great barrier reef almost dead by 2050

[cerobbins]

I do think the major issue here is the part most people seem to forget while trying to make an arguement either way. The largest proposed causation is from co2 emissions. Whether you believe in global warming or any climate change it is a fact that while the earths climate may have changed throughout millions of years before humans existed it is a fact that we have been putting larger than natural concentrations of co2 in the air. If you don't think changing the composition of the atmosphere will effect the atmospheres ability to warm or cool the planet then you clearly do not know your chemistry, and don't have much basis for argument.

Also the media hype is not the issue here. However, it is a great scape-goat if you want to dodge the real issue at hand. It is a journalists job to get people emotional about a topic so don't blame them for doing their job. You need to go deeper than media sources and dive into some scientific journals to look for factual information that is more substantial and less emotional.

Maybe someone should ask the o3 layer if we have changed the composition of the atmosphere in the last 100 years?

 

[billsreef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15125032#post15125032 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trueperc
Well in the 70's we had the new ice age coming,[/url]

While there were certainly a few crackpots claiming we were heading for a new ice age, they were only a few. There were far, far more scientists doing research calling for global warming It pays to ignore the media and actually look at the science

BTW warming is not the only problem from the increase in atmospheric CO2 from our emmisions, but also ocean acidification is a very real threat as well.

 

[Rossini]

Well said cerrobins and bill.

So many people still prefer to live behind the veil of denial than admit the cold hard facts. :bum:

 

[CBMullen]

While global warming is a fact, it is also inevitable during human development. The origination of global warming can be traced to the control of fire by early humans. Any carbon based life form can emit changes on its surroundings will lead to increased global/climatic changes. The fact that the human species causes the greatest change in the environment is directly related to the reproduction ability and adaptation ability of the human species. Humans are a species that not only feels emotions but also can logically work with others of the species to solve common problems, this is not something we see with many other species. The fact that we are contributing to global warming is undoubted and can be substantiated but we also have the ability to come up with new and innovative techniques to reduce or even revearse this process. Several technologies that were never plausible until recent times include nuclear fission and fusion, hydroelectric power and solar and wind power. Thease are all very new technologies and while our impact on the environment seems drastic right now, I have a strong suspicion that with the nature of our species we can build off of each other and our ideas to sustain an environment that may turn out to be even better than the one we currently exist in. Think of our future scientists as future aquarists. Instead of weekly waterchanges to rid of pollutants, technology may allow us in the future to actually improve on our current environmental conditions (through advanced procedures-ie particle collider that could simulate black holes) but only after efforts are made by governments worldwide.
As activists and conservationists, IT IS OUR DUTY to do all possible to minimize human impact on the environment but it is also our duty to use our creativity and imagination to develop real working solutions for the modern world.

Sorry for the rant.. just my .02

 

[CBMullen]

just re-read my post. I am either a really good optimist or a very bad pessimist. HAHA but I do believe 100% in changing our mindset to one that understands how even minute changes on our side can result in drastic changes in our environment. Imagine 1 person with 1 building block now imagine 1000000 people with 1 building block..... much bigger force but no one increased their own capacity..... what a concept... individual responsibiltiy....

 

[paytonv]

global warming

global warming

To all the global warming believers: I have had a 24 gallon mixed reef SPS dominted tank for about 3 years and temps have fluctuated dramatically each day and during summer months can reach up to 86 F. I have witnessed up to 17 degree fluctuations on a given day. Why do my corals continue to thrive in this environment with minimal losses? If global warming was to blame for the loss of coral colonies, shouldn't my corals should die after a .7 degree increase? I do a water change religiously every week and believe that clean water is a must so I do believe that pollution, disease, and overharvesting may be a factor in the disappearance of many corals.

 

[billsreef]

It's simple, your tank temps are still within normal summer time temperatures However, not a whole lot more would be a problem, as would prolonging that season of summer time max temperatures. As you mention, pollution is problem, as is disease. Sustained temperatures can and do stress corals and leave them more vulnerable to pollution problems and disease as well. James Cervino has been doing some interesting work in regards to global warming and coral disease, you can probably find some of via googling his name.