Posted by
Christianomics on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 5:09:22 PM
David Freddoso of National Review Online gets it right when discussing global warming, which is in stark contrast to most of the overly conclusive discussion one sees on the issue.
When looking at a phenomenon of global magnitude, it is necessary to gather large amounts of data on numerous related factors in order to put any hypothesis on a sound scientific footing. The purported "majority of scientists" who are frequently said to agree that humanity and specifically industry is the source of a recent, slight rise in average global temperature, is in fact highly likely to have been deeply influenced in that conclusion by the specific designation of large amounts of research funding (jobs, food for scientists families) to study "global warming." Note that the subject is not "global temperature data" but is, rather "global warming."
Now is it logical to suppose that a scientist who disproves the popular theory will long have a job in that sponsored research area?
Almost no public figure has bothered to look beyond the hyped anti-capitalist position that man causes warming of our planet. While a greater concentration of certain gases in the atmosphere can cause increased absorption of energy from the sun's rays, there is little support for the notion that mankind's contribution is significant. There is also little support for the notion that even stopping all burning of anything worldwide would have any moderating effect on the warming trend.