Fact: We’ve only been able to accurately measure temperature since the late 1800’s. This was after the industrial revolution, meaning we’ve only been able to track temperatures since we started really kicking out the CO2. We don’t know what the temperature was before that.
Or do we? I won’t go into the science behind ice analysis, nor will I play the role of the global warming skeptic. What I can do is cite the little know story of the Vikings. OK their story is more well known, but still. Its generally agreed upon that about 1,000 years ago the Earth experienced a “little ice-age”. 20,000 years ago we also experienced a big ice-age, and the Earth is still warming up from the big one. So these Vikings were out and about before this little ice age, exploring the world. Let’s look at a little map of where they came from and where they went.
It’s cold there, very cold! The Viking homeland had to be even a little bit warmer for their race to thrive before the other tribal groups. They traveled to a little island that became known is Iceland. The Vikings called it that because it was icy there. But this is the funny thing. They then traveled to another island they named Greenland. Know why it’s called Greenland? Because when they got there it was Green. So green in fact they decided to farm it. Greenland is not green anymore, and can’t be farmed. Too cold. When the little ice-age came the Vikings bounced and stopped farming. They left behind evidence of their farming, which was then covered by glaciers that are still on the island today. These glaciers are receding though, and as they pull back we are find more evidence the Vikings farmed the area.
Let’s sum that up a bit, the Vikings farmed an area 1,000 years ago now covered by glaciers, it had to have been warmer then than it is now.
The anti-global warming folks have more truths on their side. The Sun. The Sun operates in cycles just like everything else. It has its good millennia and bad millennia. Turns out it looks like that flaming ball in the sky is having a dry spell. But that’s good. The Sun is running a little hotter than in the past million years, which has allowed our society to thrive in its current form. The greenhouse gases (most of which is water vapor) have aided in this warming effect, protecting us from another ice-age.
The problem is that this counters popular belief on our impact of global warming. No one is arguing that its warmer now than it was. We’re arguing about how much of the warming is our fault, and how much is just natural.
Below are a few links that provide additional readings on these subjects and more. Please check them out and to be sure you have informed opinions.
Come back tomorrow and Friday to read about my informed opinion.
 By The Weakonomist |
The Weakonomist is the founder of Weakonomics. Clicking the picture of the puppy will tell you more about him. If you like what you're reading consider subscribing to the blog, following him on Twitter, and checking out the related posts below. Please consider a donation if you really enjoy Weakonomics. |
| Related Websites |
Be First To Comment!