Global Climate Change + Environmental Challenges

Those who have opposed environmentalists positions about the relationship between pollution and "global warming" have pointed to this winter's cold weather as proof that it doesn't exist.. They have been smugly stating during these cold streaks and snowstorms, "Global warming, hah?" Certain evidence that indicates that some of the studies that the environmentalists pointed to as "proof" of "global warming" were tainted adds fuel to the anti-global warming argument.

I have always felt, and previously written that the "green" side erred by referring to the pollution/ environment link as "global warming" instead of "global climate change." While it is true that the last ten years were significantly warmer, on average, than previous ten year periods, that, in and of itself, does not prove that there is "warming." Far more significant is the fact that weather conditions have become far more extreme. Hurricanes and tsunamis have become more devastating, major snowstorms more "major," and earthquakes more deadly. We have had summers that were unsummer-like, and winters that were very warm. Then we have had extremely hot summers, and extremely cold winters. Traditional warm weather geographic areas have had extended cold periods, and traditional cold and stormy areas have been mild.

Whatever one calls it, there can be little argument made that pollution is unhealthy. There has been demonstrable proof that air pollution has direct relationships to such conditions as lung conditions, allergies and certain types of cancers. Pollution and toxins in the ground have been directly linked to conditions such as childhood disorders, maternity difficulties, cancers and other diseases.

The "green" side, in their attempt to dramatically alert the world of the dangers of pollution, felt a strategic need to name the result of the condition something, and chose "global warming." While this was probably a strategic error, the fact that the only effect is not warming but many other side effects, should not dismiss the need for the world community to take actions to reduce air, ground and water pollution. The fact that a few zealots misrepresented or exaggerated evidence in their quest to "do good," should not dismiss the need for action.

Like in most things, once something gets politicized, sides begin to "spin." While the end result may not accurately be referred to as "global warming," certainly something is going on environmentally. Regardless of what one calls it, there is still a pressing need to examine, investigate and do something about pollution. FOR OTHER PUBLISHED ARTICLES BY RICHARD BRODY, go to: www.associatedcontent.com/rgbrody