Is Global Warming Occurring?--If Not Let's Still Take Action

I am not convinced that global warming will be a problem in the upcoming decades and centuries. Still, I think it makes sense to take many actions that a lot of environmentalists advocate. Please let me explain.

First, Is Global Warming Really a Problem?

I want to make it clear that a lot of the talk about global warming may be hyperbole.

Scientists claim that the Earth is over four billion years old (a claim I dispute, but that's another story). Furthermore, scientists believe that we are in an ice age, with current temperatures significantly lower than the average temperature over Earth's lifetime. These are well documented facts (according to scientists) that you can find in various articles.

The trend toward warmer temperatures is very short term compared to the planet's supposed lifetime of a few billion years. When I was in high school in the 1970s, after a few years of cooler than average temperatures, scientists warned about coming colder temperatures. Probably the best known of numerous articles about this is an April 28, 1975 Newsweek article titled "The Cooling World."

What about the future? In another ten, fifty, or one hundred years currently unknown factors may result in cooler temperatures again. I am not convinced of the accuracy of scientists' long term forecasts based on short term data.

Second, Let's Take Action Regardless

However, point number two, my other main point, is that regardless of whether or not global warming is occurring, many of the actions that persons advocate taking to combat global warming are worthy to do.

For example, reducing our use of fossil fuels is a wise move. I grew up in southeastern Kentucky and know firsthand that the production, transportation, and consumption of coal involve health risks. We need to at least gradually progress toward cleaner alternatives to coal.

And, for better or worse, a lot of people living in coal mining areas need to find new jobs, even if it means relocating. Sadly, the fact is that due to mechanization, limited coal reserves that are easily and cheaply minable, etc., the mining industry in Kentucky will never again employ as many people as it did when I was a child in the 1960s and 1970s or even a few years ago.      

But, remember that coal is just one of the fossil fuels. Gasoline is another polluter. I have bicycled down Lexington's Nicholasville Road during rush hour (rarely thankfully) and strongly disliked breathing the automobile exhaust from a long line of cars—cars that often were moving slower than I was on my bicycle. I advocate for persons to drive less, drive more fuel efficient vehicles, carpool more, use mass transit more, bicycle more, walk more, etc.

Furthermore, global warming supposedly will lead to ocean levels rising enough to flood many islands and coastal areas. Even if such horrible flooding does not occur, it makes sense to build a bit away from the ocean, as I see it. This helps protect against hurricanes, if nothing else. We don't need millions of people living near ports or other coastal areas, especially in the age of jet aircraft travel. Let's reduce construction in such areas and gradually relocate many who currently live there.

It also makes sense to build smaller houses and apartments that require less energy to heat and cool. Most of us have more space than we need.

Common sense actions can improve our lives much, whether or not global warming actually turns out to be a big problem. And those of us who don't believe much in predictions about the horrors of global warming may need to take the leadership role in this, because many who speak so strongly about the horrors of global warming seem to choose to drive SUVs and live in large houses.

Please, let's all seek to take actions to help improve conditions in our world. If we do, we may live happier, healthier, longer lives.