Green Matters™
by Crissy Trask
Welcome to my blog where I share almost anything I think will help make greener living undeniable and simple. News, tips, insight and resources served up weekly. I also share my perspectives on others' perspectives and actions. Agree or disagree, I hope you will find them thought-provoking and a starting point for conversation.
Previous Post...Next Post...Information on Reprints...2010 Index
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
Global Warming Skeptics Rejoice at D.C. Blizzard
Every time the national news reports on a rare blizzard (such as the one occurring in Washington, DC) or unseasonal freezing temperatures (such as those that threatened Florida citrus crops last Fall), the global warming deniers get on Facebook and Twitter and proclaim victory. Grasping "global warming", however, requires more than a first-grade level understanding of the word "warming" (No disrespect to first graders.)
What Global Warming IS…
Global warming is a term that refers to the overall warming of
the Earth's surface. The effects can include changes in weather
patterns causing flooding, drought, and an increase in damaging
storms. "Global warming" while accurate in describing
the overall rise in Earth's surface temperature, does not accurately
describe the effects of such a temperature rise. This is why
scientists prefer, and in fact first used, the term "climate
change."
What Global Warming is NOT…
Global warming is not a declaration that it will never snow again
or get really cold again. We are experiencing a warming trend,
but we will still experience fluctuating weather patterns inside
this trend. A blizzard or a deep freeze is weather--not evidence,
yet, of any thing more. "Evidence" is an accumulation
of data and facts that can prove a conclusion. There remains
much more evidence of global warming than climate cooling when
we look at the whole picture and not just a snapshot.
It's not out of the question that the current trend could shift…that is what everyone is hoping for, but the fact that we still have winters doesn't mean we are out of the woods or off the hook.
Further reading….
EPA.gov/ClimateChange/USP.html
IPCC.ch
SkepticalScience.com
Blog Archives
2009,
2008,
2007,
2006,
2005
This is a personal and frank chronicle of a "typical"
families quest for greener living. Day by day, week by week,
they share what they are doing to live greener. This blog is
refreshing, honest and real and I look forward to each new post!
From alternative energy to wine, you'll find
entertaining reviews of the latest eco-products.
Paul Dorn is the authority on bike commuting,
and this is his blog. Get tips and inspiration to make your bike
commute possible.