[pshrynk]

We have a little over a hundred years of observational data and inferred data from core ice samples and silt studies. We really do not know anything for certain. What we do know is that there is an acceleration of atmospheric temperature and cap ice loss that is faster than most regular cycles that can be inferred from the data we have. We also know that the CO2 is 1) increasing rapidly 2) coming from mostly human sources and 3) in the past, when global warming came, it was associated with high CO2.

People who are trying to not have global warming impact on their profit lines want to see this as being uncertain. People who want to reverse the increase in CO2 content of the air see this as certain. Really good scientists see this as data to be studied and postulates to be evaluated.

When I was in college in the 70's, we were getting concerned that a large volcanic eruption might cause a rapid descent into a global cooling event (ice age).

So, do we need to panic? No. We need to do more science.

Do we need to reduce CO2 emmissions? Yes. Because it makes sense to decrease the greenhouse effect if we are headed into a natural heating upswing and especially if it turns out to be the cause of the heating cycle.

Are we going to feel the pain? Yes. Either way.