The Global Warming Controversy

2015. március 08. - Kevin Jackson

Back in 2007, former U.S. Vice President, Al Gore, received the Nobel Prize for his role in the making of the internationally acclaimed film, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Due to the success of this documentary and the number of scientists supporting the global warming case, it seemed that the international community would surely unite and implement strict measures to slowdown the emissions of CO2. This has not happened. While there may be a consensus among scientists regarding the existence of global warming, there are many policymakers around the world that still either see the global warming case as unfounded or are convinced that proposed solutions are economically unfeasible.

One of the most common arguments against global warming is that a clear upward trend in temperatures cannot be established and there is an absence of long-term historical data. Another reason is that the rise in global temperatures could be the result of a normal climate shift and have nothing to do with greenhouse gases. Other concerns are related to potential job losses and the fact that India and China currently heavily rely on coal and are unwilling to take significant steps due to potential economic fallout. Despite the scientific evidence supporting global warming, it is policymakers that need to be convinced and this is no easy task.

If everyone were to agree that global warming does exist and presents a significant threat, then what can be done about the problem? The adoption of renewable energy is certainly one way and we are seeing significant advances in solar (please after to an earlier blog entitled “Rooftop Revolution”). Other suggestions are that we all should ride our bikes more and recycle our garbage. We should also not forget the potential for breakthrough developments like Elon Musk’s hyperloop and the emergence of electric and hydrogen-powered cars either. Overall, advancements are being made that are both cost efficient and environmentally friendly.

In a recent article in the Washington Post, Ed Rogers makes the case that governments need to stop fiddling around with complex carbon price formulas and focus on supporting technologies that can make a genuine difference over the long run. He is absolutely right. I think we should first all agree that polluting the environment does have negative consequences. Secondly, by making alternative energy solutions affordable and effective, it will naturally reduce our dependence on fossil fuels because it will be profitable to do so. Global warming is undoubtedly a question that will not be answered anytime soon. In the meantime, let’s hope policymakers can stop the endless, partisan debates and focus on supporting initiatives that can raise the standard of living for millions of people in an environmentally friendly way.

For more information on the Global Warming Controversy, please Refer to the Following articles:

The Insiders: Global warming might be real, but the Democrats' solutions are not, The Washington Post, Ed Rogers, March 6 ^th , 2015 http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2015/03/06/the-insiders-global-warming-might-be-real-but-the-democrats-solutions-are-not/