Global Warming

I attended a lecture this weekend on Global Warming by RTB scholar Dr Jeff Zweerink.  He had a good approach to addressing the topic during discussions, suggesting that we avoid getting into a political debate, but rather focusing on a more Worldview perspective.

He presented a good overview, and generally covered areas like climatic contributors (oceans, atmospheric, solar), the Greenhouse effect (e.g. Carbon Dioxide affecting the transparency of the atmosphere to retain thermal radiation), and the issue behind the current discussions:  "What is the effect of humans?"

However, since most data collected has really been done in more recent years, possibly the last 100 years, and the rest of the data are gathered from various models and methods; we really do not have enough information at this time yet to accurately predict any trends or expectations of what will happen, nor whether or not the effects do pose an alarming environmental threat.  More research and analysis needs to be done before we can get to the point where we can gain a better understanding.

So, a more useful approach might be to evaluate what can be done in the near-term given the limited information that we do have.   We can say that it is clear that 1) the globe is warming (e.g. the "Hockey Stick" graph of the rise in average temparatures over time since the 1800s Industrial Revolution) and that 2) humans are involved.  And we also know that the Earth is amazingly designed and created with perfect balance in all areas (astronomical, geophysical, atmospheric, and biological).   We can each individually do our part in the areas we can (e.g. reducing our carbon footprint); but, while we are given the command to properly care for Creation, we also need to avoid ending up worshipping Creation.  The best solutions will be ones that will benefit both Humanity as well as Creation.