Global Warming Debate Won't Cool Down

(Jan. 15) -- This winter full of extreme cold has only stoked the fires of the debate over global warming.

Some suggest that the data associated with a single cold winter is too small of a sampling to influence the debate; others simply don't believe that man has anything to do with the warming climate and that this cold weather is supporting evidence.

Some believe that global warming actually causes extremely cold weather; some believe that the current cold is an indication that global warming has temporarily "paused."

We'll look at those four theories briefly, understanding that more theories than these few exist, a short article cannot completely explain the theory, and the number of scientists in each group is not evenly distributed.

Cold Winter Small Piece of Large Puzzle

Climate is effectively the average of all types of weather that has occurred for decades or even centuries, and any individual season is not enough information upon which to reach a conclusion, at least according to some climate scientists.

Global warming doesn't guarantee that no winters would be cold or that the temperature would rise on a consistent basis, just that the overall climate would warm.

In other words, this group believes that a cold winter -- even an extremely cold winter -- over a large area is not enough data to alter an opinion. If you believe that global warming is occurring and caused by man, one cold winter shouldn't change that opinion. Similarly, if you believe that global warming is not a problem, then one hot summer shouldn't influence your opinion.


Global Warming Actually Causes Extremely Cold Weather

There is a theory among some scientists that global warming increases the likelihood of all types of extreme weather, including extreme cold. In other words, the recent extreme cold is proof that global warming is occurring.

This theory is often immediately dismissed because of its seemingly contradictory nature; however, if the atmosphere changes its normal flow patterns because of an overall warming, more intense cold, or cold in areas that normally aren't cold, could indeed follow.


Global Warming Has "Paused"

Some scientists believe that the current cold spell has "paused" global warming.

They haven't abandoned the global warming theory, believing that after the natural cycle of cold weather ends, global warming will resume. They do concede, however, that a warm cycle prior to the current cold cycle could be an indication that man-made global warming might not be as extreme as originally believed.


Global Warming Skeptics

Not all scientists believe that the science related to global warming has been settled, and they remain skeptical of global warming. Many skeptics are well-respected scientists; at least one is a Nobel Prize winner.

The reasons for their skepticism vary. Some believe in the theory behind greenhouse gases causing global warming but think the effect is not as great as believed. Others believe the warming is part of a natural cycle.