Revolution

Earth Hour is quickly approaching and I’m all prepared with my candles and games for the kids. I’ve even registered my intent with earthHour.org. My wife and I are going to make this a family night and enjoy the time with our children. Although family night is not new to our household, it does get neglected now and again with the trappings of our hectic lifestyles.

Living in the Greater Toronto Area, I’m reminded of the Northeast Blackout of 2003. The town I live in and the surrounding areas were completely dark. Normally we don’t get to see many stars because of the light pollution. But on that night the stargazing was impressive to say the least. I have high hopes that for that one brief hour during Earth Hour, enough lights will be turned off so that we can again see some extra stars.

I realize that not everyone will partake in this landmark event, and that’s okay. The media will show the world the difference that was made that day, water coolers will erupt with the whispers of change. The climate change revolution has begun.