Some very elementary climate change facts:
Scientists tell us that the Earth is the temperature which it is, due to very small concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere preventing radiated infra-red heat from escaping, thus maintaining the planet's temperature balance. Since the dawn of the industrial era, that concentration of greenhouse gases has been increasing.
Greenhouse Gas
|
Concentration - Pre-Industrial Era
|
Concentration - 2011
|
Carbon Dioxide
|
278 ppm
|
387 ppm
|
Methane
|
700 ppb
|
1760 ppb
|
Nitrous Oxide
|
270 ppb
|
323 ppb
|
These measurements have come from the CSIRO atmospheric monitoring station at Cape Grim in Tasmania, one of about twenty-five such facilities world-wide. Scientists have, for decades, accumulated accurate data, analysed it - and made dire predictions which we should heed. So where is the conspiracy?
Studies have confirmed there is a direct correlation between increased human emissions and increased concentration. Yet “armchair experts” will just shrug it off and say “Oh, no – sorry, I don't believe in all that global warming stuff.” This is despite the fact that "this stuff" is already here.
Like 'flat-earthers', clinging to their geocentric beliefs in the face of overwhelming evidence for a heliocentric Solar System, many people (almost exclusively non-climate scientists) maintain an irrational disdain for plain facts, provided by scientists who - for decades - have accumulated accurate data, analysed it - and made predictions which we should heed.
Some plain English Climate facts: http://www.csiro.au/greenhouse-gases/