Nostr Web Client

Lost track of this. We‘ve established that cloud coverage is declining and that clouds likely have a cooling effect on surface temperatures.

You asked why there is less cloud coverage. As a matter of fact, CERN (and other scientists) proved in theory and practice that cloud coverage is influenced by cosmic radiation (from the galaxy as well as the sun). https://home.cern/news/news/experiments/cosmic-rays-clouds

There are solar cycles with increases and decreases in solar activity. In the past 40 years or so, solar activity decreased which likely had an impact on cloud coverage (less clouds due to less solar radiation) and, hence, surface temperatures (higher due to less clouds) on earth.

Yet, this path of scientific research is not at all discussed by climate scienists.

What I am trying to say is: the earth‘s climate is way too complex and we know way too little about it to pinpoint it to one factor alone. And even worse so, real open-ended scientific research on the matter is discouraged. It‘s a taboo and could cost you your career as a scientist.

the wise rabbit 🐰⚡️ 1y ago

Josef, thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts and concerns regarding this truly complex issue. I’m not a climate scientist myself and agree 100% with the statement that earths climate is way to complex to pinpoint it to one variable. I would also agree with the incentive structure in current academia to be disincentivizing open ended research.

However I can’t ignore that my personal choices and actions have consequences. Consequences that may be more or less harmful to my fellow citizens of the earth and the environment around me. I personally try to optimize my lifestyle to avoid as much harm as possible. Others might not share these values or might refuse to be aware of the consequences of their actions, but that’s not of my business. I might argue that people who live in a harmful way towards their fellow citizens and environment are violating the NAP (non aggression principle) but usually even that is causing resentment because everyone thinks they are doing their best already. We’re not. There is room to grow, always.

Reply to this note

Please Login to reply.

Discussion

Josef ⚡️ 1y ago

Appreciate your reply and I understand where you‘re coming from.

With regards to the NAP, the question which needs to be asked is what is actually harmful. If we e.g. look at car traffic, pollution other than CO2 like nitric oxide or particulate matter are very harmful to others today and may be more harmful than CO2 might ever become. Even electric cars do not resolve this as components like tyres or breaks cause this kind of air pollution as well.

Nevertheless, if we compare car traffic today with 50 years ago, the unhealthy pollution declined massively. This is because humans are innovative and came up with solutions like catalysts.

The same can be true for climate related issues. Just think for example of rising sea levels. Did you know that 20% of the Netherlands is land reclaimed from the sea? Humans are really great at shaping their environment and will continue to strive even with rising sea levels.

I think the main reason why more and more people reject the climate debate is its unbalanced approach to environmental issues (focus on CO2 only) and the rejection of innovation as a means to mitigate climate risks.

Tobo⚡ 1y ago

Human flourishing brought to you by hydrocarbons ❤️

the wise rabbit 🐰⚡️ 1y ago

I somewhat agree.

Only because people are innovative, which we definitely are, even more so under a sound money standard, I believe we should avoid risks at all costs. People overestimate their ability to innovate. There won’t be an innovation to a 40m sea level rise within 200 years. The Netherlands will just be gone. Yes, solutions are there, bike infrastructure is a huge innovation over a car centric city, providing mental and physical health benefits for it’s citizens. Plant based alternatives to meat have had huge leaps in popularity.

The only thing that doesn’t want to really change is the people who have lived their whole life destroying the planet and not feeling bad about it.