It appears that the change in CO2 level follows, or lags rises in global temperature. The heating of the earth seems to cause CO2 to come out of solution in the ocean, cooling has the opposite effect. In fact, the current, short term warming trend precedes the increase in CO2 levels by about 100 years.
While CO2 is a greenhouse gas, the effect is very small, so scientist posit all sorts of positive feedback which amplifies the effect. The whole global warming contraversy is predicated on two things: the actual amount or effect of positive feedback and the effect(s) of a mild rise in global temperature.
I believe that the effect of positive feedback is negligible (and negative feedback may actually dominate) and the effects of a mild rise in temperature are generally beneficial. What evidence is there the current global temperature is optimum?
“I believe that the effect of positive feedback is negligible (and negative feedback may actually dominate)...”
The presence of numerous Ice Ages over the years with warm periods in between would tend to support your statement. Of course it goes both ways. The earth neither “goes out of control” with the warming, or the cooling. Of course a mile of ice sitting over Seattle like last time would seem “out of control” to many, but - it’s not like the entire earth gets covered in ice never to recover again.
BTW - the last interglacial warm period was about as long as the one we are in now, and reached a higher temperature (about 5 degrees F I think). So - we really are about 5 degrees less than “normal”. And due for another major ice age if past cycles mean anything. (I think they do.)
Correlation proves causation is a logical fallacy. This is what these Al Gore fanatics fail to understand. A lagging indicator might confirm an event but in no way does it imply causation.
This is a common error or more likely an attempt by the unscrupulous to convince the uneducated masses. The latin term "cum hoc ergo propter hoc", says it well==>with this, therefor BECAUSE of this.
In spite of the insider who started climategate, I think it is now about all the money involved. Remember when a man commits a crime ===> "cerchez la femme". With the warming hoax it is ==> search for the money.
Mr Lonesome, thanks for your posts. I learned a great deal.