A Mountain versus a Molehill

By -
I have received two emails today (note: I prefer comments on my blog posts so everyone can see them) questioning my contention that today's temperatures are not "extraordinary."  Both came from pro-GW friends and I welcome them.  One said that plant and animal life cannot survive the rapid temperature changes predicted by the IPCC.  The other challenged whether there was peer-reviewed literature supporting my contention.

In case you missed it, here is the post that caused the concern.  The purpose of this blog is not to "do science," but to inform people on weather and environmental-related items that I think might be of interest.  Nevertheless, it is fair to ask what the peer-reviewed evidence shows.

Here is part of the basis for my opinion.  This graph,

depicts the temperatures of the last 1,200 years using Greenland ice.  The Medieval Warm Period (MWP) around year 1,000 is a mountain compared to the current warming which is molehill-sized.  The graph is plotted from this peer-reviewed paper with the raw data at NOAA's web site here.  Commentary about the paper is at Watts Up With That.  We also know that, as Greenland's ice has retreated in recent years, the debris of large trees has been found indicating they grew in Greenland in the past which further corroborates the ice core data.

In addition to this data, we know from the written record that grapes were grown in Newfoundland and northern England during this era.

With regard to flora and fauna, take a look at the temperature drop that starts around year 1,200.  If animals and plants could survive the drop from the MWP to the Little Ice Age, it seems reasonable they can adapt to the less steep rise of contemporary times, especially with the higher concentration of CO2 -- plant food!

Comments and questions are always welcome.  Thanks for reading.

UPDATE:  Less than 90 minutes after posting, I saw this headline:


Vulnerable nations at Copenhagen summit 

reject 2°C target

Alliance of Small Island States say any deal 
that allows temperatures to rise by more 
than 1.5°C is 'not negotiable'


"Allows"??!!  We think humans can "govern" the 
weather?  This just gets more and more surreal.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue i...
Read more