A bewildering climate discussion.

One reaction on the climate discussion is that the conclusions of IPCC are wrong. The temperature increase we experience is not caused by human activities and , consequently, we do not need to take actions. The experts do not agree. Just wait and see. In media many express the view that what we see are natural climate variations.

And it may be so.  IPCC gives the probability 90% for human causes, not 100%. But is not 90 enough?

We know for sure that we have released huge amounts of carbon dioxide from fossil sources. And we also know that carbon dioxide is an active greenhouse gas.

Further, carbon dioxide might have other effects.  In Science Magazine 4 July 2008 there is a report about acidification of the oceans by carbon dioxide (Zeebe et al : Carbon emissions and acidification). This can have important consequences on the ecology of the planet. So – regardless of the climate issue carbon dioxide emissions might give serious effects.

 

It is important to disturb our natural systems as little as possible. We do not know the consequences. This is not reason enough for radical measures, such as to reduce industrialization of developing countries or scrap the air traffic, but certainly it is a good motivation not to misuse or waste resources or ecosystem capacity

Tags: climate