Maggie's Farm

Options.  That's what it's all about.

The more options we have, the better off we are.  It's as simple as that.

So, imagine how thrilling it was to discover that bad ol' carbon dioxide was no longer suspected in the race to see which substance (carbon dioxide, ozone, second-hand smoke, liberal thought) would destroy the planet first.

I'm speaking, of course, of the latest discoveries in the field of Anthropogenic Chlorofluorocarbonic Warming:

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are to blame for global warming since the 1970s and not carbon dioxide, according to new research from the University of Waterloo published in the International Journal of Modern Physics B this week.

CFCs are already known to deplete ozone, but in-depth statistical analysis now shows that CFCs are also the key driver in global climate change, rather than carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The verdict is in, the debate is over.

"Most conventional theories expect that global temperatures will continue to increase as CO2 levels continue to rise, as they have done since 1850. What's striking is that since 2002, global temperatures have actually declined - matching a decline in CFCs in the atmosphere," Professor Lu said. "My calculations of CFC greenhouse effect show that there was global warming by about 0.6 °C from 1950 to 2002, but the earth has actually cooled since 2002. The cooling trend is set to continue for the next 50-70 years as the amount of CFCs in the atmosphere continues to decline."

So, while granting that it'll take another half-century for things to return to normal, at least we're headed in the right direction.  Thank goodness we can put that little problem to rest!

If you, yourself, happen to blunder upon one of those old, outdated "global warming" articles, please inform everybody there that the latest scientific evidence is in and that they no longer have to worry.  It's all getting better.  I'm sure this will come as a big relief to everyone.

If, however, you, yourself, remain one of those 'skeptics' we read about in Time Magazine and you're convinced that, despite the latest science, Anthropogenic Chlorofluorocarbonic Warming is not the bad guy here, well, remember what I said about 'options'?

The most wonderful aspect of the climate debate at this moment in time, and a point simply no one could contend, is how many choices we now have:

— If you believe the science, then it's clear that Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW) is the villain.

— If, however, you believe the science, then there's no question that Natural Global Colding (NGC) is the true menace.

— On the other hand, if you believe the science, then it's obvious that Anthropogenic Chlorofluorocarbonic Warming (ACW) is the real threat.

— And, for those who believe the science, it's crystal-clear that Natural Global Warming (NGW) is what's really goin' on.

It's all about the science, folks, and the wonderful options it provides.