Climate Change Discussion

[riptides]

Money spent on social programs dwarfs the Defense Department budget.

Social programs do have their place in this country. And the military has an equal part in waste, fraud and abuse.

What are 'smarter' fuel standards?

Recall a month or so ago, that the higher fuel ratings for gasoline miles per gallons were once again debated,

By and large this benefits urban centers and does less for suburban and almost nothing for rural areas.

I'd look to Europe for a true mass transit system that services rural communities.

Sending more tax dollars to the government doesn't solve the problem, e.g., the Social Security fund is supposed to be dedicated to Social Security but that's a fiction. The same fate awaits any gas, oil and 'windfall profits' taxes earmarked to solve this problem. How many times does government have to fail on promises to solve our problems before more people become skeptical of any solution, e.g., carbon tax, that involves sending more money to Washington?

I don't agree, some pretty good programs exist for farm subsidiaries, technologies, drug research and other programs. I mean we do some things in this country very well. I will not knock something off just because of some other programs fiscal failures.

-Mike Z.

 

[LMTC]

It is the extreme swings in weather patterns we are starting to observe.

A few weeks ago it was over 70 degrees, then the next day into the 40's.

I cannot recall in my lifes observations such temperature swings. But then again, all models are simulated and my data is suspect.

-Mike Z.

25 - 30 degree or more temp swings in 24-36 hours are nothing new in the Ohio River valley. It may not be commonplace, but neither is it new or rare. Somewhere around '77 we had THE blizzard, and temps dropped about 60* in less than 36 hours. No, I cannot point to the specific weather records nor am I going to look them up. I've lived here 57 + years, and I know from experience that is something I have seen many times.

 

[riptides]

25 - 30 degree or more temp swings in 24-36 hours are nothing new in the Ohio River valley. It may not be commonplace, but neither is it new or rare. Somewhere around '77 we had THE blizzard, and temps dropped about 60* in less than 36 hours. No, I cannot point to the specific weather records nor am I going to look them up. I've lived here 57 + years, and I know from experience that is something I have seen many times.

And in my area, I cannot recall seeing rose of sharon blooming in January. Until last month.

-Mike Z.

 

[Egon]

Back in the good old days we have heard of one side of the street at +10 F and the other side at -10 F during a Chinook.

 

[N80]

I'd look to Europe for a true mass transit system that services rural communities.

I cringe at the thought of looking toward Europe for anything.

You do have a point. Sort of. I agree that we would have benefited from a Europe-like rail system, but that ship has sailed. It was a mistake of enourmous proportions when this country abandoned rails for an interstate highway system that embraced the automobile with the foreign oil dependance, pollution and global warming debate that came with it. Also, virtually any reference to anything good coming from Europe usually fails to take scale into consideration whether its a mass transit system, socialized medicine or public education. The US is physically huge both in size and now in population.

The only thing that comes from Europe that transcends its relatively small size is world wars and imperialism. But still, I agree, urban, local and interstate fast rail would be wonderful for this country, but if we take that cue from Europe we should also take their cue on nuclear power. They've had some luck with that.

 

[N80]

A few weeks ago it was over 70 degrees, then the next day into the 40's.

I don't know whether to laugh or not. You guys talking about the weather that you can remember are surely joking right? Please tell me you are. Sometimes its just hard to tell on the internet, but that is the sort of thing that the media is breeding and I do hear people making such statements seriously.

I've even lapsed into it myself. I commented to my wife remembering several winters (in mid SC) when I was a kid where the pond at the end of the street froze from bank to bank thick enough to walk on and I haven't seen it since. Hmm. Why is that. Ooh, ooh, ooh, I know. But then she reminds me of the summer of '83 when here in upstate SC it was over 100 for over 10 days. Haven't seen anything like it since then. The new ice age is upon us!

It is hard for people to grasp that climate trends are measured in centuries, not generations.

 

[Doc_Bob]

How about McDonalds is responsible for obesity?

I thought they were responsible for stupidity. Spill "hot" coffee on yourself, and they are responsible.

Because they offer delicious food at a good price
Bob

 

[thingy]

Well it was 7 above here this morning and I hear that was mild compared to 7-8 states,,,you all notice that since this cold snap happened the only people on the news who are talking about it are now making fun of it?
By the way,my rabbit dog slept outside last night in his dog house and was just as healthy as ever this morning,,,he was out there laying on the frozen ground sunning himself after I let him loose,it was so cold,,,but happy none the less [and I'm sure ready for spring,,or more global warming],,thingy

 

[IH3444]

Cambodians ponder an unfamiliar concept: cold | csmonitor.com

 

[Doc_Bob]

Cambodians ponder an unfamiliar concept: cold | csmonitor.com

More proof of global warming.
Bob