I have recently heard some new radio ads that suggest that Global Warming is NOT caused by humans (at least not mainly), but by the sun and what it is doing. I have heard this argument before, but it has always been something spouted by the same people who suggest 9/11 could have been an inside job, or people who suggest the moon landing never took place–never in radio ads on a respectable radio station…until now.
The ads were made by the “Frends of Science” (http://friendsofscience.org/). They do not do research themselves, but bring attention to research that suggests that humans have little to no impact on global warming–that we are not the cause of the earth warming up. They state in their position statement that
“It is our opinion that the Sun is the main direct and indirect driver of
climate change.” – (from here)
As a Scientist, I am interested in truth. As a Christian, I am also interested in truth. People think religion and science are “enemies”, when in fact both are interested in exactly the same thing–Truth!
I don’t know what the truth is on the global warming topic–I’m certainly no expert. But I do find it more likely that we are not to blame for ALL the temperature changes on earth–I mean, that would make the earth a pretty fragile thing if we little beings could seriously damage it. The earth has been around millions of years and I find it hard to believe it is that fragile.
One suggestion I would make to the world (or specifically to you reading this) would be the following: re-examine what you think is true. Why do you think it is true? Just because someone told you it is true? Or because you believe that the evidence actually points towards it? For example…
- Do you believe that we as a human race have caused some serious damage to the earth and we need to do whatever we can to recycle, be fuel efficient, etc., for the sake of our children inheriting this world? If so, WHY? Why do you believe that? Because someone told you it was true? Or because you have looked at the evidence and believe it?
- Do you believe that the US government did NOT cause the destruction of the Twin Towers on 9/11? If so, why do you believe that? Trust? Because that is what CNN told you?
- Do you believe that evolution is the reason we are here? That over millions of years humans evolved from single-celled life forms? Why do you believe that? Because society tells you this is what is true? Because you hear on the news that someone somewhere confirmed it? Because a whole bunch of “smart people” think this way?
- Heck, do you believe that gravity exists? Do you believe that there is this force somehow “emitted” from every piece of matter that pulls you toward it, and this is what prevents us from flying off the earth? WHY? Why do you believe this?
In the above three points, I’m not saying I believe or disbelieve any of them! I am just asking you to not be lazy, and ask yourself why you believe in them. Don’t just say “Because it’s obvious!” This is the lazy way out! If you are an athiest, and some christian comes up to you and says “Believe in God! It’s OBVIOUS he exists,” what would you think?
(Aside: “Obvious” is a terrible word–if something is truly obvious, it doesn’t need to be called obvious because even a six year old knows it’s obvious, and if something is not obvious, then calling it obvious insults all those who don’t think it’s obvious)
I spend lots of time thinking about what I believe to be true, and about what people say.
For the Christians in the audience, immitate the Bereans (Acts 17:11), who were said to have “noble character” because when Paul preached to them about Christianity, they looked and studied and determined for THEMSELVES that what he said was true.
“The Truth Is Out There”…so go find it! 
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I would investigate more into what research they’re quoting. Last I checked, every climatologist that is currently publishing work in peer-reviewed journal is convinced the currently climate change is man-made. (and I do mean EVERY)
I suspect their research is not research that is published in proper scientific journals.
However, everyone with a background in science knows that while all climatologists are convinced that we’re causing this doesnt mean they’ve proved it. It IS possible that this current warming trend being correlated to atmospheric carbons is a coincidence. However, given what the predictions are of doing nothing, is that really an experiment that we, as a species, wants to carry out? Personally, I’d rather the scientific community not be proven right, but having no one listen to them. They do not want to have to say “we told you so.”
As for the earth being fragile. It certainly isnt. The conditions to which we’ve become accustomed to, however, are. If the climate does change drastically. The earth will be just fine, and in all likelihood, so will life in general. Humans, however, will have a very hard time adapting.
Now, you’re quiz;
1) I do believe climate change to be man-made. I have read various research journals and have talked to climatologists on the issue. They have convinced me
2) 9/11 is not US caused (at least directly). The “official” explanation stands to reason. Whereas arguments made by conspiracy theorists do not stand to reason.
3) I also believe in evolution. So far as I understand it, it is a pretty sound theory, and makes sense. Nor do I believe that a belief in evolution is incompatible with a belief in God.
4) im not going to answer that.
heres an example of how drastically things could change. Recently an article was published saying that when lake agassiz emptied into the atlantic ocean. That amount of freshwater in the ocean was enough to cause an ice age in Europe in a matter or months.
The amount of freshwater that was in lake agassiz is comparable to the amount of freshwater ice in the ice shelves in antarctica that are in serious danger of melting into the ocean.
Furthermore, there are estimates that by 2015 there will be no summer ice in the north pole. The summer ice is responsible for reflecting a good deal on solar radiation, keeping our planet nice and habitable.
The idea of exploring what people tell you to see if you are simply following it blindly or examining evidence is a good thing. Blindly following is not smart. But here is the thing, regardless of climate change happening or not, why should we be a species that are simply consuming monsters, ruining the earth without thinking of the consequences of our actions? We waste so many things, throw away so much to the landfill without even thinking. The earth’s resources are not endless and I think that humans are making a big mistake acting like it is.
People can also take the principle of blindly following and believing things when it comes to companies and your buying power. There are a lot of companies that are just focused on making money, care little about the environment in regards to making their products and they hide a lot of things from the public. A great documentary that I watched is Food Inc. I recommend it to everyone.