Global Warming

The current hot topic of global warming (GW) worries me. The first question I ask myself is what is the "correct" temperature for the earth. Much of the hype over GW suggests that the earth is warming, it is the fault of man, and we should do something about it. This all presumes there is a correct temperature for the earth. It makes no sense.

There may be an average temperature or a normal temperature for a selected period of years, but one can not define a correct temperature. The earth has temperature cycles as shown in this chart.


Global temperature chart was complied by Climatologist Cliff Harris that combined the following resources:
"Climate and the Affairs of Men" by Dr. Iben Browing.
"Climate...The Key to Understanding Business Cycles...The Raymond H. Wheeler Papers. By Michael Zahorchak
Weather Science Foundation Papers in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

As you can see the earth is currently in a cooling blip rather than warming. What man is doing may impact the timing of a warming cycle but the earth will take care of itself and predictions are that we may be very concerned about an ice age by the end of this century.

I have no issues with improving technology and cutting costs which could have a positive impact on man's impact on GW. However I'm very concerned about regulation that will stifle productivity and cramp our lifestyles. For example I own a Prius, not because of my concern for Global Warming, but because I like the car and it will save me money over time. A side benefit is reduction of my "carbon footprint" which is secondary.

I also own a home into which I spent over $7,000 to install a dual heating system with a heat pump and a switch-over to propane when the outside temperature drops below 37 degrees F. This will eventually pay for itself in propane savings. Again a side benefit is another reduction in my carbon footprint but that isn't my first concern.

I continue to monitor the cost of installing a roof top solar system and when costs come in line expect to make that investment as well - with the main goal being to reduce my long term costs.

As long as the GW fanatics don't impose nutty legislation but rather propose cost savings with a side benefit of reduction of our carbon footprint I'm okay. If they simply try to squelch our fun and add cost I think we would be going in the wrong direction.