It is hard to accept anything if you are a die hard skeptic or just uneasy that this seems to be the pop culture moment of the month, but I think it is here to stay for the following reasons:

1. Oil is going to run out
2. Pollution has gone up, whether or not this has helped cause CO2 levels to rise is obviously up for debate
3. US consumerism is at an all time high.

The environmental groups are simply trying to wean the citizenry off of making foolish and rash choices and attempting to protect our world for the next generation. Is it perfect, no. No groups that come across as alarmist are, but if those 3 things stated above are happening, at an alarming rate, then shouldn’t we slow down a bit? Maybe try and reduce our carbon footprint, buy meat locally at the local farmer’s market, walk, bicycle, or take public transit when we can? It is small steps that can make the difference Mike, not huge gigantic conversions.

Climatetologist can’t predict the weather next week. I don’t hold alot of stock in predictions 50 years out.

It is just pure propoganda to put out the Idea that, “If you don’t believe as I do then you are as crazy as a holocuast denier.” THAT’S crazy! People that are that confident of anything should worry whether or not they have been brain washed.

This message board in its confidence is tantamount to the believers of a flat earth not oo long ago.

To begin, I am in complete agreement with what you say. Industrialized produced meat, especially cattle and pigs, is a wasteful, filthy process, produced carbon emissions, etc. Accordingly, I have reduced my consumption of animal protein pretty significantly in recent months to reduce my carbon footprint, among other reasons.

But from an energy point of view, is it inherently more virtuous to consume, say, a locally and organicaly produced pork roast, than to buy fish at your local Trader Joe’s that was frozen in China or Japan (perhaps even using coal-generated electricity) and then shipped several thousand miles in refrigerated comfort? Or the ever popular example, game meat that was bagged in one’s home state?

However, in addition to cutting animal protein, I’m paying increasing attention to where my food comes from. The transportation and processing costs should be taken into account as well as the energy costs needed to produce it in the first place. Within practical limits as New Mexico doesn’t produce essentials like coffee. But perhaps I could look for Guatemalan coffee instead of Kona or Sumatra. And do I really need those Chilean grapes?

Just a thought - one I’m sure you’ve already considered but hey, I haven’t weighed in for awhile.

And Mikey, wake up, the scientific evidence supporting the reality of global warming is overwhelming. I have some faith in humankind to come up with some solutions if it acts quickly - carbon sequestration, alternative energy, lifestyle changes involving a shifting away from excessive consumerism, etc. And even if you don’t believe in global warming, the evidence is pretty good that at current levels of consumption, we will run out of petroleum within your lifetime.

JB

At this moment, I put skeptics of global warming on par with deniers of the holocaust and people who really think that the end times of the Bible are near.

I hope that you’re right, though, I really do.

included FREE! an interesting article, one of many auto-concluding the complete lack of concensus on GW
http://www.canadafreepress.com/2006/harris061206.htm