Global Warming/Climate Change Global Issues Network

Topic: Global Warming

Topic Page: Global Warming

Author: George Mobus

Creation Date: 9/5/04

Edit Date: 9/5/04

UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER: GLOBALWARMINGTOPIC0

Abstract

Topic

Sub-topics

1. Science of global warming
   Author:George Mobus
   Date Created: 9/5/2004
   Abstract:
   The science backing up the claim that anthropogenic greenhouse gasses are contributing substantially to the rise in global mean temperature will be aggregated in a knowledge repository (KR).
   Expiration Date: 1/5/2005
2. Consequences of global warming - climate change
   Author:George Mobus
   Date Created: 9/5/2004
   Abstract:
   The radical rise in surface temperature is causing climate changes that may be difficult to adapt to in the long run.
   Expiration Date: 1/5/2005
3. Politics of global warming
   Author:George Mobus
   Date Created: 9/5/2004
   Abstract:
   Currently most nation states, as well as UN agencies, recognize the dangers in global warming and have agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The United States federal government is not cooperating with the world community in this effort.
   Expiration Date: 1/5/2005
4. Sociological factors in global warming
   Author:George Mobus
   Date Created: 9/5/2004
   Abstract:
   While peoples in most developed nations recognize and are concerned about the consequences of global warming, many, particularly in the US, remain in denial or even believe that warming will be a good thing for life on the planet. Peoples in the developing world are either unaware of the problem or concerned that actions needed to stem CO₂ emissions will undermine their asperations for economic development.
   Expiration Date: 1/5/2005

Issues

1. How can the science of global warming be better presented to the general public
   Author:George Mobus
   Date Created: 9/5/2004
   Abstract:
   While the science behind global warming is strong, the perceptions of the general public are that it is vague and uncertain. This problem is being exploited by special interests and the current US adminsitration to foster a posture of wait and see. How might we organize and present the scientific findings so as to clarify the nature of the problem?
   Expiration Date: 1/5/2005
2. What are the long term projections for climate changes on a world-wide and regional basis?
   Author:George Mobus
   Date Created: 9/5/2004
   Abstract:
   What should we expect to see in the way of climate changes over the next 100 to 1,000 years as a result of global warming? What are some likely scenarios and what are some likely secondary consequences (e.g., to agriculture)?
   Expiration Date: 1/5/2005

Comments

1. The lack of understanding of the nature of computer modeling by the lay public and many policy makers.
   Author:George Mobus
   Date Created: 9/5/2004
   Abstract:
   With reference to the science behind global warming, the nature and uses of computer models to assess the contribution of anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gasses to the rise in global mean temperature is very poorly understood by the general public. The fact that modelling involves inherent uncertainties has been exploited by special interests.
   Thread:
   Responding to: NONE
   Responses:
        Exploiting misunderstanding of computer modelling - George Mobus, 9/5/2004
   
2. The Kyoto Protocol will produce far too little effect on the trend in warming. A much more aggressive program for CO₂ abatement is needed in order to prevent catastrophic climate change.
   Author:George Mobus
   Date Created: 9/5/2004
   Abstract:
   At current rates of emissions, and more importantly, with the increasing demand for energy by China and India, the Kyoto Protocol will simply not be able to produce any noticable effect with respect to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, let alone reducing the buildup of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
   

Proposals

No Proposals at this time