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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on July 18, 2010, 04:19

Title: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: sam on July 18, 2010, 04:19
Quote
The average temperature of the planet for the next several thousand years will be determined this century—by those of us living today, according to a new National Research Council report which lays out the impact of every degree of warming on outcomes ranging from sea-level rise to reduced crop yields.


http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-much-global-warming-are-we-willing-to-take
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Clive on July 18, 2010, 10:28
Quote
According to the report, for every degree Celsius of warming, impacts include:

* A 3 to 10 percent increase in heavy rainfall globally

Noooooo!  We have had nothing but rain for a week and it's going to rain all next week too!   :bawl:
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: GillE on July 18, 2010, 10:58
I wish it would make up its mind.  We have several weeks of drought, then several weeks of deluge.  Should I be growing strawberries or rice?
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: chorleydave on July 18, 2010, 14:39
It's July - the monsoon season.

Prior to finishing work for the summer, on the 28th June, there had hardly been a drop of rain for three months.  The last day at work is a conference in the Conference Hall in the local park.  The day started off lovely, hot sunshine as we all strolled through the park from the college car park.  At 4PM, just as we were about to leave, the rain started and it has done nothing but rain since.

Friends and family tell me that I am lucky to get two months off work every "summer".  The thing is, I don't have two months off in summer.  I have July and August off and they are definately not "summer".  Since the climate changed, April, May and June are summer in the UK and have been for a number of years.  July and August are grey skies, high winds and torrential rain, with annual floods leaving thousands homeless.  I have actually emailed both Cameron and Clegg, with the suggestion that the Con-Dem coalition could make itself appear more in touch with reality than the previous Government if it was to move the seasons to more accurately reflect the type of weather we experience in certain months.  By moving summer to April, May and June, rather than June, July and August as it is now, people would then be more willing to take holidays at home, boosting the tourist industry and local economies, rather that having to flee abroad for some sunshine in July and August.  Schools and colleges should shut in May and June rather than July and August, giving young people the chance to get out in the fresh air and exercise, rather than sheltering in their rooms with their X-Box as they are forced to do in July and August.

We can't change the climate back to what it once was, but we can adapt to the change.
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Simon on July 19, 2010, 23:43
What a wonderful idea, Dave!  ;D
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Rik on July 20, 2010, 11:21
I couldn't help but be amused that they'd just obtained a drought order in Dumfries & Galloway when we arrived and it then rained pretty solidly for a week. :)
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Simon on July 20, 2010, 11:27
Sounds like bliss!
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Rik on July 20, 2010, 11:30
It was nice and cool. :)
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Simon on July 20, 2010, 12:27
It's mugging up horribly here today.  :bawl:
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Rik on July 20, 2010, 12:33
Same here - got the cooler going full tilt.
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Simon on July 20, 2010, 12:44
Is that that fanless fan thing?  Any good?
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Rik on July 20, 2010, 12:52
No, this is the evaporation air cooler. The Dyson unit is better than a standard fan, but not worth £200.
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Simon on July 20, 2010, 13:35
I saw one in Currys, but couldn't see much benefit over a normal fan.  Not for that price, anyway.
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Rik on July 20, 2010, 16:50
I confess I gave in to design lust...
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Clive on July 20, 2010, 17:00
The Dyson is much safer when tiny tots are around and trying to stick fingers into the blades!  Worth every penny! 
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Rik on July 20, 2010, 17:29
True, but I'm not a tiny tot. :)
Title: Re: Heat of the Moment: How Much Global Warming Are We Willing to Take?
Post by: Simon on July 20, 2010, 17:52
 ;D