It appears that the world’s climatologists, oceanographers, and glaciologists (one who studies glaciers) are in an almost unanimous agreement about one thing: HUMAN INFLUENCED GLOBAL WARMING. From a recently conducted climate-modelling research (the most extensive yet done), published in Nature:

The greenhouse effect could be far more severe than experts had previously predicted, according to results from the world’s biggest climate-modelling study. In the worst-case scenario, doubling carbon-dioxide levels compared with pre-industrial times increases global temperatures by an average of more than 11ºC. [that’s almost 20ºF] - [via]

More here.

From the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, on a very recent study:

In a new study conducted with colleagues at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Program for Climate Model Diagnosis and Intercomparison (PCMDI), Tim Barnett and David Pierce of Scripps Institution used a combination of computer models and real-world “observed” data to capture signals of the penetration of greenhouse gas-influenced warming in the oceans. The authors make the case that their results clearly indicate that the warming is produced anthropogenically, or by human activities. - [via]

And Antarctica is Melting, Wha?

Ok, with this (and much more) empirical evidence out there to support the notion that we are somehow influencing the climate in a radically negative way, what should we do now? Well, the intention of this post is to recognize the overwhelming empirical evidence coming from many different directions. Recognize first and then seek to change.

I also want to address a common reaction to global warming that comes from the integral community here in Boulder, and perhaps abroad. Indeed, a number of my friends and co-workers either disagree completely with the conclusions about global warming (although most of them are not familiar with the research), or they tend to minimize its importance… Now, I do agree that some people will take “Global Warming” and try to whack everyone upside the head with it, in a very angry and personal manner. They have a personal & contracted agenda and it’s clear. That isn’t helpful, but it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be discussing these issues with a high level of discernment, openness, & rigor.

It’s far to easy to say that climate change has been happening for centuries, and that this could very well be another case of rapid climate change. If you haven’t read all of the above cited research, DO SO NOW! This kind of climate change is unprecedented, and is directly related to the amount of CO2—aka “greenhouse gases”—that have been released since the beginning of the Industrial Age. In other words, WE ARE RESPONSIBLE for this situation. The good news about being responsible is that we both have the power to cause problems, and have the power to solve them. First we must acknowledge that we (human beings) are responsible for what could be this centuries biggest problem. THEN, we talk about how we are going to enact changes, which span All Levels, All Quadrants, etc. So far though, that hasn’t been happening here in Boulder, and I’m kind of concerned….

P.S. - Michael Crichton recently wrote a book which he purports dispels global warming as a myth. “State of Fear” is said to contain multiple “scientific” references that show that Global Warming is a myth. Well, I don’t buy it, and neither do the experts he supposedly interviewed! Have I stirred things up sufficiently?

UPDATE: More global warming links…