Global Warming 101 by Professor Ian R. Plimer

[John Schmidt]

This is a "copy/paste" so won't swear to its veracity, but I have read similar reports in the past so I figure there's something to it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ian Rutherford Plimer is an Australian geologist, professor emeritus of earth sciences at the University of Melbourne, professor of mining geology at the University of Adelaide, and the director of multiple mineral exploration and mining companies. He has published 130 scientific papers, six books and edited the Encyclopedia of Geology.
 
Born 12 February 1946 (age 67)
Residence Australia
Nationality Australian
Fields Earth Science, Geology, Mining Engineering
Institutions University of New England,University of Newcastle,University of Melbourne,University of Adelaide
Alma mater University of New South Wales,Macquarie University
Thesis The pipe deposits of tungsten-molybdenum-bismuth in eastern Australia (1976)
Notable awards Eureka Prize (1995,2002),Centenary Medal (2003), Clarke Medal (2004)

Where Does the Carbon Dioxide Really Come From?
Professor Ian Plimer could not have said it better!

If you've read his book you will agree, this is a good summary.

PLIMER: "Okay, here's the bombshell. The volcanic eruption in Iceland .. Since its first spewing of volcanic ash has, in just FOUR DAYS, NEGATED EVERY SINGLE EFFORT you have made in the past five years to control CO2 emissions on our planet - all of you.
Of course, you know about this evil carbon dioxide that we are trying to suppress - it’s that vital chemical compound that every plant requires to live and grow and to synthesize into oxygen for us humans and all animal life.
I know....it's very disheartening to realize that all of the carbon emission savings you have accomplished while suffering the inconvenience and expense of driving Prius hybrids, buying fabric grocery bags, sitting up till midnight to finish your kids "The Green Revolution" science project, throwing out all of your non-green cleaning supplies, using only two squares of toilet paper, putting a brick in your toilet tank reservoir, selling your SUV and speedboat, vacationing at home instead of abroad, nearly getting hit every day on your bicycle, replacing all of your 50p light bulbs with £5 light bulbs ..... well, all of those things you have done have all gone down the tubes in just four days.
The volcanic ash emitted into the Earth's atmosphere in just four days - yes, FOUR DAYS - by that volcano in Iceland has totally erased every single effort you have made to reduce the evil beast, carbon. And there are around 200 active volcanoes on the planet spewing out this crud at any one time - EVERY DAY.
I don't really want to rain on your parade too much, but I should mention that when the volcano Mt. Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines in 1991, it spewed out more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the entire human race had emitted in all its years on earth.
Yes, folks, Mt. Pinatubo was active for over one year - think about it!!!!
Of course, I shouldn't spoil this 'touchy-feely tree-hugging' moment and mention the effect of solar and cosmic activity and the well-recognized 800-year global heating and cooling cycle, which keeps happening despite our completely insignificant efforts to affect climate change.
And I do wish I had a silver lining to this volcanic ash cloud, but the fact of the matter is that the bush fire season across the western USA and Australia this year alone will negate your efforts to reduce carbon in our world for the next two to three years. And it happens every year.
Just remember that your government just tried to impose a whopping carbon tax on you, on the basis of the bogus 'human-caused' climate-change scenario.
Hey, isn’t it interesting how they don’t mention 'Global Warming' anymore, but just 'Climate Change' - you know why? It’s because the planet has COOLED by 0.7 degrees in the past few years and these global warming bull artists got caught with their pants down.
And, just keep in mind that you might yet have an Emissions Trading Scheme - that whopping new tax - imposed on you that will achieve absolutely nothing except make you poorer. It won’t stop any volcanoes from erupting, that’s for sure.
But, hey, relax......give the world a hug and have a nice day!"

[Patrick]

Sounds like a man with some common sense.

[Jess from VA]

 

[BonS]

. . . It’s because the planet has COOLED by 0.7 degrees in the past few years . . .

And you can be sure that if and when the planet warms back up those same 0.7 degrees we'll hear about it - BIG TIME!

[John Schmidt]

Could sure handle a bit cooler temps in summer at least, hard to travel on the bike when it's in the 90's and above. I've done it in the past, but not at this age. 

[old2soon]

BUT BUT BUT this means the gubmint LIED!  WHY would they lie to us?  I have NOT got the education that Professor Plimer has but from what I've read cyclical weather patterns over centuries sounds like the boogey man the gubmint(s) have been searching for. So I'm getting from Professor Plimers writing that the Earth itself pollutes more than people.    And yes I know that people themselves and our vehicles put stuff in the enviorment that may not be good for us!  You KNOW how bad a traffic jam in a large metro area on a hot humid day smells!  The politicians want to keep fixin stuff till it's REALLY broke.  RIDE SAFE

[Tailgate Tommy]

Isn't the "pollution" that the earth puts out all natural and a normal part of the eco system?

[Raverez]

Well he didn't exactly say that there isn't a warming trend. But there is nothing we can do to stop it if the earth is going through it's cyclic temperature swing. So we can actually prepare for the change if we pay attention to the signs that the earth is sending to us. A couple more major volcanic eruptions and some coastal cities might be like Venice, Italy.

[CajunRider]

That's it.... let's do what Obama does and demonize the volcano industry because of climate change!!!

  

[Chrisj CMA]

Isn't the "pollution" that the earth puts out all natural and a normal part of the eco system?

So let me understand something.  If the molten rock inside the earth burns up all the minerals that comes in contact with it.  NATURALLY then that is way safer than if we gather some minerals from the same ground make some products like oils and gas and then burn it just the same, but that's UN-NATURAL.

Seems to me burnt stuff is burnt stuff.  The Professor made great sense to me.  The government doesn't care about the environment ; just their bank accounts

[gordonv]

I believe what he says, based upon his position.

I also wonder what happens when there is an earth quake and an oil pocket is exposed. Is that like the Labra (?) Tar Pits?

I also wondered about this person, and if the OP was false or not. So I googled and found this.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/books/ian-plimer-heaven-and-earth/story-e6frg8nf-1225710387147?nk=df320daf1453ef519129cce712508145

It is also what I would expect the world to say if he is write. It's like medical research, there is more money in treating rather than curing an illness.

[crow]

The Earth rotates on an axis.  After several hundred years of pumping oil out of the ground, the axis is not being lubricated adequately and is overheating.  This is the cause of global warming.

[bscrive]

Crow,

I don't know if you are joking or if you are stupid?  Please clarify?????

[Raverez]

Surely, he jests!

[Willow]

Crow,

I don't know if you are joking or if you are stupid?  Please clarify?????

Are those mutually exclusive?  I'm pretty sure from time to time I can qualify for both concurrently.   

[Wizzard]

The Earth rotates on an axis.  After several hundred years of pumping oil out of the ground, the axis is not being lubricated adequately and is overheating.  This is the cause of global warming.

Lol,, I love it. 

[deadwood]

I found this on the internet, so it must be true.

From the USGS  http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hazards/gas/climate.php
Volcanic versus anthropogenic CO2 emissions

Do the Earth’s volcanoes emit more CO2 than human activities? Research findings indicate that the answer to this frequently asked question is a clear and unequivocal, “No.” Human activities, responsible for a projected 35 billion metric tons (gigatons) of CO2 emissions in 2010 (Friedlingstein et al., 2010), release an amount of CO2 that dwarfs the annual CO2 emissions of all the world’s degassing subaerial and submarine volcanoes (Gerlach, 2011).

The published estimates of the global CO2 emission rate for all degassing subaerial (on land) and submarine volcanoes lie in a range from 0.13 gigaton to 0.44 gigaton per year (Gerlach, 1991; Varekamp et al., 1992; Allard, 1992; Sano and Williams, 1996; Marty and Tolstikhin, 1998). The preferred global estimates of the authors of these studies range from about 0.15 to 0.26 gigaton per year. The 35-gigaton projected anthropogenic CO2 emission for 2010 is about 80 to 270 times larger than the respective maximum and minimum annual global volcanic CO2 emission estimates. It is 135 times larger than the highest preferred global volcanic CO2 estimate of 0.26 gigaton per year (Marty and Tolstikhin, 1998).

In recent times, about 70 volcanoes are normally active each year on the Earth’s subaerial terrain. One of these is Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii, which has an annual baseline CO2 output of about 0.0031 gigatons per year [Gerlach et al., 2002]. It would take a huge addition of volcanoes to the subaerial landscape—the equivalent of an extra 11,200 Kīlauea volcanoes—to scale up the global volcanic CO2 emission rate to the anthropogenic CO2 emission rate. Similarly, scaling up the volcanic rate to the current anthropogenic rate by adding more submarine volcanoes would require an addition of about 360 more mid-ocean ridge systems to the sea floor, based on mid-ocean ridge CO2 estimates of Marty and Tolstikhin (1998).

There continues to be efforts to reduce uncertainties and improve estimates of present-day global volcanic CO2 emissions, but there is little doubt among volcanic gas scientists that the anthropogenic CO2 emissions dwarf global volcanic CO2 emissions.

For additional information about this subject, please read the American Geophysical Union's Eos article "Volcanic Versus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide" written by USGS scientist Terrence M. Gerlach.

[Patrick]

The Earth rotates on an axis.  After several hundred years of pumping oil out of the ground, the axis is not being lubricated adequately and is overheating.  This is the cause of global warming.

Heck, best explanation I've heard. 

[Hook#3287]

Isn't the "pollution" that the earth puts out all natural and a normal part of the eco system?

So let me understand something.  If the molten rock inside the earth burns up all the minerals that comes in contact with it.  NATURALLY then that is way safer than if we gather some minerals from the same ground make some products like oils and gas and then burn it just the same, but that's UN-NATURAL.

Seems to me burnt stuff is burnt stuff.  The Professor made great sense to me.  The government doesn't care about the environment ; just their bank accounts

Exactly!

Ever since this "Global Warming" THEORY came on board, I've been saying "We do all this crap for cutting back CO2 and then a couple of volcano's erupt and it's for naught"

I happen to believe the Professor and the USGS gets their funding from WHERE?

[Hook#3287]

Heck, best explanation I've heard.  

 

[crow]

you sir, must be the latter, to ask that question

[crow]

BTW,  it is also the reason the rotation is slowing.  LOL

[John Schmidt]

The Earth rotates on an axis.  After several hundred years of pumping oil out of the ground, the axis is not being lubricated adequately and is overheating.  This is the cause of global warming.

That's hilarious, we need to send that to Joe Biden's office. I'll bet he'd grab onto that big time.    Makes more sense than some of the other stuff coming out of D.C.   

As for my OP, as I stated....it was a "copy/paste" so don't really give a rip if anyone buys into it. All the articles written on the global warming subject need to be taken with a grain of salt. Their slant seems to depend mostly on the author's personal bent. It's still a known fact that the Norsmen of 600-800 years ago used the norther passage to sail to North America, there was no ice....same as now. But for some reason in the ensuing years, it all froze over again....and is melting again. Kinda makes you wonder if there really is a cycle to this global warming thing?!?!

[Patrick]

Kinda makes you wonder if there really is a cycle to this global warming thing?!?!
end quote



Real weather history seems to show it to be so.

[0leman]

As far as if the earth is make more CO2 than man is.  There is a new Satellite that is suppose to monitoring the CO2.   The majority of the CO2 is in the Southern part of the world and over most of the Volcanos under the oceans.  The great minds of the Climate Change nonsense can't explain why this is.  This could really quantify whether or not man is producing more CO2 than naturally occurs.

Not sure I how much I would believe any Gov Agency when it comes to Climate Change.   They have to follow the party line.

[Windrider]

Plimer is a scientist, but is not acting as a scientist.  He gives essentially no evidence in support of his position.  Also, a quick glance at Wikipedia shows he is no objective source of information as he has made a cool $400,000 AUD (that's Australian dollars) working for COAL mining firms.  So, his agenda is to defend big-time CO2 producers.  Global warming is an established fact.  Climate scientists don't make stuff up so left-wing politicians can have excuses to control and harass us.  They ask questions and use the scientific method to seek answers to the questions. They  go out and actually measure temperatures, for example, and many other factors and then analyse the data.  There is a lot of variability in the data, so it is the TREND LINES that are important.  For this reason I am unimpressed with the recent pause in warming.  As one of our climate scientists at the University of Nebraska puts it, "Just because I haven't gained any weight in the last 10 yrs. doesn't negate the fact that I'm 40 lbs heavier than I was 30 years ago." Point is CO2 is up and temperatures are up. People get confused about or don't know the difference between WEATHER which is the local conditions present at a particular place and time and CLIMATE which is the long term average conditions in a particular place. When you tune in the local weather report and the meteorologist states the high today is expected to be 20 degrees F and the normal high temperature for this date is 33 degrees F, what does that mean and how was it derived? Well, after studying the temperature in the surrounding area and analyzing the likely movements (direction and speed) of the air an estimate is made for the likely temperature in your town that day. The normal high temperature of 33 degrees F is the average temp for the date over the last 30 years calculated from the measured high temperatures over that time.

As to the issue of whether the climate change is man-made or not; man is part of nature too. Where is the CO2 coming from? Well we have data about the volcano CO2 output, methane, solar output variations, wobble of the earth's axis, variations in earth's orbit etc., etc. The ONE thing that stands out in the data is CO2. We know the quantities of hydrocarbons we extract from the earth and how much we burn.  That is what has dramatically changed and that is therefore the prime suspect in global warming or climate change, or whatever your preferred term is.  With millions or perhaps billions of people living in very large coastal cities being threatened with displacement by rising sea levels, it seems prudent to at least try to do something modify the process. I see nothing to be gained, and much to be lost, by sitting around bickering about one cause of the warming versus another when what is needed is the political will to change our primary source of power.  One possible interpretation of Plimer's comments is that the efforts of private individuals such as ourselves are easily overcome by natural occurrences such as volcano eruptions. But it is also true that having done helpful things is better than not doing them.  However, the problem is large and requires a large solution that will need to come mainly from power companies and government. It will be neither quick, nor easy, nor cheap.

That's my take.  Also, THANKS to deadwood for adding some much needed data to this interesting discussion! 

PS: Just remembered: A University of Nebraska climate scientist reported that the most effective information drawing public attention to this topic was Sports Illustrated magazine when they showed a map of the football stadiums in Florida that would be under water if rising sea levels continue.

"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for nature cannot be fooled."   -- R. P. Feynman

 

[Jess from VA]

Everyone is entitled to their OPINION.   

[Master Blaster]

 if rising sea levels continue

If you believe this, the old saw about water front property in Arizona must be true.

[Bighead]

Yadda Yadda  Yadda

[BF]

PS: Just remembered: A University of Nebraska climate scientist reported that the most effective information drawing public attention to this topic was Sports Illustrated magazine when they showed a map of the football stadiums in Florida that would be under water if rising sea levels continue.

Just exactly where hell are all of these rising sea levels that everyone keeps talking about...especially saying that Florida is going to be under water?  

They've been saying this for years and years and years.  

I've lived here all my life and can tell you that the bay, the bayous and the Gulf of Mexico are exactly where they've always been and haven't moved an inch.  

I live across the street from a bayou.  If it's gonna rise, I wish it would hurry up and do it so I can sell my newly created waterfront property for big $$$.  

[Patrick]

Sae levels are rising !  They will continue to rise !
After-al, they rose 6" over the past century and will rise another 6" in the next century. That is what the really smart guys tell us.
There are Indian villages in 100ft of water under Lake Ontario. The Ice Age did that. We all know how many bad ole tailpipes and chimneys there were way back then to cause that.

[Serk]

[Jess from VA]

Despite my efforts to sleep through the Winter, I just woke to discover my first two inches of global warming (and continuing).  Isn't there a 1-800 number to get Al Gore to come shovel my walks and drive (and the old nurse's across the street)? 

Just what I wanted for new years........... exercise.   

[BF]

Sae levels are rising !  They will continue to rise !
After-al, they rose 6" over the past century and will rise another 6" in the next century. That is what the really smart guys tell us.
There are Indian villages in 100ft of water under Lake Ontario. The Ice Age did that. We all know how many bad ole tailpipes and chimneys there were way back then to cause that.

Sea levels aren't rising.....the land is sinking.   

[Serk]

Sae levels are rising !  They will continue to rise !
After-al, they rose 6" over the past century and will rise another 6" in the next century. That is what the really smart guys tell us.
There are Indian villages in 100ft of water under Lake Ontario. The Ice Age did that. We all know how many bad ole tailpipes and chimneys there were way back then to cause that.

Sea levels aren't rising.....the land is sinking.   

Confirmed by this congresscritter: (How the military brass guy kept a straight face, I'll never understand...)

3-25-2010_Hank_Johnson_Guam_Tip_Over.wmv	powered by Aeva

[BF]

Sae levels are rising !  They will continue to rise !
After-al, they rose 6" over the past century and will rise another 6" in the next century. That is what the really smart guys tell us.
There are Indian villages in 100ft of water under Lake Ontario. The Ice Age did that. We all know how many bad ole tailpipes and chimneys there were way back then to cause that.

Sea levels aren't rising.....the land is sinking.   

Confirmed by this congresscritter: (How the military brass guy kept a straight face, I'll never understand...)

3-25-2010_Hank_Johnson_Guam_Tip_Over.wmv

Zactly.     Finally, a congressperson that understands science.   

[Windrider]

Geeeez! Thanks for bringing in Congressman Hank Johnson.  Since we've all now learned that islands float; at least island nations have nothing to be concerned about from rising sea levels or land dropping along fault lines. Heck, everything'll be fine for them. Guess I should get out of this former sea bed of Nebraska & move to Guam where its safer.  Oh, I forgot, It could capsize from over population. How did the Admiral keep from cracking up???? He must be a very patient, kind person. 

[bscrive]

you sir, must be the latter, to ask that question

No, I just thought that you were an Al Gore type of person. 
There are really stupid people out there that believe some strange sh!t. 
But, it turns out that you are just a smart ass.   

[Patrick]

Sae levels are rising !  They will continue to rise !
After-al, they rose 6" over the past century and will rise another 6" in the next century. That is what the really smart guys tell us.
There are Indian villages in 100ft of water under Lake Ontario. The Ice Age did that. We all know how many bad ole tailpipes and chimneys there were way back then to cause that.

Sea levels aren't rising.....the land is sinking.   

You know what, you're right. The land all around your neck of the woods is noted for sinking isn't it. I forgot about that.   

[Jess from VA]

How did the Admiral keep from cracking up?

Because all of the services compete for scarce congressional dollars, all of the senior military service colleges teach senior officers never to laugh out loud in any form of congressional hearing or meetings.  They are trained to keep tacks in their shoes and think of their mothers-in-law.  Because the idiots in Congress are so full of crap (and themselves), with the IQs of a hammer, it takes quite a bit of training and discipline to be around them and keep a straight face.  It's even harder during State of the Union addresses.