The top 10 weather and climate events of a record-setting year

[MamboDervish]

And your solution is what? To come here and whine about it? Until there is a viable alternative to gasoline and diesel, we are going to continue to use them. Thats just a fact of life that you need to come to terms with. If the activities of 7 billion humans has an impact on the climate, then you need to come to terms with that as well.

You act as if a "viable alternative" is something that will someday fall from the sky. It won't. The viable alternatives only come as a result people whining about fossil fuels polluting every aspect of our lives - not only the air we breathe, but the land our food comes from and the water we drink. Petroleum products in particular pollute in their extraction, in their transportation, in their storage and in their use. Reducing our gluttonous consumption of fossil fuels, and investing in, promoting and subsidizing alternatives at every opportunity, should be the obligations of every thinking adult on the planet.

Wouldn't you agree?

 

[code1211]

There even federal agencies under the control and scrutiny of Trump administration and Republican climate deniers in Congress have to acknowledge the devastating effects of climate change.

"Below are some of the impacts that are currently visible throughout the U.S. and will continue to affect these regions, according to the Third3 and Fourth4 National Climate Assessment Reports, released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program:

Northeast. Heat waves, heavy downpours and sea level rise pose growing challenges to many aspects of life in the Northeast. Infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised. Many states and cities are beginning to incorporate climate change into their planning.

Northwest. Changes in the timing of streamflow reduce water supplies for competing demands. Sea level rise, erosion, inundation, risks to infrastructure and increasing ocean acidity pose major threats. Increasing wildfire, insect outbreaks and tree diseases are causing widespread tree die-off.

Southeast. Sea level rise poses widespread and continuing threats to the region’s economy and environment. Extreme heat will affect health, energy, agriculture and more. Decreased water availability will have economic and environmental impacts.

Midwest. Extreme heat, heavy downpours and flooding will affect infrastructure, health, agriculture, forestry, transportation, air and water quality, and more. Climate change will also exacerbate a range of risks to the Great Lakes.

Southwest. Increased heat, drought and insect outbreaks, all linked to climate change, have increased wildfires. Declining water supplies, reduced agricultural yields, health impacts in cities due to heat, and flooding and erosion in coastal areas are additional concerns."

Effects - NASA Science

Global climate change is not a future problem. Changes to Earth’s climate driven by increased human emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are already

climate.nasa.gov

Are you saying that changes in our climate never "posed" problems in the past?

Dust Bowl Days? The Sahara Desert forms. World Wide glaciers melted. Sea levels rose by more than 100 meters and the ocean waters flooded into a large basin to form the Mediterranean Sea.

Weather-related things happen on this planet. There used to be a three mile thick ice sheet over the upper mid west in the US. It melted. Nobody was driving an SUV to cause it.

Early Holocene sea level rise - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[code1211]

The last couple of years have been the warmest years on record. There 2020 is also on track of being among the three warmest year on record.

2020 on track to be one of three warmest years on record

Climate change continued its relentless march in 2020, which is on track to be one of the three warmest years on record. 2011-2020 will be the warmest decade on record, with the warmest six years all being since 2015, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

public.wmo.int

And you deduce from this weather data what conclusion?

 

[istodolez]

Weather-related things happen on this planet. There used to be a three mile thick ice sheet over the upper mid west in the US. It melted. Nobody was driving an SUV to cause it.

This is what we in geology call "paleoclimatological data". It is how we understand NATURAL forcings on climate. These ice ages didn't just happen for no reason. Thankfully during the 20th century we learned a lot about what causes climate changes in the absence of humans. For instance the ice ages were, in no small way, driven by Milankovich Cycles (related to earth orbital obliquity). But that wasn't the only natural forcing to cause climate change in the earth's history. Previously there have been much warmer times as well. Sometimes it is due to position of the continental land masses and ocean circulation, sometimes climate change is due to solar irradiance changes, sometimes it is due to large-scale volcanism, etc.

The great thing about paleoclimate data is that it gives us a measuring stick to understand how natural forcings work. So when we look at the warming we are seeing today we can figure out what portion of this is due to natural forcings. Unfortunatelty the natural forcings cannot be used to arrive at the warming we are seeing today, BUT anthropogenic (human caused) forcings can fill in the gap.

Right now it is highly likely that more than half of the warming we see over the last 50 years can be attributed to human forcings like greenhouse gases, land use changes, etc.

The science really does work out nicely. It's almost as if scientists know what they are doing.

 

[MamboDervish]

The science really does work out nicely. It's almost as if scientists know what they are doing.

Right? Go figure.
And the worst part of it is that the anthropogenic causes can, in large measure, be mitigated, merely by acting like responsible adults who understand we are stewards of our planet, and our actions are fouling our own nest. Who'd a thunk it would be so difficult for humans to simply grow up?

 

[Jack Hays]

Right? Go figure.
And the worst part of it is that the anthropogenic causes can, in large measure, be mitigated, merely by acting like responsible adults who understand we are stewards of our planet, and our actions are fouling our own nest. Who'd a thunk it would be so difficult for humans to simply grow up?

False Alarm: How Climate Change Panic Costs ... - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com › False-Alarm-Climate-Change-Trilli...

"Bjorn Lomborg's new book offers a data-driven, human-centered antidote to the oft-apocalyptic discussion characterizing the effect of human activity on the global ...

 

[MamboDervish]

False Alarm: How Climate Change Panic Costs ... - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com › False-Alarm-Climate-Change-Trilli...

"Bjorn Lomborg's new book offers a data-driven, human-centered antidote to the oft-apocalyptic discussion characterizing the effect of human activity on the global ...

Spare us the view from your perch high up in the fantasy tree. There's no such thing as "climate change panic".

 

[Jack Hays]

Spare us the view from your perch high up in the fantasy tree. There's no such thing as "climate change panic".

Ah but there is, and you are a fine exhibit thereof.

 

[MamboDervish]

Ah but there is, and you are a fine exhibit thereof.

Nonsense. I'm not in a panic about anything - but you seem to be in a panic to spread some sort of petroleum-based gospel. Besides those who profit from polluting, who's your audience? Do you pump gas for a living? Is your portfolio overburdened with fossil fuel stocks?
Otherwise, why would you be here spreading mal-information?

 

[Jack Hays]

Nonsense. I'm not in a panic about anything - but you seem to be in a panic to spread some sort of petroleum-based gospel. Besides those who profit from polluting, who's your audience? Do you pump gas for a living? Is your portfolio overburdened with fossil fuel stocks?
Otherwise, why would you be here spreading mal-information?

"Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise; God help me! Amen." --Martin Luther, 1521

 

[MamboDervish]

"Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise; God help me! Amen." --Martin Luther, 1521

God help you - I second that motion.

 

[Jack Hays]

God help you - I second that motion.

I'm not really religious, but I admire the resolve.

 

[Grand Mal]

Spare us the view from your perch high up in the fantasy tree. There's no such thing as "climate change panic".

No panic but It's getting worrisome at high latitudes. My wife's Metis and she was talking to an old friend in Fort Resolution, NWT a week or two ago who told her the river was still open. Ice roads can't be readied yet. The Native elders are talking about it a lot.
Building construction and infrastructure is affected by changes in the permafrost. The US government is now saying that the Northwest Passage, where it goes between Canadian islands, is international waters since it now looks like it will be a viable sea route between Europe and Asia.
This is happening at high latitudes where few people live. The effects will creep steadily further from the Poles and affect more and wealthier people. Then there will be panic.

 

[istodolez]

"Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise; God help me! Amen." --Martin Luther, 1521

Why do you quote Luther in this instance? Martin Luther was standing up and potentially paying a heavy price for his position.

As I said elsewhere when you cross posted this quote, Luther was severely burdened by scrupulosity and thus would not have been sanguine about finding a way to ease one's conscience for sins committed. And in terms of climate change those of us who accept our "fallen nature" are hopeful to take responsibility, not just go out and seek some succor in the words of denialist blogs or things that simply make us "feel good about ourselves".

We are the ones who are standing up and willing to pay a price.

 

[Jack Hays]

Why do you quote Luther in this instance? Martin Luther was standing up and potentially paying a heavy price for his position.

As I said elsewhere when you cross posted this quote, Luther was severely burdened by scrupulosity and thus would not have been sanguine about finding a way to ease one's conscience for sins committed. And in terms of climate change those of us who accept our "fallen nature" are hopeful to take responsibility, not just go out and seek some succor in the words of denialist blogs or things that simply make us "feel good about ourselves".

We are the ones who are standing up and willing to pay a price.

No. You are not. You are just swimming with the tide.

 

[istodolez]

No. You are not. You are just swimming with the tide.

I make a goodly bit of money and as such I will pay for the fixes. So in essence I’m likely to incur a significant cost for my position. In fact I already have in my selection of car and solar panels.

 

[Jack Hays]

I make a goodly bit of money and as such I will pay for the fixes. So in essence I’m likely to incur a significant cost for my position. In fact I already have in my selection of car and solar panels.

Good for you; those are the costs of virtue signaling. I think we should all be paying higher income taxes anyway.

 

[MamboDervish]

No panic but It's getting worrisome at high latitudes. My wife's Metis and she was talking to an old friend in Fort Resolution, NWT a week or two ago who told her the river was still open. Ice roads can't be readied yet. The Native elders are talking about it a lot.
Building construction and infrastructure is affected by changes in the permafrost. The US government is now saying that the Northwest Passage, where it goes between Canadian islands, is international waters since it now looks like it will be a viable sea route between Europe and Asia.
This is happening at high latitudes where few people live. The effects will creep steadily further from the Poles and affect more and wealthier people. Then there will be panic.

Interesting that anyone other than Canada can declare the space between Canadian islands "international Waters.

 

[Bergslagstroll]

And you deduce from this weather data what conclusion?

Temperature data along with many other types of evidence show that we right now have human caused global warming.

"The current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is extremely likely (greater than 95% probability) to be the result of human activity since the mid-20th century and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented over decades to millennia.1

Earth-orbiting satellites and other technological advances have enabled scientists to see the big picture, collecting many different types of information about our planet and its climate on a global scale. This body of data, collected over many years, reveals the signals of a changing climate.

The heat-trapping nature of carbon dioxide and other gases was demonstrated in the mid-19th century.2 Their ability to affect the transfer of infrared energy through the atmosphere is the scientific basis of many instruments flown by NASA. There is no question that increased levels of greenhouse gases must cause Earth to warm in response."

Evidence - NASA Science

Earth's climate has changed throughout history. Just in the last 800,000 years, there have been eight cycles of ice ages and warmer periods, with the end of

climate.nasa.gov

There the effects of climate change are already being felt all across the world.

"The impacts of climate change are already being felt in communities across the country. More frequent and intense extreme weather and climate-related events, as well as changes in average climate conditions, are expected to continue to damage infrastructure, ecosystems, and social systems that provide essential benefits to communities. Future climate change is expected to further disrupt many areas of life, exacerbating existing challenges to prosperity posed by aging and deteriorating infrastructure, stressed ecosystems, and economic inequality. Impacts within and across regions will not be distributed equally. People who are already vulnerable, including lower-income and other marginalized communities, have lower capacity to prepare for and cope with extreme weather and climate-related events and are expected to experience greater impacts. Prioritizing adaptation actions for the most vulnerable populations would contribute to a more equitable future within and across communities. Global action to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions can substantially reduce climate-related risks and increase opportunities for these populations in the longer term."

Fourth National Climate Assessment: Summary Findings

This report is an authoritative assessment of the science of climate change, with a focus on the United States. It represents the second of two volumes of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990.

nca2018.globalchange.gov

Climate change 'cause of most under-reported humanitarian crises'

Report says few headlines sparked by food crises that ravaged Madagascar, Ethiopia and Haiti

www.theguardian.com

Climate change has cut Australian farm profits by 22% a year over past 20 years, report says

Agriculture department report says changes in climate since 2000 have reduced revenue of cropping farms by $1.1bn a year

www.theguardian.com

.

Climate change is worsening California's hellish wildfires » Yale Climate Connections

It's exacerbating the hot and dry conditions that allow wildfires to spread farther and faster.

yaleclimateconnections.org

 

[Bergslagstroll]

You act as if a "viable alternative" is something that will someday fall from the sky. It won't. The viable alternatives only come as a result people whining about fossil fuels polluting every aspect of our lives - not only the air we breathe, but the land our food comes from and the water we drink. Petroleum products in particular pollute in their extraction, in their transportation, in their storage and in their use. Reducing our gluttonous consumption of fossil fuels, and investing in, promoting and subsidizing alternatives at every opportunity, should be the obligations of every thinking adult on the planet.

Wouldn't you agree?

There you now have countries leading the way. Like for example Denmark that get 64 percent of their electricity from wind and solar power.

Europe now gets 21% of its electricity from solar and wind

Globally 10% of all energy was produced by solar panels and wind turbines in the first half of 2020.

www.euronews.com

There this have lead to that renewables are outcompeting fossil fuels all across.

When will renewable energy overtake coal and gas? | World Economic Forum

There even red states sees the great benefits of renewable energy.

Renewable Energy Surges Even In Fossil Fuel Friendly Red States

The nation’s two largest coal-producing states, Wyoming and West Virginia, have entered the top ten in renewable energy and energy storage, respectively, according to a new report.

www.forbes.com

There the transition away from fossil fuel could and should have come decades ago but sadly you have had powerful economical and political interests that have delayed the transition.

Top 11 Climate Deniers: Key Players Revealed - Before The Flood

Unmask the top climate change deniers who are influencing public opinion and policy. This article sheds light on the individuals and organizations that have played significant roles in climate disinformation.

www.beforetheflood.com

https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2015/07/The-Climate-Deception-Dossiers.pdf

 

[Jack Hays]

No panic but It's getting worrisome at high latitudes. My wife's Metis and she was talking to an old friend in Fort Resolution, NWT a week or two ago who told her the river was still open. Ice roads can't be readied yet. The Native elders are talking about it a lot.
Building construction and infrastructure is affected by changes in the permafrost. The US government is now saying that the Northwest Passage, where it goes between Canadian islands, is international waters since it now looks like it will be a viable sea route between Europe and Asia.
This is happening at high latitudes where few people live. The effects will creep steadily further from the Poles and affect more and wealthier people. Then there will be panic.

Interesting that anyone other than Canada can declare the space between Canadian islands "international Waters.

International passages are governed by specific treaty provisions separate from national territorial waters. The Bosphorus and Singapore Straits are well known examples.

 

[istodolez]

Good for you; those are the costs of virtue signaling. I think we should all be paying higher income taxes anyway.

Thanks for the insult! I knew you were no better than me! Nasty nasty!

 

[Jack Hays]

Thanks for the insult! I knew you were no better than me! Nasty nasty!

vir·tue sig·nal·ing
noun

1. the action or practice of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one's good character or the moral correctness of one's position on a particular issue.
   "it's noticeable how often virtue signaling consists of saying you hate things"

 

[istodolez]

vir·tue sig·nal·ing
noun

1. the action or practice of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one's good character or the moral correctness of one's position on a particular issue.
   "it's noticeable how often virtue signaling consists of saying you hate things"

Enjoy it! Just enjoy being as nasty to me as you claim I am to you. You insult and now you aren’t even man enough to admit it. Pathetic

 

[Jack Hays]

Enjoy it! Just enjoy being as nasty to me as you claim I am to you. You insult and now you aren’t even man enough to admit it. Pathetic

Tsk tsk. Why would you think it insulting to notice your virtue signaling? Is that not your intent?