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By
Stan Blazyk
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Comments (16)
The public debate over global warming and climate change generates plenty of noise, but much less in the way of accurate information.
Fortunately, residents of our area will have the opportunity to hear a renowned climate scientist talk about the subject, as it relates to Texas weather, and to ask questions about any and all aspects of the subject.
The occasion will be a lecture this coming Thursday (November 19) by Dr. Gerald R. North, Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and Oceanography from Texas A&M University, who will discuss: "GLOBAL WARMING – LONE STAR IMPACTS".
The event, co-hosted by the Houston area Chapter of the American Meteorological Society and the British Consulate, will begin at 6:00 pm at the Canyon Cafe at 5000 Westheimer, Suite 250 in Houston with a reception, followed by the lecture at 7:00 pm. Both events are open and free to the general public. Dinner will be available as well, but must be purchased by those who wish to eat there.
The presentation will focus on and answer many questions: Is climate change is coming to Texas and how much will Texas be affected by global warming? Will there be more hurricanes? What kind of climate change does Texas need to be ready for?
Dr. North has a PhD in Theoretical Physics from the University of Wisconsin, 1966. In the mid-1970's Dr. North worked at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, where he won the NCAR Outstanding publication Award. He later joined the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center as a research scientist. While there he won the NASA Medal for Scientific Achievement.
In 1986, Dr. North joined the faculty of Texas A&M University with the rank of distinguished professor. He was head of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences from 1995-2003. In 2006 became Chairman of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Reconstruction of Surface Temperatures over the last 2000 Years. Additionally, Dr. North is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, The American Geophysical Union, and The American Meteorological Society. He was recipient of the Jule G. Charney Award of the American Meteorological Society in 2007 for work on climate modeling, atmospheric statistics and satellite program development.
This is a great opportunity for those who might have some concerns on how climate change could impact those of us living in Texas, particularly along coastal areas. I certainly plan to attend and I hope that many others will as well.
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Hey, here's some accurate information. The "hockey stick" graph of rising temperatures has been debunked. The high powered computer models did not predict the average temperatures that have fallen over the past ten years. What if.....temperatures continue to fall for the next 10 years? Will that be enough to debunk the whole global warming scam?
— By Golfnut Beachbum
on Nov. 17 at 2:33 PM
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Actually, it is the global cooling theory that has been recently debunked both by statisticians reviewing the existing data, as well by oceanographers who have continued to document the rising global ocean temperatures (the greatest reservoir of stored heat energy on the planet).
However, if you wish to discuss this with someone who is an expert on the field and the literature, you are welcome to come to the meeting and share your knowledge.
As for the short-term temperature fluctuations, they were and continue to be predicted by existing models.
— By Stan Blazyk
on Nov. 17 at 4:13 PM
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People dismiss the fact that we are pumping over 1 trillion tons of co2 into the atmosphere every year and think it doesn't cause climate change? Did you notice that the icebergs are disappearing? So will Galveston if we don't do something...
— By Michael Fjetland
on Nov. 17 at 10:55 PM
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Michael,
The most recent problem identified that could drastically impact not only Galveston, but also Texas City, Kemah, Clear Lake, etc. has to do with melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. This was thought to be immune from the effects of any warming, but recent studies have found that no only are there signs of increasing melt, but that the released water has a potential channel to the sea....which would result in rising sea levels. Fortunately, the latest measurements by the West Antarctic GPS Network (WAGN) project, show that the rate of ice loss is slightly slower than initially estimated. Unfortunately, the rate, according to Ian Dalziel, lead principal investigator for WAGN. is significant enough that he advises people to "take home (the) message that Antarctica is contributing to rising sea levels."
While I am not an alarmist about global warming and/or sea level rise, I don't intend to stick my head in the sand (literally or figuratively), which is one reason why I hope to get some good information from the lecture by Dr. North.
— By Stan Blazyk
on Nov. 18 at 7:13 AM
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Man will never control the weather just like predictiions are still predictions - many times wrong.
Global Warming is real. The casue? Who cares....the world is warming. So - why hasn't anyone looked at all the NATRUAL rain forests we've destroyed and not decalered this a travesty? How much more cement do we really need on this Earth before we stop and think - "hey - trees take co2 OUT of the atmosphere.....gosh!"
This is not a political issue. But, not one single person or party can "fix" it either. This will take a combined effort from all of us. Hear the debate - and for goodness sake plant a tree. Trufula indeed! (from the Lorax)....
— By Jason Fontaine
on Nov. 18 at 7:19 AM
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Stan, this is a bit off your current topic (which is sure to stir up the peanut gallery!), but I thought you might be someone I could ask. Starting at about 8pm last night, there is a very strong sulfur smell in the East End. So strong it woke me up... and I can taste it in my mouth. Any idea where this is coming from? Is it due to the wind shift or did the sulfur plant cause it? Any ideas?
— By Ellen Morrison
on Nov. 18 at 8:18 AM
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Ellen,
Thanks for the question. We had the wind blowing from the north and you were smelling the Texas City refineries.....aka as the "Texas City" smell among long-time residents here. It's a sure reminder that winter is on its way. I had somebody who worked at the plants tell me the process that creates the sulfuric smell, but I'm not sure that I can explain it as well.
Stan
— By Stan Blazyk
on Nov. 18 at 11:47 AM
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Jason,
Thanks for your comments. De-forestation is a big problem especially in the developing world. Urban forests have actually increased in the US and there are lots of studies that show that trees in urban areas help to combat the "urban heat islands" that result from too much concrete, brick and steel. We lost a very big tree in our back yard during Ike and we certainly could feel the effect this summer there as direct sunlight replaced a really nice tree canopy.
— By Stan Blazyk
on Nov. 18 at 11:51 AM
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I'm confused. Why was this article posted on Nov. 17th, AFTER the Nov. 12 talk? "This coming Thursday" is the 19th, not the 12th as reported in the article.
I would have liked to have attended the talk but am only just now reading about it. :-( If it was published earlier, then why does the date on this article say Nov. 17?
Also, if you are going to tease us that we missed this guy's speech, at least provide some of the highlights from the talk for us.
Thank you!
Holly
— By Holly Fortenberry
on Nov. 18 at 3:26 PM
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I agree with Jason...plant more trees. And make sure they are native trees. Native shrubs, grasses, perennials and wildflowers are equally important!
— By Holly Fortenberry
on Nov. 18 at 3:32 PM
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Thanks for your comment, Stan. I was afraid it might be the Texas City spew, given the wind direction, but it was more strongly sulfurous (not the normal combined ick I expect) and as stated, so strong I could taste it non-stop. Scary... and actually VERY relevant to global warming.
— By Ellen Morrison
on Nov. 18 at 4:06 PM
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Holly,
My mistake....the meeting is THIS THURSDAY (November 19). So, if you would like to attend, you still can. I didn't notice the typo until you pointed it out, so thanks!!
— By Stan Blazyk
on Nov. 18 at 4:59 PM
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Oh that's great! Thank you! The talk sounds very interesting.
— By Holly Fortenberry
on Nov. 19 at 2:18 AM
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Stan, are you going to this talk?
— By Holly Fortenberry
on Nov. 19 at 11:26 AM
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Yes, I intend to be there. If you see me (I look reasonably like the photo), be sure to come over and say "hello".
— By Stan Blazyk
on Nov. 19 at 12:13 PM
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Stan, Do you still feel the same allegiance to Global Warming now that you know that it was all a hoax? In case you have not yet heard: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/...It was just too good to be true wasn't it? Well, on to the next ruse to take over the world. — By Golfnut Beachbum
on Nov. 24 at 12:07 PM
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