The Gamut

Hotter-burning sun warming the planet - The Washington Times: World - July 19, 2004

The sun is burning hotter than usual, offering a possible explanation for global warming that needs to be weighed when proceeding with expensive efforts to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, Swiss and German scientists say.

Correlation is not necessarily causality. This argument is true whether the question is are sun-spots the cause or is the increase in carbon emissions more to blame? Perhaps an increase in solar activity is the primary cause in the increase in the earth's temperature. Perhaps not. However, logic still dictates that if there is something that we might be able to do to lessen the effects, we should do it.

Actually, a more precise phrasing might be this: if we are doing something to exaggerate the effects of increased solar temps, then we should stop.

If it is true that the sun is getting hotter and also true that CO2 emissions create a greenhouse effect, then it is all that much more important that we stop spewing out greenhouse gases.

One has no guarantee that one will not be struck by lightening even if one is not holding a lightening rod. Is that a good argument for golfing during a thunder storm?

Permalink