There have been several periods in history when CO2 ppm’s were over 1000 (way, way over 400 obviously) AND mean temperatures were far COLDER than today. Also some >1000 and WARMER. What this tells us is that CO2 is not a very important greenhouse gas (and that, as its concentration rises, its already small marginal effect on mean temperatures falls).
Other factors are much more important, including variations in sun activity, water vapor, suspended particulates (volcano ash primarily), etc.
>>>>There have been several periods in history when CO2 ppm’s were over 1000 (way, way over 400 obviously) AND mean temperatures were far COLDER than today. Also some >1000 and WARMER. What this tells us is that CO2 is not a very important greenhouse gas (and that, as its concentration rises, its already small marginal effect on mean temperatures falls).
Other factors are much more important, including variations in sun activity, water vapor, suspended particulates (volcano ash primarily), etc.<<<<
You’ve done an excellent job stating my thoughts here. In fact, I believe that the CO2 emissions are being accurately measured. I believe that the rise comes from the burning of fossil fuels. However, what that means is literally up in the air. I’ve lived long enough to see environmental hysterics, starting with the mass death of songbirds from DDT and the extinction of humanity from overpopulation to believe anything coming from the environmentalists.
My own little pet theory is that we’ve gotten very, very good at measuring things, both individually and in groups, but we keep looking for patterns that aren’t there. High CO2 emissions? Must have caused that hurricane! Women as a group earn less than men as a group? Must be the patriarchy! More crime in areas with black people? Must be slavery! I really think our descendants will look at us as slightly (maybe more than slightly) deranged for insisting that every observed change is attached to some reason, no matter how distant or nonsensical.
Global warming is 21st century phrenology. Little bumps in the atmosphere that have profound meaning.
God help us.