Forget global warming, ‘Little Ice Age’ to begin in 10 years
Global warming may mean beachfront property in Macon someday, but the Earth may have to go through a cold spell first.
Polar bears would have had plenty to eat if they'd made it to London during the late 1600s.
Fox Nation sums up the complicated science with this low-key headline: Global Warming Be Damned, We Might Be Headed for a Mini Ice Age
According to the pocket-protector crowd at the annual meeting of the solar physics division of the American Astronomical Society, the sun, due to reduced sunspot activity, is going to be a bit cooler soon.
When? Maybe as soon as 2021, or never.
How much cooler will the Earth get if sunspot activity decreases? No one knows exactly, but probably a fraction of a degree Celsius, which probably isn’t enough to lure another NHL franchise to Atlanta.
But, the last time such a thing happened, in the late 17th Century, the good folks of London were ice skating on the Thames and villages in the Swiss Alps were destroyed by expanding glaciers.
Wired Magazine throws ice water on the heated discussion with this exciting headline: Sunspot Drop Won’t Cause Global Cooling
At most, reduced sunspots will offset rising global temperatures for a few years, perhaps a couple decades, said NASA climatologist David Rind in the Wired article.
“To point to this as something that could in any way ameliorate greenhouse gas warming is folly,” said climatologist Michael Mann of Penn State University.
I guess I’ll keep the snow skis in the attic.
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117 comments Add your comment
Vincent Kosik
June 16th, 2011
9:47 am
How can Global warming be “proven to be a farce”?
This comment displays the lack of education and understanding by the public in general.
I am not a scientist or a science major.
I have, however, takin the time to study both sides of the issue and have read the accounts of the principle and evidence of the changes will are causing.
One of which is “Ocean Acidification”. That, without a doubt, is caused by our immense output of fossil fuel burning. Our carbon is being absorbed by ocean waters and this lowers the ph value, it becomes less alkaline or more acidic. Just the same as testing a pool water the ph value has great influence on marine life. It has become 30% more acidic since our industrial age started.
This will create conditions that will make it difficult to form hard shells and others reprofuce. This has happened so quickly these life forms will not be able to adapt.
So, folks I come in contact with that doubt the science, this is ONE that is proof we must stop using the atmosphere as an open sewer!
Forget about the climate, weather, it is not the overriding concern. Without a ocean that supports life, we ourselves will not live!
Oh Please!!!
June 16th, 2011
9:48 am
So it’s back to another coming Ice Age. I remember the hysterical clamoring of impending doom from dropping global temperatures back in the 1970’s. And, of course, it was due to the wickedness of Man.
Then comes Global Warming. These wicked, evil humans are destroying the planet by driving SUV’s. More hysteria.
Now it’s “Climate Change.” Seriously, “Climate Change”?!? What, we know there is a problem and we know the cause is man made, we just don’t know whether it is Global Warming or another global Ice Age. But we do know it’s those wicked humans that are the cause.
Since I’m no scientist, would some of you “Climate Change” experts please answer a few questions for me?
1. What is the correct temperature for the planet? That way I’ll know if we are running a fever or if we have the chills.
2. How much of the global heat is from the Sun, how much is from the Earth’s core, and what is the normal amount of heat generated by each? This will help me know how much influence on global temperatures are not caused by the environment.
3. Since “greenhouse gases” are the villains in the Global Warming crisis, why are we not hearing more about methane gas as the source rather than CO2? The answer to this will let me know if we need to do something about cow farts (a major source of methane gas). Plus, I can make a fortune selling bumper stickers while saving the planet: Stop Global Warming – Eat Meat.
If you can’t answer these questions, please feel free to call me all sorts of names.
UGA 1999
June 16th, 2011
9:49 am
Vincent…..do you realize with every point you just attempted to make there are thousands of scientist to prove the very opposite? Great job.
Jim Pettit
June 16th, 2011
10:12 am
The problem started when you went to Fox Nation for a summary of the “complicated science”. The fact is–as anyone who has listened to actual scientists over the past few days, instead of denialists–the sun has been at a relatively low level of activity for many years now, yet the warming has accelerated. That’s because the greenhouse warming effects of CO2 are roughly 10 times more powerful than the cooling effects of a “weakened” sun. There’ll be no “mini- ice age”, nor even any cooling; GW will continue, unabated.
UGA 1999
June 16th, 2011
10:14 am
Jim Pettit…..havent you guys figured out that the climate is cyclical? Look at the climate in terms of hundreds or thousands of years. Instead you guys only look at the last 15. Absolutely hilarious!
The Jay
June 16th, 2011
10:17 am
I see the results of Georgia’s top notch education system and superb science skills are hard at work on this message board. *sigh*
GreatATLGuy
June 16th, 2011
10:19 am
@Babs — I do watch Faux (oops, I mean Fox News) to get both sides …. but I am wondering why they represent the minority, I guess all us “lefties” are wrong and Faux (I mean Fox) is right. Why was Glenn B. cancelled? I guess I don’t get it and have my head up my #$%$%& like you said.
Rob Woodall wants you to keep paying for his healthcare, while you pay for your own healthcare, and help your elderly parents pay their healthcare
June 16th, 2011
10:19 am
There are NOT thousands of scientists to prove the opposite. There are a few discredited flat-earthers who are given a platform by Glenn Beck to spew their lies. Their claims are not supported by valid, peer-reviewed research.
Just because someone says “Its a fact, the Tooth Fairy is real. Look it up”, doesn’t really make it a fact. It is a trick that politicians and TV talking heads like to use. The point is, you are supposed to actually look it up and figure out when they’re lying to you.
UGA 1999
June 16th, 2011
10:23 am
Rob….OH I get it now….if someone disagrees with your theory it is nonsense? I got it now haha. When you worship Al Gore do you do it while facing Mecca?
GreatATLGuy
June 16th, 2011
10:26 am
UGA and his character assasinations again…