You're probably crazy if you think
global warming is a hoax by the Weather Channel (read the comments made by Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla.). However, a mild winter is not the same as global warming. Frozen oranges in some parts of California and mild winter in other parts are not symptoms of global warming. Contrary to popular belief, we don't even know for sure that global warming is caused by CO2 or not.
The Sunday Times has an
article about Svensmark, a Danish researcher, that has an alternative theory on global warming. He claims that is it caused not by greenhouse gases but rather by cosmic rays.
Personally, I think that Svensmark's theory is more credible because it seems to match observations better. But it really doesn't matter if global warming is caused by greenhouse gases or cosmic rays. The short term effect is the same: sea-levels rise. We cannot prevent that by cutting CO2 emissions today: whether or not we do so, both theories agree, the temperature will continue to rise.
Long term, a fine goal is to cut CO2 emissions as that will lead to cleaner air (not the CO2 by itself but all the particles that are emitted along with it). However, I agree with Bjørn Lomborg. We need to spend our
resources preparing for the effects of global warming. We should not put all our eggs in one basket. We cannot blindly focus on CO2 emissions and pretend it solves all problems. The most important tasks for the years ahead are improving sewer systems and building dikes.
I propose a field trip to Amsterdam!
