jim whitehead ejwcseucscedu ok lets bring data discussion httpwwwgridanoclimatevital02htm graph derived vostok ice core samples co2 temperature fluctuations past 400k years recent highresolution studies historical co2 concentrations temperatures hundreds thousands years shown modest correlation two number cases co2 level increases phase temperature increases actually trail increase temperature short time ie increases temperature preceded increases co2 concentrations studies done geological record seems co2 concentrations correlated temperature increases significantly causative based vostok data right strong correlation temperature co2 concentrations doesnt always appear causal respect absolute co2 concentrations also important point best data date suggests follow fairly regular cycle period 100000 years also correct peak cycle 290300 ppm co2 happens current co2 concentrations within 10 previous cyclical concentration peaks good data correct mauna loa data show current co2 concentrations 370ppm 18 greater highest recorded value past 400k years furthermore co2 concentrations growing 15ppm every 10 years much faster recorded increase vostok data though perhaps vostok data isnt capable fine resolution words may adding co2 levels definitely adding co2 levels look following chart httpwwwgridanoclimatevital07htm shows co2 concentrations since 1870 historical record co2 increase 130 years unprecedented vostok record clear rate change increasing decreasing compelling explanation increase except anthropogenic input youre really fringe youre debating even global warming skeptics generally concede point looks lot like would building molehill top mountain historical record least nothing anomalous current co2 concentrations wrong current co2 levels currently unprecedented past 400k years unless mechanism allows co2 levels quickly spike return back normal background levels hence spike might show ice cores still around 20752100 reached 500 ppm co2 level even would hard time arguing away also co2 levels interact biosphere manner ultimately affects temperature interaction entirely predictable believed one regulating negative feedback systems mentioned yes clouds oceans big unknown still know ocean water finite capacity store co2 world temperature doesnt increase seattlelike weather time effects would enormous last greenhouse gases go co2 isnt particularly potent although makes volume cases gases water methane far greater impact greenhouse gases per molecule basis water vapor may actually key greenhouse gas something co2 indirectly effects interaction biosphere correct data relative contributions greenhouse gasses httpwwwgridanoclimatevital05htm note methane concentrations much higher preindustrial levels many cows farting rice paddies outgassing methane also contributor formation atmospheric water vapor another clearly anthropogenic increase greenhouse gas im favor reductions methane levels well data water vapor httpwwwaguorgsci_socmocklerhtml co2 easy mark early environmentalism recent studies data ive seen gives impression largely passenger climate ride rather driver tend think holistic techical approaches would work best reducing global warming favor energy policy mix solar wind nuclear carbonbased combustion using renewable sources ch bonds aggressive pursuit carbon sink strategies also makes sense burying trees deep underground example approaches involve reductions lifestyle sustainable level unrealistic americans wont youd surprised number climate change researchers driving suvs california showed last years energy crisis shifts patterns consumption possible improved efficiency easy sell jim wed 25 sep 2002 105641 0700 co2 climate goodbye global warming