Global climate change-Food for thought (Portsmouth, Franconia: to buy, luxury, live)

[Movingback]

A few weeks ago someone posted here asking if anyone noticed differences in NH that might be indications of climate change happening in New Hampshire.
This arcicle has some of the effects, and makes you think about getting more serious about making personal changes that can help slow the impending climate changes.

From the Portsmouth Herald:

Climate fears aired in N.H.

June 05, 2007 10:20 AM
FRANCONIA (AP) — Milder winters and ho-hum foliage. Lousy ski conditions and curtailed logging operations. "Hundred-year floods" that occur every couple of years and weather patterns that make the north woods feel like South Carolina. Convening on a mountaintop for a summit on climate change, a congressional committee heard dire warnings Monday about the impact of global warming on New England's way of life.

[Yankeehombre]

Yes, the winters have been lacking our usual snow, since the late 70's. I think it's a mistake to attribut flooding to climate change. So much of what we are experiencing can properly be attributed to higher population density on the east coast + associated runoff increases. In terms of inches of rain falling, the numbers really aren't any different It's largely that pavement doesn't have the same saturation rate as soil + that problems are occurring largely at the seacoast and foothills of the mountains that are expected to absorb that runoff.

[unknown stuntman]

I read this in the Portsmouth Herald this morning over breakfast and I've stated many times on this forum, I don't dispute the increase in CO2, nor the existence of the global warming "phenomenom" (in quotations because no one can say convincingly that this isn't a natural occuring process) across the globe.
But I do not take these people seriously when I read, "Unless you want to buy your maple syrup on your fall foliage tour of Canada, we need some action," Or..."We can't wait. It's important to the daily lives of people in New Hampshire". Energy alternatives I concur. But such quotes greatly concern me that these people actually believe government is the solution- the intellectual authority devoid of any influence from special interest groups and lobbyists, thus initiating far more radical standards and bylaws that have zero proven correlation or impact on what the White Mountains will look like 100 years from now. Speaking of, where was all this balmy weather while skiing over the course of two months in the White Mts between mid Jan. and mid March??? The "phenomenom" always seems to be stressed once temps are abnormally high, but never when they are below average for a long duration.

[skytrekker]

It might be best to take the science of climate change very seriously. The events now taking place globally seem to be right on target with computer models going back to the mid 1990's and even now more perfected in the last few years.

In fact the models may be too conservative. New Hampshire's and New England's climate are changing rapidly. And in the next 5 years- will change more.

[Dwatted Wabbit]

Climate change is and has been the norm over earth's long history.
I see climate change as belonging more in the political science than the earth science department, for obvious reasons.
And I see our extremely limited perspective on climate history as more a sign of our increasing narcissism rather than our improving understanding of whether CO2 or water vapor is the more influential "greenhouse gas."

[Pawporri]

I think we all better do a lot more homework. This just may be a natural progression. Suspicion pops up when this is shoved down our throats.

Unless you want to buy your maple syrup on your fall foliage tour of Canada.

Statements like this are nonsense.............

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by Dwatted Wabbit

Climate change is and has been the norm over earth's long history.
I see climate change as belonging more in the political science than the earth science department, for obvious reasons.
And I see our extremely limited perspective on climate history as more a sign of our increasing narcissism rather than our improving understanding of whether CO2 or water vapor is the more influential "greenhouse gas."

I think the scientific evidence thus far proves your assertion to be totally wrong.
The politics comes form the same 'element' of people from the early 1600's who said that the earth was the center of the universe.

It might be best to ignore the real 'political deniers' of the far right- and 'actors' of the far left- and read the real science- which is at this point indisputably shows the planet warming at an alarming rate, with validated scientific evidence that it is caused by humans. Any other outcome is sheer folly and is in fact 'political junk' with those with an agenda in certain industries.

[GregW]

I have lived in New England for the last 40 years and have noticed a continuous warming. Southern NH is now much like southern CT was 40 years ago. It is getting a lot warmer. It does not matter if this is a natural phenomenon or a man-made effect. The fact is the world is getting warmer and we will not be able to stop it. We will just have to cope.

I worry about the economy of northern NM because a tourist economy is a luxury economy and very sensitive to overall economic conditions. When Massachusetts has a slight economic down turn NH has a panic because the tourists and skiers stay away as they cannot afford the trip. This area has to develop, actually redevelop, an industrial economy based on small to medium scale production of specialty goods with world wide demand.

I have more detailed comments on Climate Change on the Politics Forum.

[Dwatted Wabbit]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

I think the scientific evidence thus far proves your assertion to be totally wrong.
The politics comes form the same 'element' of people from the early 1600's who said that the earth was the center of the universe.

It might be best to ignore the real 'political deniers' of the far right- and 'actors' of the far left- and read the real science- which is at this point indisputably shows the planet warming at an alarming rate, with validated scientific evidence that it is caused by humans. Any other outcome is sheer folly and is in fact 'political junk' with those with an agenda in certain industries.

That sounds suspiciously like Algore and Sam Donaldson and legions of other True Believers who state "The debate is over, the facts are in."

The debate is not over, the facts are on a continuum. There was indisputable evidence of a new ice age in the 1970s.

The emotional element of the political spectrum is hopelessly addicted to emotional fads. Hence the "Bird Flu" attempted panic, where fewer than 200 people have died worldwide since 2004 of birdbrain flu.

Panicking a population is the best way to herd them in the direction you seek. A thinking population can resist the panic tactic.

[skytrekker]

Dwatted

no offense- but you are in Idaho- a very conservative state. Ok politics aside- what are you doing in the New Hampshire forum?


Climate change and global warming are continuing to evolve that is true-but at this stage of the game-it seems the scientists are winning out over the oil companies in the search for truth. There is no absolute on any subject regarding science- but we now know that the facts speak for themselves thus far- humans are causing the planet to warm- not as stated by Gore, but by a plethora of highly respected and esteemed climate scientists.

Why bring up Gore and Mr. Donaldson?- they are NOT important regarding this issue.