At a quick glance, there appears to be a very strong correlation between CO2
concentration and global temperature. This statement is essentially true but, has
been taken the wrong way in so many ways.
First off, as many scientists have said before, correlation does not mean causation.
The leading theory of course in the global warming debate is CO2
rise leads to temperature rise. This theory cannot be backed up with the data
we have today. It is also very well possible that CO2 concentration change is a
byproduct of temperature change, as things occur in a natural setting. All in all,
no cause-effect theory of CO2 can be effectively backed up.
However, in my scientific opinion, a middle road seems likely between current
theories. CO2 does contribute to the greenhouse effect, that is a fact, but, not
as significantly as some claim it does. We have seen the graphs, where
temperature is shown rising at unbelievable levels due to CO2 change in the
future. These are formed by merely extrapolating the mean change in
temperature over a short time such as 20 years. To even think of extrapolating
that mean over hundreds, let alone thousands of years as some have done, is
ridiculous. Also, it can be seen on the graph how CO2 rise has not always meant
temperature rise. That in itself casts factual doubt on recent claims of
direct CO2-temperature correlation.
All in all, we do not understand CO2's affect on the climate at this point but, with the
science we have, we can make a good guess, a guess which is in-between the
extremes portrayed in the recent global warming debate. |
