RE: [Futurework] Fw: Arctic ice cap

[Harry Pollard]

Ed,   Good note from your friend.   The idea that ice melting causes the sea level to rise can be seen all the time. Put it down to American education.   Whether we are poisoning the planet or not is a matter of opinion.   Certainly carbon dioxide isn’t a poison – though magically it has become “pollution”.   As for other noxious substances – they are not poisoning the planet – they are poisoning us. If Gaia could care, I doubt she would.   Maybe the poisoning will handle the population problem – that is, if there was one.   Harry   ******************************** Henry George School of Social Science of Los Angeles Box 655  Tujunga  CA 91042 818 352-4141 ********************************    From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ed Weick Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 4:53 AM To: Futurework Cc: Steve Kurtz; Bill Cleghorn; Herman Dirschl; husain sadar; Leo Bereza; Ken Davies; Ernie Cox; Catherine Davies; George Davies Subject: [Futurework] Fw: Arctic ice cap   Comment on global warming from a friend.  I must say that I agree that a reduction, perhaps drastic, of world population may be a solution.  I also agree that it can never be adopted, though it could happen of itself if present paths continue.   Ed   Always glad to receive  info. pieces.  I agree global warming is obviously taking place but to what extent so called greenhouse gases, including `methane from millions of cattle started the process or exacerbate a phenomenon that has been reoccurring quite frequently over geologic time is to my mind not difficult to answer. There was essentially no increase in greenhouse gas due to human activity when the last glaciations started to melt over ten thousand years ago. Thus I conclude that we are observing a natural phenomenon and even if we could get all our energy requirements from say fusion global warming would still continue. Even if North America reduced greenhouse gas emissions drastically, China, India and several other growing economies would not only fill the reduction but far surpass it. I doubt global warming will cause the end of humanity although it will severely affect how we live. The rate at which we are poisoning the planet is far more likely to be the major cause of our end. However what hope do we have when our own Minister of the Environment says that if the arctic ice melts the sea level will rise to an extent that much damage will be done. BS. Arctic ice floats on the sea and thus displaces its own weight in water. Thus on melting there would be essentially no change in sea level. Yes if the Greenland ice cap or Antarctica melt it could be very serious for low level areas world wide. There is only one solution to avoid the high risk of  continuing to poison the planet but it can never be adopted:- drastically reduce world wide population.

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