The Proper Labels

Climate Part 1

I decided to dive into climate change data to determine if an unscientific lay person can tease out the relevant facts from the rhetoric.  It’s time for regular people to figure this out rather than blindly listening to the head spinning chatter.  The proposed climate change solutions are certain to produce massive unintended consequences.  Ditto for ignoring pollution.  

Another reason to research is that nagging question of motive. I am always suspicious when issues become highly politicized, especially ones that are scientific, complex and impossible to prove.  With extreme polarization, chances are excellent that the movers and shakers on each side have an agenda that has zero to do with the topic.  The subject is simply the means of manipulation.  Is that happening now?  We the people must know the answer to this question.  

Since our society incessantly attempts to segregate us into groups, let’s follow suit:

Climate Ignorers– These folks have their heads in the sand which is really just fine.  They are probably the happiest people among us since they pay no attention whatsoever to the incessant rhetoric and do not stay up nights wondering how everything got so bizarre.  How about Sandheads for this group?  

Climate Deniers– Self explanatory.  One thing that I do know with certainty is that climate is changing, has always changed and always will. Many put the President in this category. Let’s call these folks the Dummies.  

Climate Realists– This group of scientists and possibly fossil fuel executives say the temperature and sea level are rising but debate how much, if any, of this rise is caused by human activities.   They do not believe the science is settled and question how much impact the increase in CO2 and methane have on warming.  They disagree with the projections of the IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) and believe the solutions put forth by the Green New Deal would do very little to lower temperatures but would succeed in devastating the economy.  Interestingly some believe a small rise in temperature will have a positive impact on the planet.  They would say the opposite if the planet were cooling. Let’s go with the Debaters for this group.   

Climate Disciples – These folks listen to the news, accept everything and are scared.  It’s striking how so many things are a result of climate change and conversely how everything we do causes climate change.  Some are anxiously wringing their hands wondering when to sell their homes before the rising sea scares off potential buyers.  This is easy, they are the Worriers.

Climate Alarmists– The alarmists are the scientists, politicians, celebrities and reporters who say if drastic action is not taken, our planet is doomed.  Interestingly most democratic presidential candidates fall in this category.  Who knows if they really believe it, but like many politicians they realize that fear is a wonderful marketing tool.  They are the doomsday criers, the only ones who can save us, in control of the only “real” science and they feed on the Worriers without mercy.  The Green New Deal is the ultimate in doomsday preparation.  So let’s call these folks the Preppers.   

Climate Opportunists–  There is much overlap between the climate opportunists and the Preppers and it is hard to determine who is who.  We humans are an incentive driven species and the climate industry has opened many doors for those seeking financial gain.  Who on the climate stage is a money grubber?  In search of fame?  Clamoring for power?  These people have a date with karma in their future.  They are the Grubbers.  

So we have the Sandheads, Dummies, Debaters, Worriers, Preppers and Grubbers.  Let’s jump in, learn and have some fun.