Assuming a rational populace, if it doesn’t dip below baseline in the next 4 years, the global warming crowd are going to be winning arguments and getting more attention. If it does dip below baseline, then the global warming folks will be all washed up.
This is how I read the graph and future politics anyway.
I tend to agree with you on the ability of short term thinkers, but looking at that chart, how was the zero line established, and where is the thermometer that establishes 'global temperature'?
Hummmm? Bring those points up to the average Joe, and just maybe, they will start thinking.
I know that sure as hell, even the illiterate in the Northeast US will tell you we had a very cool summer this year and you would lose creditability very fast if you tried to tell them different.