Do you think Global Warming is a real threat??

Also, do you do "Earth Friendly" things??

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

If you haven't seen "An Inconveninent Truth" I would highly recommend it. It really touched a nerve with me, and it has changed the way we do a lot of things at home,.

Who knows!!!! I heard yesterday that April was one of the coldest Aprils on record. And today, in Iowa, it is snowing!!! Not unheard of at this date but pretty unusual.
I saw Al Gore's "documentary" but there are some holes in it. It all depends on who you listen to and what slant you want to take on it. I'm not worried too much yet. It's always good to do anything we can to have a cleaner, greener planet.

I would like to see this. Where can it be seen?

Yes, I do believe that global warming is real, and not a fluctuation of temperatures that are part of the normal weather pattern. There is much going on that we don't hear about, like corral reef dying due to the water temperatures going up just a small few degrees. I have read the polar bears are drowning due to so much ice melting in the artic lands. These are not just cyclical occurences that are happening.

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

If you go back over the many years this earth has been cycling, scientific data has been provided to show that the Earth goes through a period of heating and cooling. That is just my view.

BUT,To anyone trying to make up their minds about what they think, I will always suggest making sure you listen to both sides.

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Vicki


TLJ Women united in Spirit!

Well, I'm not sure just how much of this is due to humans, I read something not too long ago about things happening in the solar system to block some of our sunlight. My mother told me about one year in Vermont (where she's from) that the only month it didn't snow was July!

I am worried about food shortages. And the prediction so many people will die. Seems to me, though, that if the climate changes enough so that certain crops won't grow well, we'd just plant different stuff but I'm not sure what they could plant to replace rice. Also I'm sure the price of food will increase - another reason to grow what you can yourself. This might sound crazy but I've also thought for quite some time now that this might be why we have so many overweight people.

It's out on DVD, so you can either pick up a copy or rent it at a video store! HTH

I am in IA also & we are getting snow too its crazy a few years ago on Mothers day I was outside swimming on the lake I kinda doubt that will happen this year. But to answer the question yes I think we have a huge problem thier is way too much waste. All I had to do was take a trip to our local dump & I couldnt believe it, its a sight to see.

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mom of 3 greats girls

Yes the Earth goes through warming and cooling cycles however in the last about 70 yrs or so the spike in temperature has been dramatic more so than any time in history and they can see back several hundred thousand years.
As someone who has lived in communities of lots of people for most of my life I can guarantee you humans are responsible. The amount of trash we generate, the factories that produce our goods, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, cars, boats, airplanes, etc.
I also have the unique perspective of my job which takes note of peoples' habits. A large percentage of people who drive to work drive alone one person in a vehicle. For my own job I must drive my car around the county. I drive over 2000 miles a month by myself just for work.
I do what I can as a matter of fact I am currently enrolled in and participating in a Master Recycler program in my county.
I make a point to walk when possible to the convenience store and post office. I live in a rural community unfortunately there are no buses or stores.
I buy things packed in at the least amount of packaging (especially unrecyclable) as possible.
I buy locally produced goods and foods.
I am lucky I live in an area where people have options lots of education and really enlightened people who do their part to "save the world" for those coming after us.

It is tough to balance a genuine concern for the planet and for the well being of everyone while also working hard for financial security and a place to fit into society while still respecting my values.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I agree with you on this. Although lots of people probably disagree, everyone is entitled to their opinions, and I am entitled to mine. I think global warming is a bunch of baloney. There are probably more scientists that don't believe in global warming than those that do. Unfortunately, the media is more one sided and typically only shows the opinions of the scientists that do believe. From what I've read, some scientists that disagree with global warming have even been threatened with losing their research funding if they speak out. Honestly, we haven't even been recording temperatures for very long if you look at how old the earth is. From sometime in the 1940's until the late '70's, the earth appeared to be cooling and everyone was very concerned about "global cooling." I think it's just a cycle.

However, I do what I can to conserve because I think we all waste too much. I'm always getting onto DH about tossing things in the garbage instead of into the recycle bin, but he is getting better.

Just think of the increase in the number of the vehicles in the world now.

It used to be one per family and and now it is more like one per adult person!

I find it very hard to believe that people don't see a connection between human activity and global warming. I am just trying to understand your perspective and your reasons for not believing this. If you have seen the huge chunks of glaciers and ice mountains falling into the ocean I wonder how you can explain this? It has never happened in history before. These glaciers are hundred of thousands of years old and now in the midst of our greedy consumption they are falling off pieces that weigh hundreds of tons right into the ocean.
Admitting this doesn't mean you or I are personally responsible it just means that humans have been ignorant up to this time and now we are being educated.
Do you live in sparsely populated areas that maybe you don't really see humans doing this?
What it is about your observations personally (because science is one thing but I can actually see with my own eyes the destruction) that lead you to believe that human behaviour has nothing to do with this?

Again I am trying to learn another person's point of view. Because it is so obvious to me I am either missing something or not understanding.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

[quote=jlferick;2782505] I think global warming is a bunch of baloney. There are probably more scientists that don't believe in global warming than those that do. Unfortunately, the media is more one sided and typically only shows the opinions of the scientists that do believe. From what I've read, some scientists that disagree with global warming have even been threatened with losing their research funding if they speak out. Honestly, we haven't even been recording temperatures for very long if you look at how old the earth is. From sometime in the 1940's until the late '70's, the earth appeared to be cooling and everyone was very concerned about "global cooling." I think it's just a cycle.

QUOTE]

You said what I was going to say. I totally agree with you. And as far as Al Gore, since when is he the 'expert'?? And he certainly doesn't practice what he preaches. Look at his house in Tennessee. I read recently the differences between Gore's house and President Bush's ranch and President Bush's ranch is almost completely enery efficient, going as far as having underground water recycling, as opposed to Gore's house which consumes as much energy in one month as most people consume in one year!!

I believe we should recycle (I recycle alum cans, paper, etc.), but as far as global warming is concerned, I think it's not real. Like the poster above said, back when I was growing up, it was 'global cooling'!!! I think God has everything planned to go in cycles and this is just part of His plan.

Here is my 2 cents. We are a wasteful society. Why does everything need to be thrown away? If all of us just pitched in a little. Recycle, reduce, reuse, turn off lights when not needed. One of my biggest pet peeves is that many people as well as all businesses never turn off their air conditioning down here in southern florida. I can't wait for that day when I can open up my windows, and I absolutely don't turn on my ac until humidity is in full swing. Also, we are very comfortable with it set at 78 degrees and ceiling fans.

Judi

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"Try to see the glass half-full."

If we were once covered by glaciers what happened to melt them way back then?????
I think we can conserve and do a lot better for this planet but I don't think it's at the panic level that a lot of people are let to believe. I can't stand the hyprocrisy of people like Al Gore who fly on jets, has an enormous home, many cars, etc.... and rant and rave about how awful everything is..... I do respect someone like Darryl Hannah who lives what she preaches. And that carbon credit stuff that Al Gore preaches about doesn't seem to be that great, it just sounds good!

Not to sound snotty I want to say that so you would not think that I was having any sorta tone about this .....However there was an Ice Age and since it is not like it is now as it was then, some had to have melted and chunks had to have fallen off

I live in Jacksonville Florida.....tons of ppl!!

__________________
Vicki


TLJ Women united in Spirit!

The ice has fallen off a little at a time over millions of years. Dinosaurs died around 65 million years ago so of course it has melted since it covered the world just not huge chunks of it falling off like it is now. I mean Al Gore aside this is the first time in the so many billion years of the planet that people are driving around in vehicles one by one and factories are spewing out more poison than ever before. And we here in the US are the worst offenders using a large percentage of resources.


There are places in Alaska and other coastal states where families have lived in the same place for generations and now they have to move whole villages that have been there for hundreds of years because the coastline is disappearing right before their eyes.

This is not propaganda or scientists faking anything. Read it for yourself
Warming, melting Arctic forces native Alaskan village to move

And polar bears are drowning for Goodness sakes that has never happened in history. They can't find any ice floes and they can't find food so they are swimming farther and farther out. This is new and recent.
Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Polar bears drown amid Arctic thaw

I recently read an article that had nothing to do with global warming; it was discussing gas prices around the world. But it illustrates a point. The article said that people were driving cars long distances in countries like Scotland and Ireland now to go to the cities to work and it talked about it's creating problems due to traffic, noise, gas prices, congestion. I thought to myself "another example of why the planet is being destroyed". I don't blame people for living I am just saying this is one more example of how humans in recent history have changed the temperature and the future of the world.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

It just seems a little too much of "the sky is falling" effect for me.

__________________
Vicki


TLJ Women united in Spirit!

[quote=mom2twins2;2782521][quote=jlferick;2782505]

QUOTE]

You said what I was going to say. I totally agree with you. And as far as Al Gore, since when is he the 'expert'?? And he certainly doesn't practice what he preaches. Look at his house in Tennessee. I read recently the differences between Gore's house and President Bush's ranch and President Bush's ranch is almost completely enery efficient, going as far as having underground water recycling, as opposed to Gore's house which consumes as much energy in one month as most people consume in one year!!



If I am not mistaken, Al Gore was nominated for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to draw world-wide attention to global warming. Maybe not a scientist (even though he has over 20 yrs experience with environmental issues), but he certainly has done his homework and knows what he's talking about. Why jump all over Al Gore? He clearly is passionate about his stance and is trying to make a difference by addressing this subject.

By the way, where did you read that Al Gore's house is not energy efficient and consumes more energy in one month than the average person's yearly energy bill? That sounds kind of misinformed (or made-up).

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

[quote=Crittles1;2782858][quote=mom2twins2;2782521]
I heard the same thing on the news, it's true, really.


So sad to say, I do think it's a problem, butI don't think we;ll have to worry about killing the planet or dying from global warming, we'll get each other long before that has a chance to happen.

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

Here's the story from abc.com


ABC News: Al Gore's 'Inconvenient Truth'? -- A $30,000 Utility Bill

__________________
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

A link to find out your carbon footprint. Looked interesting.....

Carbon Footprint calculator

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

Interesting!
Total Primary Footprint 9,659
TOTAL FOOTPRINT 15,609


The average persons total carbon footprint in the USA is about 19,000 kg per year.

The average for all industrial nations is about 11,000 kg per year.

The world-wide average is 4,000kg per year.

To stop combat climate change the world-wide average needs to be reduced to about 2,000kg per year.

I'm with annadrose, I honestly cannot understand why many are not accepting that this is a serious issue. It's true impact may not be profound in my lifetime, but that doesn't mean that it isn't real. However, it does seem that most are pretty set in their viewpoint on this subject.

Carol

[quote=mom2twins2;2782521]
I agree 100%!!!!!!

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"It isn't that liberals are ignorant, it's just that they know so much that isn't so."
- Ronald Reagan

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to not think that something is going on in our environment.Of course it has to do with global warming.All the above information is correct about it.Those who don't believe it in some way or another really need to do more research on it.And as far as Al gore goes.Yes,that info was on the news BUT, its not because he has not tried to go more green.He just recently finally got his approval for solar energy panels in his house that he has been RENOVATING.That electric bill was from when he was renovating and of course it was going to be higher in the process.Media will do anything to try and discredit his stance.I know i live in TENNESSEE.

Amen. We - as a large, high-consumption country - need to get our heads out of the sand and make some strides to at least significantly slow down the rate of destruction.

cj/

NJFL eVERYTHING WE ARE DOING CAN`T BE HELPING. iT`S aPRIL AND ITS SNOWING IN MASSACHUSETTS AND WE ARE GETTING A NORTHEASTER sUNDAY. tHIS IS CRAZY

And it's not just about recycling although obviously that is important. Whether you "believe" global warming or think humans are contributing to it we HAVE to do something fast.
Precycling is very important-buy things packaged in very little or only recyclable packaging.
Don't take the car when you can walk, ride a bike or bus.
Don't top off your tank it puts extra benzine into the air.
Buy locally made food and products to save on gas emissions.
Conserve electricity and water.
Burn only when necessary.

There are ways to use your "garbage" to help others. Your old magazines can be taken to places where people wait. The local foodstamp office, WIC office and Social Security Office come to mind.
In our community the Rescue Mission collects and recycles papers, magazines and catalogs to pay for their services.

If you don't have recycling in your community start a program.

At the very least think of those who come after us. Most of us would not leave a mess for someone to move into a house or apt. Most of us would not give a filthy dirty gift to anyone. If we don't do something to conserve that is in essence what we are doing. Don't those who come after us deserve some of the beauty of the Earth we have the blessing to experience?

In our state (OR) people are literally running out of usable water! A recent article (in the last month or so) stated that rural communities in Oregon are running out of water and it directly linked to the lack of snowfall which supplies most of our drinking water.

The picture is not pretty. Predictions are that heat waves will kill thousands of people and there will be water shortages. Animals will die and go extinct. I guess we will just have to see if "they" are right.

I am not willing to risk the chance. I don't want to contribute more to the landfill than I have to. I don't want to pour emissions into the air more than I have to.

My carbon footprint is 18000 based mostly on the miles I drive for work.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Well, yeah, but it didn't really snow ALL winter long....and wasn't even like a winter at all.

Exactly! cjs216

I can't help but notice that those who fully believe in global warming seem to have a condescending air about them. Like if you don't think the same way they do you are not educated on the subject, because obviously if you were you would feel the same way about it that the 'smart' people do. I don't know why but this really seems to be an issue that can really put people up on their high horses.

I believe like the other posters that weather is cyclical. That is the nature of weather. For every scientist that touts Global Warming you can find one who disputes it. Who is to say who is right and who is wrong.

To me this seems like the latest cause celeb.

And correct me if I am wrong but wasn't the big issue in the 1970's Global Cooling???
Didn't that make the cover to TIME?

Condescending? Touche!

I think this is a subject people are very passionate about, and each side of the fence wants the other to see it "their way". I believe we are a selfish, greedy, wasteful society. We have been programmed this way, and probably don't even realize we are that way.....until someone points it out to us.

I try to use as little of something as possible, wether it is food, paper, water, energy, etc. I try to buy things in as little packaging as possible, and buy organic milk because it seems to be better for the environment as well as me. BTW,the rest of the gang drinks the "regular" stuff. We don't have a recycling program here,they burn the trash to make energy. At least that is what we are told. I have never seen this in action, or went looking for it.

Unfortunately, it costs more to be environmentally friendly. I do try to conserve where I can.

__________________
Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

You said what I could not find the right words for!! Thank you

__________________
Vicki


TLJ Women united in Spirit!

Totally tongue-in-cheek, but just thought I'd change a few words around and see how it sounds...

I can't help but notice that those who don't believe in global warming seem to have an accusatory and inflammatory tone about them. Like if you don't think the same way they do you have no common sense, because obviously if you did you would feel the same way about it that the 'normal' people do. I don't know why but this really seems to be an issue that can really put people on the defensive.

I hope this shows that personal attacks shouldn't come into play....

cj/

Worrying is most toxic personally... Speaking for myself. And I worry enough about my children's future and everyday life without adding global worry. I do my best here at home and that is all I feel that I can do that will make a difference.

Thought this would make for interesting reading for those who questioned me about Al Gore's home. I checked this out on Snopes before I posted it. It has references also.

"Subject: A Tale of Two Houses


House 1:

The four-bedroom home was planned so that "every room has a relationship with something in the landscape that's different from the room next door. Each of the rooms feels like a slightly different place." The resulting single-story house is a paragon of environmental planning.
The passive-solar house is built of honey-colored native limestone and positioned to absorb winter sunlight, warming the interior walkways and walls of the 4,000-square-foot residence. Geothermal heat pumps circulate water through pipes buried 300 feet deep in the ground. These waters pass through a heat exchange system that keeps the home warm in winter and cool in summer. A 25,000-gallon underground cistern collects rainwater gathered from roof urns; astewater from sinks, toilets, and showers cascades into underground purifying tanks and is also funneled into the cistern. The water from the cistern is then used to irrigate the landscaping around the four-bedroom home,
(which) uses indigenous grasses, shrubs, and flowers to complete the exterior treatment of the home. In addition to its minimal environmental impact, the look and layout of the house reflect one of the paramount priorities: relaxation. A spacious 10-foot porch wraps completely around the residence and beckons the family outdoors. With few hallways to speak of, family and guests make their way from room to room either directly or by way of the porch. "The house doesn't hold you in. Where the porch ends there is grass. There is no step-up at all." This house consumes 25% of the energy of an average American home. (Source: Cowboys and Indians Magazine, Oct.
2002 and Chicago Tribune April 2001.)

House 2:

This 20-room, 8-bathroom house consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year. The average household in America consumes 10,656 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, according to the Department of Energy. In 2006, this house devoured nearly 221,000 kWh, more than 20 times the national average. Last August alone, the house burned through 22,619 kWh, guzzling more than twice the electricity in one month than an average American family uses in an entire year. As a result of this energy consumption, the average monthly electric bill topped $1,359. Also, natural gas bills for this house and guest house averaged $1,080 per month last year. In total, this house had nearly $30,000 in combined electricity and natural gas bills for 2006. (Source: just about anywhere in the news last month online and on talk radio, but barely on TV.)

House 1 belongs to George and Laura Bush, and is in Crawford , Texas

House 2 belongs to Al and Tipper Gore, and is in Nashville , Tennessee "

Very interesting!!!

I am not understanding why you did change it around in the first place, I think she was making a statement, not a personal attack. So then may I ask why you would do it?

__________________
Vicki


TLJ Women united in Spirit!

I do believe we are a wasteful society.
I do think we all should recycle more.
I do think that the fumes of cars and factories affect people's health.
I do not think that global warming is any more than what it is.
It is happening to other planets also.
These planets have no human life.
I don't thing Earth and Earthlings have any affect on these planets.
I think God is in control of Everything.

__________________
Square dancing is friendship set to music!

Well-said... You speak my feelings. Thank you.

My parents raised our family in a non-electric home (with no running water) built completely from recycled materials. We lived like that for many years. I really do not want to raise my children with the same kind of paranoia. Both of my parents now live in homes with electricity... and are no longer married. We have to do what we can each do in life to make the world a better place but going to one extreme or the other only serves to feed the fear of our generation and future generations.

I especially like the statements:
"I do not think that global warming is any more than what it is."
and
"I think God is in control of Everything."

I am not into extremes at all.....trust me, it drives me nuts that DH will go through the trash behind me just to make sure I didn't put one little bit or piece of recyclables in there. LOL.

However, I do think that if each and every person and household took a long, hard look at their consumption habits and decided to make one small change (carpool, switch to low-energy lightbulbs, etc) or two or three....that the impact would be strong....and it might just be something each individual could feel good about too. Win-win, kwim?

cj/

I agree 100%, cjs.

The extreme thing -- not caring OR caring too much -- is what eats away at the soul. This is just my opinion and everyone is entitled to their own... This I know!

Probably an AA statement but always a good one to keep in mind... "Let go and let God!"

I am going a little off track here but this is really something that I don't understand.....and I admit that I am not too much into religion....But when people talk about everything is in God's hands and therefore there is no need to do anything...I just don't understand. Did not God give man free will and the ability and know-how to make good choices? The consequences and forgiveness of/for those choices is in God's hands, yes, but isn't there the responsibility that we as individuals/believers need to make appropriate choices?

I hope this didn't sound condescending....not my intent at all...just an honest question about something that I don't understand.

cj/

There is never a need to do nothing... I guess my statement came across that way. Not my intention.

I am not too much into religion either (which probably surprises you after my last statement!).

But, I feel that for the health of my soul, I need to learn not to have so much anxiety over every little thing -- paranoia really does run rampant in my family and I am very determined to not become one of *them*.

My interpretation of 'letting go' (FOR ME!) is that I need to do my part; live my life as well as I can... make good choices, but let God take care of the rest. It frees up my anxieties if I consciously do this -- letting go of worry.

I completely know what you mean that some people use this as an excuse to do nothing. That is just a really sad interpretation of 'letting God'.

I didn't mean to open a can of worms with my statement. But, I hope that I answered your question!

I get what you say, Cuthie - thanks! And actually, though I quoted you, the question was meant for anyone that can answer it or has an opinion on the subject.

cj/

LOL... I take a bow. It will be interesting to read others' responses...

If you are refering to me about being "Condescending".You are very wrong.I was not making a personal attack on anyone.This is a comment board not a put others down board.I speak my mind and that is all one should take it as that.And as far as Al Gore goes.If you will look at the dates on that Snoops article you can see it says (Source: Cowboys and Indians Magazine, Oct.
2002 and Chicago Tribune April 2001.) THis is 2007.Maybe Texas has other laws and rules on solar energy.Al Gore just got his approval this year for the solar energy panels and such.One should research more RECENT articles before applying them here.Just my opinion! :-)

Again this is a comment board...if people wanted anything more than others opinions they will probably go elsewhere.

I would like someone who is(and I don't think this is the right word for it) Pro- Global Warming. Could you please address the 2 points that have been made and have not been refuted.

1. The big scare in the 70's was Global Cooling.

2. This is not just happening here it is happening to planets that have no life forms.

Just would like to know what you guys think about those 2 things,

__________________
Vicki


TLJ Women united in Spirit!

I don't know that it matters what we think. We really should base our opinions on what scientists who have spent their lives studying the matter think. It may be partially due to natural causes but the consensus among climatologists is that humans are accelerating the warming.

The science that tells you that we aren't responsible comes from the same folks that told us smoking isn't bad for health.

Check out this list of institutions that have concluded that humans are a major influence:

'Global warming is a hoax' | Gristmill: The environmental news blog | Grist

It's my understanding that global cooling scare of the 70s never had strong scientific backing and was false. Since then, a lot more research has been done and more data collected., thereby increasing confidence in today's prediction. From wikipedia, where you can find more detail if inclined:

Global cooling in general can refer to a cooling of the Earth; more specifically, it is a theory positing an overall cooling of the Earth's surface and atmosphere along with a posited commencement of glaciation. This theory never had significant scientific support, but gained temporary popular attention due to press reporting following a better understanding of ice age cycles and a temporary downward trend of temperatures from the 1940s to the early 1970s.

At present, the dominant theory amongst scientists is that Earth as a whole is not cooling, but rather is in a period of global warming attributed to human activity.
....
Present level of knowledge
Thirty years later, the concern that the cooler temperatures would continue, and perhaps at a faster rate, can now be observed to have been incorrect. More has to be learned about climate, but the growing records have shown the cooling concerns of 1975 to have been simplistic and not borne out.


As for other planets, I have no comment as I have not read up on it.

Well you have certainly answered the first question!!

But here is the thing if all it was, was talk in the 70's how do you know now its not all it is, talk that is? If you say it is in a period of global warming due to humans, does that mean it will cool off again? And if that is the case doesn't that make it just a cycle of weather changes? I have to say that the planet thing does throw you a little though right?

We might have to post a new thread......LOL.....What do you think!!

__________________
Vicki


TLJ Women united in Spirit!