Why 2012 is a landmark year for climate change – by John Parnell
http://www.rtcc.org/policy/comment-why-2012-is-a-landmark-year-for-climate-change/
2011 was an unprecedented year for climate induced extreme events.
Huh? “Climate induced weather events”? Aren’t ALL ”weather events” (extreme or not) ”climate induced”?
Sounds like a nonsequitur to me.
And what was so “unprecedented” about 2011?
Nada.
UK International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has warned that the world is “dangerously unprepared” for major crises and disaster relief.
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), launched after the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, will start the New Year with a £45 million shortfall.
“Indian Ocean Tsunami ?” This does not sound like a ”climate induced weather event” to me. I thought a major earthquake was the root cause. Am I missing something here?
Now comes the root cause analysis that links it all for us:
CO2 emissions grew by 5.9% in 2010, wiping out the 1.4% decrease brought about by the recession, according to figures released in 2011. CO2 levels currently stand at just over 390 parts per million (ppm) and are growing at about 2 ppm annually.
Hold on, here. “Wiping out the 1.4% decrease brought about by the recession?”
In other words, the recession was a GOOD thing?
Ouch!
Looks like Parnell should get out into the real world a bit more.
But here comes the real hammer:
Scientific consensus dictates that we should be looking at 350 ppm as a maximum level. This worrying trend must be arrested in 2012.
”Scientific consensus?” Oops!. Sounds like Parnell has been reading too many Hansen “tipping point” predictions.
And wait a minute! We are at 390 ppmv today, CO2 is supposed to stick around for “centuries” and we had around 2 ppmv increase during the recession year when emissions were low.
How big a recession do we need to have to get back to 350 ppmv?
Sounds to me like it will take a full-fledged depression, lasting at least 25 years.
Is this REALLY what Parnell wants to ”arrest this worrying trend”?
Forget about this article, folks – it’s complete rubbish.
Maybe 2012 will be a ”landmark year” for the disastrous climate change movement.
But not in the way Parnell imagines.
Max