Global Warming - Believe it or Not

The debate about global warming is clearly not going to be settled any time soon. Both sides have data that support their position and as an academic it is hard to take a solid position based on currently available facts. I do have a position on the issue, however, I don't think the debate as it stands is that beneficial as it has become way too wrapped up in politics.

The bottom line is, ask any politician, scientist or 3rd grader if we should keep dumping CO2 and other GHGs into the atmosphere... The answer to this question is clearly "no" regardless of which position you take on global warming.

Humans have drastically increased atmospheric CO2 levels. It is hard to deny that. Global warming or not, this giant change in the atmosphere caused by our out of control consumption cannot be denied. Atmospheric CO2 has effects on the entire global ecosystem. Some are immediately good (ie. CO2 fertilization) some immediately bad (ie. reduction in insect diversity). But overall drastic, rapid, human influence on the environment will likely not lead to a healthier planet regardless of its immediate effects on global climate.