Global Warming---All is Not as it Seems
October 23rd 2006 11:12
For most of us the term conjures images of ozone depletion, melting ice-caps, rising temperatures, and extreme weather. While this may be true, there is another climate model based on the earth's oceans that forecasts the advent of another ice-age.
Some readers' may already be aware of this disturbing possibility from watching recent documentaries or conducting research of their own. In short, (please forgive my unscientific jargon) the model is based on the gulf-stream, that ocean current conveyor-belt encircling the planet. Melting polar ice is cooling the gulf-stream, in turn cooling the oceans, which of course affects ambient temperatures. Whilst those populations sweltering from summer heat may say 'bring it on', the long-term reality is a disturbing one.
Consider the following facts (taken from www.globalwarming.org):
* India's capital New Delhi, recorded its lowest temperatures in 70 years.
* Unusually cold weather is causing havok across Asia.
* 63 people dead and 1000 injured in Japan from recent heavy snowfalls.
*China's Xinjiang province recorded temps of -43C freezing cattle where they stood and a 25 mile stretch of the Yellow River.
If recent extremes experienced on other continents are factored-in, it would be an optimistic person indeed that didn't conclude the planet is heading for a period of major climatic upheaval. So is nuclear power---however potentially disastrous---the answer? Considering the rapid industrialisation of China and India, plus the obvious fact most industrialised nations want to remain that way, then there seems little choice. In any event, it would seem Mother Nature is about to force the issue.
Pete Wall
Some readers' may already be aware of this disturbing possibility from watching recent documentaries or conducting research of their own. In short, (please forgive my unscientific jargon) the model is based on the gulf-stream, that ocean current conveyor-belt encircling the planet. Melting polar ice is cooling the gulf-stream, in turn cooling the oceans, which of course affects ambient temperatures. Whilst those populations sweltering from summer heat may say 'bring it on', the long-term reality is a disturbing one.
* India's capital New Delhi, recorded its lowest temperatures in 70 years.
* Unusually cold weather is causing havok across Asia.
* 63 people dead and 1000 injured in Japan from recent heavy snowfalls.
*China's Xinjiang province recorded temps of -43C freezing cattle where they stood and a 25 mile stretch of the Yellow River.
If recent extremes experienced on other continents are factored-in, it would be an optimistic person indeed that didn't conclude the planet is heading for a period of major climatic upheaval. So is nuclear power---however potentially disastrous---the answer? Considering the rapid industrialisation of China and India, plus the obvious fact most industrialised nations want to remain that way, then there seems little choice. In any event, it would seem Mother Nature is about to force the issue.
Pete Wall
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