Anthropogenic global warming

Anthropogenic global warming refers to that portion of global warming attributed to human activity, specifically the introduction of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Atmosphere scientists are divided on how much of the 20th century's 0.6 degree centigrade warming was caused by human activity. See global warming controversy.

Scientific Aspects

Scientists are divided on the role of human production of greenhouse gases and global warming. Estimates range from less than 0.1 degree per century to as high as 6 degrees per century. It is difficult to find objective scientific reporting, devoid of advocacy.

The UN sponsors the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an organization which is apparently authoritative and objective, but there is some evidence that it has rewritten scientific reports to conform to political objectives.

SEPP presents a number of scientific objections to interpretation of the available data on global warming. In particular, they point out that temperature measurements from weather balloons show no warming whatsoever in the 1979 to 1996 period when land-based thermometers show record-breaking rises. Also, they present evidence that rising temperatures cause sea level to fall (not rise, as orthodox global warming theory predicts).

Political aspects

Internationally, political debate has been going on about the possibility to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. This led to the Kyoto protocol, signed by a number of especially European nations, in which they promise to reduce emissions. This can be done by using less or cleaner energy, but also by planting woods or by investing in cleaner energy in other countries.

The U.S. Democratic Party considers anthropogenic global warming to be such a well-established danger to humanity that it supports the Kyoto Protocol. President Clinton and Vice-president Gore both stated repeatedly that "the science is settled", but Clinton refused to send the Kyoto treaty to the senate for confirmation. A senate resolution condemning Kyoto passed 95-0.

Many conservatives in the U.S. believe that the dangers of anthropogenic global warming is highly exaggerated. Among them is president Bush, who has declared not to be willing to ratify the Kyoto protocols or similar agreements, as he regards them harmful for the American economy.