[robert waddell]

when was the last time you heard of global warming? from these numpties that control and approve what is best for us in their opinion while taking the Queens shilling so to speak  as i look out the window at 2 feet of snow similar to last year

[cmorrell]

I'm not quite following this ... are you trying to suggest that the current snow and temperature proves we don't have global warming?

[Rosemary]

'snot very warm 

[doganjo]

I'm not quite following this ... are you trying to suggest that the current snow and temperature proves we don't have global warming?

Do you have another theory, Calum?

[cmorrell]

Do you have another theory, Calum?

Only the one that climate change scientists actually use. Global warming does not mean we're all going to be sipping cocktails from coconut shells, it means the average temperature across the globe through the year will rise by a tiny amount. Locally, this will result in some places becoming hotter and some colder. The position Scotland holds on the Globe should naturally see us with summer temperatures in the mid-30c region with far far more snow and colder temperatures through the winter - like New York State. The only reason we don't is down to the Gulf Stream bringing warmer tropical waters up from South America which affects atmospheric pressures and alters our position-estimated weather patterns. As the ice caps reduce and colder currents reach further south, those will interfere with the Gulf Stream, reducing the isolating effect it has on us and resulting in averagely warmer but wet summers (as we had this year) and increasingly colder winters with more snow over a longer period of time (as we experienced early this year and may be at the start of again).

Frankly, we're witnessing precisely what has been predicted on the back of global warming.

[Fergie]

Frankly, we're witnessing precisely what has been predicted on the back of global warming.

I agree, most of the predictions of the effect of global warming state that we will have warmer but wetter summers & much colder winters.

It doesn't actually matter whether human activities have caused a change in world temperatures or whether it has happened naturally as part of a gradual climate change - the effect is the same.  What we have to do is find ways of minimising the effect, not looking for scapegoats.

John

[morri2]

Yes, I have to agree with the last two posts.  In fact (and I think I posted this a few weeks ago) some scientists are of the opinion that we are now entering a cold phase similar to that of the 'Little Ice Age' (circa 1350 - circa 1850) which is predicted to last for the next 30 years resulting in winters such as this and a shortening of the growing season!  Worrying isn't it??

[cmorrell]

What we have to do is find ways of minimising the effect, not looking for scapegoats.

Spot on John. Our Governments are obsessed with blaming everyone, the media with distorting what climate change scientists actually say so the average person doesn't have a clue what the term means while those much maligned climate change scientists just want to work out why things happen and model the effect different options might provide.

Climate change is occurring, it always has and always will, it's just a natural part of the orbit our funky little rock takes around the sun. There's still a question on whether our lifestyles are responsible for the current situation or not and if so, how much they're responsible and how much is just poor timing. Regardless, it is happening and refusing to accept it won't change that - equally it's unlikely to be disasterous, for Scotland at least, but we need to learn to adjust and adapt.

I wonder ... this is possibly where more traditional breeds of some livestock, bred for being hardy and living off poor quality ground, might be a benefit long term. Any thoughts on traditional breeds vs modern breeds aimed at maximising produce production?

[cmorrell]

Yes, I have to agree with the last two posts.  In fact (and I think I posted this a few weeks ago) some scientists are of the opinion that we are now entering a cold phase similar to that of the 'Little Ice Age' (circa 1350 - circa 1850) which is predicted to last for the next 30 years resulting in winters such as this and a shortening of the growing season!  Worrying isn't it??

I've only vaguely heard of that one - looks like I need to update my knowledge. I don't suppose you have any reliable links for information? I really can't be bothered fighting the swarms of media dribble on the subject if I search for myself!

[Cobra]

Awe 

I have to apologize I miss interpreted the thread header and entered into a different than expected thread 

I was so excited  the last lot of men in white coats weren't scientists, but very nice people they gave me my own window to lick and everything, well the voices are telling me to move on  Bloody snowing here by the way and my tongue has stuck to the window. The missus has been starring through the window ever since the snow started, if it gets much worse I'm going to have to let her in 

Sorry light hearted moment, forgive me   

[morri2]

Hiya cmorrell, my info was mainly from reading books on the subject - best one is 'Frozen Britain', can't remember author's name - its been lent out to someone, so its not to hand at the moment.  If you type it in on Amazon it will be one of the first to come up because it was only published this year.  This book is a bit 'OTT' with its predictions on what will happen to this country as a result of the severe winters, but the science is very much up to date and in agreement with predictions made by serious experts on climatology and paleoclimatology like the late H.H. Lamb. Similar weather predictions are made in 'A Rough Guide to Climate Change' by Robert Henson and here's a quote from Brian Fagan's highly readable book, 'The Little Ice Age' with regard to future climate changes..."...a pulse of fresh water would float atop the dense, salty Gulf Stream....forming a temporary 'lid' that would effectively prevent the Gulf Stream water from cooling and sinking.  A sea ice cap could form in short order, preventing the Gulf Stream from starting up again, and trigger an intensely cold regimen in Europe within perhaps a few years [this book was written in 2000].  No  one can predict how long such cold snap would last". Just about sums it up really.  I have found plenty online, but can't recall the websites.  Hope this helps and sorry its so long.

[doganjo]

Do you have another theory, Calum?

Only the one that climate change scientists actually use. Global warming does not mean we're all going to be sipping cocktails from coconut shells, it means the average temperature across the globe through the year will rise by a tiny amount. Locally, this will result in some places becoming hotter and some colder. The position Scotland holds on the Globe should naturally see us with summer temperatures in the mid-30c region with far far more snow and colder temperatures through the winter - like New York State. The only reason we don't is down to the Gulf Stream bringing warmer tropical waters up from South America which affects atmospheric pressures and alters our position-estimated weather patterns. As the ice caps reduce and colder currents reach further south, those will interfere with the Gulf Stream, reducing the isolating effect it has on us and resulting in averagely warmer but wet summers (as we had this year) and increasingly colder winters with more snow over a longer period of time (as we experienced early this year and may be at the start of again).

Frankly, we're witnessing precisely what has been predicted on the back of global warming.

Sorry I asked

[doganjo]

I think I should have been born an ostrich

[robert waddell]

some very heavy reading cobra,s reply brought a moment of hilarity  my understanding of global warming was warmer winters and hot dry summers a the summer of 76 just in my prime before i was poisoned with organophosphate chlorine(nerve gas in ww1) and artificial sweeteners

[cmorrell]

I think I should have been born an ostrich

You'd get a cold bottom in this weather!