Ryan ChartrandIn response to the article written by Taylor Scott of “The Right Way”:
Taylor Scott wrote a very professional article on Wednesday for the Mustang Daily (please note my intended sarcasm) that used archaic and outdated science to support his claim that global warming is not a manmade phenomenon. Being a member of this so-called “Green Inquisition,” I must defend my “religion” for the environment, but also refute ignorant and imprudent articles that appeal to a pseudoscience prevalent in the ’70s.
Global warming is without doubt a very real and emotional issue. It casts a threatening shadow for the future of our planet and our future generations. However, rejecting it and wishing it away might be the single most apathetic mistake in human history. Taylor Scott mentions the “facts” from scientists who claim global warming is not a man-made phenomena; however, these scientists are a very small percentage compared to those who believe otherwise. The best scientists of today (who I might add are not an agreeable bunch) are in accord that their data and observations on greenhouse gases, melting glaciers, and the warming of our planet are very real. It is also coincidental to note that their data corresponds with the rise of industrialization and the greenhouse gases emitted from industrial processes. Radiation from the sun has also been considered in their inclusive global warming reports. According to the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, “… solar (variability) increases do not have the ability to cause large global temperature increases … greenhouse gases are indeed playing the dominant role … ” As of now, our sun is less bright as we approach solar minimum, yet global warming continues. Our planet is continuing its relentless warming trend, even during the solar minimum.
Our nation is approximately 4.8 percent of the global population, yet we consume 25 percent of the earth’s oil. Are there not any special interest groups mindful of the fact that our country is reliant on a large portion of the earth’s decomposed dinosaurs and Mesozoic plants? (Yes, that was a referral to oil.) We must look beyond fossil fuels and make the conversion to renewable sources of energy. There are many examples demonstrating that economics and sustainable practices do go hand-in-hand, and as a business major, I am sure that Taylor Scott could find some very compelling information on this. Business as usual is no longer the answer for today’s rapidly changing world, but instead a recipe for disaster. We must take on humankind’s most significant challenge yet and stop this warming trend, or our children and their children will only look on our generation as depraved consumers that were unable to get beyond … ourselves.
Our nation has prided itself on its ability for positive change. Making the change to a cleaner, renewable system will not only be to our benefit, but will benefit the global community as well. So don’t “punch” someone in the face if they disagree with you and say, “that giant ball of fire has been the cause of weather on our planet.” The sun warms our green planet, and we enjoy the life that has sprung from it. However, to extrapolate its variable changes as the cause of global warming is really an elaborate excuse to continue the status quo.
Ivan Van Wingerden is an environmental horticulture junior.