Dan wrote: > http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/george_monbiot/2006/09/ post_411.html
> I think this gives some idea of just how expensive it will be to stop global warming by holding the CO2 levels steady in 25 years. The article you cited also says: "There are three things on which almost all climate scientists are now agreed. The first is that man-made climate change is real. The second is that we need to take action. The third is that, to avert catastrophic effects on both humans and ecosystems, we should seek to prevent global temperatures from rising by more than 2C above pre- industrial levels. Two degrees is the point at which some of the most dangerous processes catalysed by climate change could become irreversible. This includes the melting of the west Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, which between them could raise global sea levels by seven metres. It includes the drying out of many parts of Africa, and the inundation by salt water of the aquifers used by cities such as Shanghai, Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kolkata, Mumbai, Karachi, Lagos, Buenos Aires and Lima. It also means runaway positive feedback, as the Arctic tundras begin to release the methane they contain, and the Amazon rainforest dies off, turning trees back into carbon dioxide. In other words, if the planet warms by 2C, 3C or 4C becomes almost inevitable." and "But to use this as an excuse for inaction is like remaining on a railway track while the train is hurtling towards you. We might not have time to jump out of the way, but if we don't attempt it, the disaster is bound to happen. If we in the United Kingdom are to bear our fair share of dealing with climate change, we must cut our emissions by 87% in 24 years." So Dan, do we do nothing and hope beyond hope that our scientists are wrong? What is the cost of doing nothing? Doug Doug _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
