[Lonesome in Massachussets]

The argument goes something like this: Unpolarized molecules like O2, N2 and Ar have essentially no interaction with infrared radiation. Polarized molecules like CO2 and H20 account for almost all the trapping of IR radiation. This has the effect of shifting the equilibrium point to higher temperatures. The unpolarized molecules don't even count, they're aren't there for the purpose of warming the earth. Without C02 or water vapor the equator would be as cold as poles are now.

By that standard there has been approximately a 30% increase in the contribution of CO2 since 1861, for whatever reasons. I don't know the relative contributions of CO2 and water vapor, assume either molecule has about the same effect. In that case there has been about 1% increase in greenhouse gases since 1861, with perhaps a total increase of 2% by the end of the century.

How will such an increase effect climate? I don't know. I don't trust the models because they are not poorly validated, they are completely unvalidated, or worse, empirically refuted.

Further, as the author points out, the stridency of the advocates makes one doubt not only their motives, but their sanity. There are clever people who are blinded by the need to feel significant. Al Gore would fit into this class if he were clever. The Rosenbergs are sort of the exemplar of the class, people who sacrifice their lives to fulfill an messianic ego trip.

[dennisw]

The argument goes something like this: Unpolarized molecules like O2, N2 and Ar have essentially no interaction with infrared radiation. Polarized molecules like CO2 and H20 account for almost all the trapping of IR radiation. This has the effect of shifting the equilibrium point to higher temperatures. The unpolarized molecules don't even count, they're aren't there for the purpose of warming the earth. Without C02 or water vapor the equator would be as cold as poles are now.

The non-interacting unpolarized molecules probably buffer the whole effect
Not a scientist but that's my guess

Check my post further up about how we had very hot eras during low CO2

 

[cogitator]

It has nothing to do with polarization or non-polarization of the molecules. Whether or not molecules absorb radiation of certain wavelengths is dependent on the vibrational frequencies of the motions that atoms make in a molecule.

Molecular vibration

[jpsb]

"assume either molecule has about the same effect"

Very bad assuption, H2O has a far greater effect. In fact GW theory relies on a small increase in C02 causing a large increase in H20 vapor. It is the H2O increase that drive temperatures up, not the CO2 according to the GW theorists.

PS no increase in H2O vaper has been documented even in high CO2 zones.