Global Warming

Despite the cynicism of Michael Crichton, the neo-cons and the anti-evolution mob, global warming is a scientific fact, and not some scare tactic concocted by radical environmentalists to further their own agenda. Like many fields of scientific study, there are uncertainties associated with the science of global warming. This does not imply that all things are equally uncertain. Some aspects of the science are based on well-known physical laws and documented trends, while other aspects range from 'near certainty' to 'big unknowns.'

Scientists know for certain that human activities are changing the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. Increasing levels of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2 ), in the atmosphere since pre-industrial times have been well documented. Although there are other, natural causes, there is no doubt this atmospheric buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is largely the result of human activities.

It's well accepted by scientists that greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and tend to warm the planet. The geologic record shows that from the Late Cretaceous to the middle Paleocene, global atmospheric CO2 levels were decreasing. However, starting in the early Eocene, a sharp increase in CO2 levels occurred. Due in part to the enhanced atmospheric CO2 content, the Eocene was the warmest period in the Cenozoic.

By increasing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, human activities are strengthening Earth's natural greenhouse effect. The key greenhouse gases emitted by human activities remain in the atmosphere for periods ranging from decades to centuries.


A warming trend of about 1°F has been recorded since the late 19th century. Warming has occurred in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and over the oceans. Confirmation of 20th-century global warming is further substantiated by melting glaciers, decreased snow cover in the northern hemisphere and even warming below ground.

Anyone who denies global warming has obviously not been to Alaska. There, anyone can plainly see that the glaciers are all in retreat, and have receded substantially in the last 25 years. If you have a doubt, fly to Anchorage, drive down to the Kenai peninsula, and hike the trail to Exit Glacier. There, the edge of the glacier has been marked each year, and it is somewhat amazing to see how far and how rapidly it has retreated over the last several years.

The neo-cons, the Crichtonists and the creationists can stick their heads in the sand and ignore the obvious evidence and the scientific certainty of global warming, but considering the rising sea levels, I only ask them: How long can you hold your breath?