Antinuclear

The physics of global warming is that Earth’s surface absorbs short wavelength ultra-violet radiation from the sun and re-radiates this energy as longer wavelength infrared radiation at a frequency that coincides with carbon dioxide’s absorption spectrum at approx 667 cycles per cm.

As a consequence, the CO2 molecules in the atmosphere absorb this energy as quantised energy of vibration, or simply heat; heat which otherwise would have radiated to outer space. The more CO2 in the atmosphere, the more heat trapped and the more green-house effect.

Put simply, “If we continue to increase the level of CO2 in the atmosphere, then Earth’s average surface temperature will inevitably rise”. 

Of course this is what has been happening at an accelerating rate over recent decades. The atmospheric CO2 level in 1960 was approx 315ppm (parts per million), yet today we witness a level of 400ppm which last occurred some millions of years ago when homo-sapiens did not exist. ……

Today, the major cause of escalating CO2 levels is from the burning of fossil fuels which we are doing at an alarming rate. Australia rates amongst the world’s highest per capita carbon dioxide emitters as determined by British researchers in 2012. This is because our electrical generation is predominantly from the burning of coal, and because of our large coal exports which lead to further CO2 emissions, for which we must assume responsibility. Now we find our Federal government approving the gigantic ‘China First’ coal mine in Queensland (owned by Clive Palmer).
Sure, there are conditions which must apply, but if this is to proceed then we Australians will race to the top as the world’s worst polluters per capita.

Scientists promote a CO2 level of 350ppm as the absolute upper limit for reasonable climate stability, yet already we have well exceeded this figure. The international Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that planet earth is on track for an overall increase of 3 degrees Celsius by the year 2030.

Australia is predicted to fare worse with an average temperature rise of 3 – 5 degrees Celsius for the same period unless we drastically reduce our CO2 emissions, which sadly appears most unlikely.

Reinforcing this point is the news that the year 2013 was the hottest for Australia in recorded history, and starting the New Year off (2014) Tarcoola in central Sth Aust hit 48.9 degrees, Oodnadatta 47.7 & Coober Pedy 47.4……

in Australia we can expect more extreme weather events including more bushfires similar to those that ravaged the Blue Mountains (NSW) during November 2013, where at least 200 homes were destroyed. ……

Politicians are hamstrung by a political system devoid of long-term vision, so we have a parallel situation to that which occurred in Rome (AD64) when Caesar became known as the emperor “who fiddled while Rome burned”. Each of us must take responsibility and contribute towards solutions.

The longer we procrastinate the more expensive and difficult our individual problems will become. http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/2005527/time-to-accept-responsibility-for-climate-change/?cs=82