Hurricane Rita now a CATEGORY 5

pmckeealaska

whoa there demiurge.....I actually am closer to your outlook than the radical environmentalists you describe. However, global warming is happening. In Alaska and at other places in the poles, we are sort of the canary in the coal mine. That is to say, problems/phenomena like global warming show up here before they do in other parts of the world. The average temperature in Alaska has increased by about 2 degrees celsius in the last 100 years. I would call that warming, wouldnt you? I dont understand why you claim that global warming is false, when I and everyone else in Alaska has been living it the last 10 years especially. Again, let me repeat, I'm simply stating that warming is happening, not saying that it is happening because of people alone, though I do think we have probably contributed to it somewhat.

I read Jurassic Park the book, and I liked his scientific justifications around the plot line. My statement about Crichton was just in relation to the fact that the guy is a popular author who does not spend the majority of his time studying issue like global warming and there are some very reputable scientist out there that do, who are not rabid environmental wackos that are saying this is happening. You want names? Fine, one whom I know personally is Dr. Glenn Juday, a professor at UAF where I got my M.S. and a very well respected scientists who has spent the better part of 30 years stidying global climate change. He wrote the Alaska section of the peer reviewed report I mentioned. This is not some Sierra Club manifesto, rather a carefully reviewed and scientifically rigorous report by dozens of very smart people who study these things. To say these people dont have data that corresponds to anyone elses is ridiculous. How can you say such a thing if you have never even looked at the report. True, I have not read Crichtons book, but I will becuase it sounds really interesting. However, by the vociferous tone of your e-mail, it sounds like your mind is made up and closed to any view tha doesnt agree with the way you see things.

I make my living as an ecologist and I o not study global warming as a career, but I do understand the scientific process. The people to which I refer to are not pot smoking hippies trying to set an agenda, they are well-trained scientists that are analyzing data and publishing the results. If some radical enviro. groups want to distort their data, that is their problem, not the scientists.

You should come up here to Alaska and I can show you first hand clear evidnece of global warming: massive permafrost melting in areas that have been frozen for millinia, huge infestations of multiple types of insects that have defestated parts of many Alaskan forests at levels that have never been seen in thousands of years, and the list goes on and on.

You sound like a reasonable person, and because of that I hope you will be open to the possibility that you might be wrong. However, warming is happening and we in Alaska live with it every day. Many are thrilled with it. In fact, one of my favorite bumper stickers is "Alaskans for Global Warming". I too am a conservationist, and a hunter, and I also think it is the height of pompousness to think humans can wipe out the planet. It will never happen, but we could help to make things harder for ourselves. Thats all many of these scientists are saying. And there not saying it sitting on a rug in a circle passsing the bong around. I hope you will allow yourself the possibility that you may not have seen all the evidence for this phenomena.

Cheers

MacLeod

Im sure the global temperature is rising right now, if the measurements show it then I believe it. HOWEVER I dont beleive and there is no proof that mankind is causing it. It would be like sitting in a row boat in the middle of the Pacific with an eye dropper dropping black dye into the ocean and worrying youre going to change its color.

30 years ago the globe was cooling off and everybody was talking about global cooling....another ice age and all that. The climate is not static, it changes constantly.

Another interesting note, scientists just released Wednesday that theyve discovered Mars is experiencing global warming. Its glaciers are melting by 10 foot every Martian year. There aint any SUV's on Mars so what could it be?

Its the same thing Ive been saying for years as have been a ton of "unnoticed" scientists. There is a big ball of burning gas about 90 million miles down the road. The sun! This thing doesnt burn at the same temperature forever, it changes as would anything this big and complex. Maybe from the suns perspective its not a big change, just a little hicup. Seeing as its lifespan is 10 billion years, a hicup for this star would last 1000 years! And considering solar flares can affect the earth's climate its a sure bet that if the sun were to burn hotter for a couple decades, we'd feel it.

janmike

All the prayers are sent your way. Hope all ends well.

pmckeealaska

Actually there is proof. Ice cores from Antarctica show an almost perfect correlation between rising temperatures and the release of greenhouse gases that started with the industrial revolution. So, obviously humans are having some effect. However I dont believe we are the sole factor causing the current warming trend. But to say there is no evidence is simply not true. I think I'm pretty middle of the road here on this. I would go so far as to say that those who say mankind is having no effect are as radicle as those saying humans are the only cause of global warming. Why is one extreme more reasonable than another?? I wish politics could be kept out of this argument. The best method we as humans have to study natural phenomena is science, like it or not. If done properly, with attention to detail and carried out in as unbiased a manner as possible, then it is a pretty good method for understanding the natural world. Many of the people (and I'm not saying anyone on here is in this group!!) who claim that people have no effect on the earth are the same ones who claim that evolution is a crock. They call it a theory like the word theory means a guess or something, when in actuality, a theory occupies one of the highest places in scientific hierarchy. The idea that the sun is the center of the solar system or that the earth is a sphere and not flat are both theories, but I doubt anyone would debate them unless they are nuts.

MacLeod

I believe we have an effect on the earth, just not a real big one. This planet is so massive and huge and complex and we are so small and insignifigant to it that we couldnt change the climate if we wanted to!

And the whole problem I have with global warming is volcanoes. A volcanic eruption spews out tons and tons and tons of greenhouse gasses. Much more than we do and much more concentrated. Now volcanoes have been erupting for 4 billion years and yet even tho we've only been industrialized for 100 years, WE'RE the ones causing the climate change???

Plus, why was the climate getting COLDER 30 years ago if we were making it hotter? If we've been industrialized for 100 years and thats contributing to the climate change then shouldnt the temp have constantly been increasing?

And also, where are the industries on Mars???

I get what youre saying PM, I think we just disagree as to the extent mankind can affect this planet. Goes back to my row boat / eye dropper analogy.

Tour2ma

On behalf of the Gulf Coast Texans... gracias for the well wishes...

Been a hell of a ride this week with concerns levels starting with maybe a couple feet of water in the house to not having a house to roof damage due to wind or trees falling (some nice 40 - 50' pines in da hood).

Needless to say, I've bailed. Am at Dad-in-Laws in Katy, TX about 50 miles west on Houston. Not sure when I'll be home.

Hauled a fair amount of precious gear to the 2nd floor... including the SRS's (way too old for work like that). The SVS will have to fend for itself...

TroyD

Glad to hear that you went to high ground, but more importantly....what about your GEAR! :eek:

BDT

jet2001

More preperations in North Texas...another official email:

UNT and the City of Denton are working with the American Red Cross to provide an emergency evacuee center in its Mean Green Village for those affected by Hurricane Rita.



The center was to open at noon today (Friday, Sept. 23), and will likely close Monday evening (Sept. 26). It is located at 1500 South Bonnie Brae (Interstate 35E/Exit 467).



As many as 200 people may be accommodated in the Mean Green Village, a 19-acre campus and the former site of Liberty Christian School, purchased by UNT in 2004. Located on Bonnie Brae Street southwest of I-35E, the center will be run by the American Red Cross. However, a variety of resources will be provided by UNT, including food, bedding and linens.



UNT leaders met Wednesday and Thursday and worked on plans as weather reports grew increasingly ominous and the need to assist evacuees became evident.



“We’re happy to work with the city of Denton and the American Red Cross to identify resources that can be used,” said Richard Rafes, UNT senior vice president for administration and coordinator of the university’s emergency response team. “We can provide both a location and services for those who most need it right now.”



Additionally, UNT is aiding the North Texas Animal Rescue Alliance in their efforts to care for pets owned by the evacuees. Since the Red Cross is not prepared for animals in evacuee centers they manage, UNT is making available a facility nearby for that purpose. Volunteers for the rescue organization will supervise the animals and PetCo stores in Lewisville and Denton have donated crates and food to meet the needs of the evacuees’ best friends.



The Mean Green Village is located at the far southwest corner of the UNT Denton campus. The university’s emergency preparedness team, made up of senior staff and support service directors, began working together earlier this week to identify resources that could be utilized for those affected by the hurricane and resulting weather emergencies.
__________________________________________________________

I have also heard that Reunion arena in Dallas has been reopened for evacuees. The Katrina victims were moved into their own apartments, but it looks like Reunion is getting its second wave of tennants.

Tour2ma

TroyD wrote:

Glad to hear that you went to high ground, but more importantly....what about your GEAR! :eek:

BDT

Was editing my post as you posted my friend...
"Hauled a fair amount of precious gear to the 2nd floor... including the SRS's (way too old for work like that). The SVS will have to fend for itself..."

I've decided I have way too much gear, so one way or another there's a sale coming. Prices will vary with moisture content.

Later...

P.S. I acidentally reported your post in trying to post this reply... Damn new look forum...

MacLeod

You sure youve got enough distance Tour? Ive been to Katy a couple times and its not too far from the coast. This thing looks to clobber anything within 100 miles of the coast.

wingnut4772

I have been through a hurricane- Hurricane Andrew in Homestead Florida in '92. They are some scary beasts and until you have experienced it it is really hard to imagine. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone and I hope you stay safe Tour2ma. ( oh and dibs on the SVS - )

Polkersince85

Sitting here listening to SRV singin "It's Flooding Down In Texas". Thought it a good tribute.

ND13

Hey!!! all of our SE Texas brethren.......are ya'll all okay....so far?? It looks like the eye is abot 50-60 miles inland, now, and heading due north.

george daniel

Schools are closing on Mon & Tues. in Ga. in an effort to conserve fuel,, another run on the pumps I guess.