NEW YORK - Oil major Exxon Mobil Corp. is engaging in industry talks on possible U.S. greenhouse gas emissions regulations and has stopped funding groups skeptical of global warming claims — moves that some say could indicate a change in stance from the long-time foe of limits on heat-trapping gases. Full article: Exxon cuts ties to warming skeptics
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(beeri @ Jan 12 2007, 10:22 AM) [snapback]374670[/snapback]</div> That's an interesting development, a surprising development, and I hope it does show a shift in their attitude. But they were outed a couple weeks ago for funding various organizations that deny AGW, giving the appearance of more scientific debate on global warming than what probably exists. Given this, and the Democratic takeover, it seems rather coincidental timing that they apparently shifted sides right now. Still, this could spell the beginning of the end for anti-AGW rhetoric in the economic sector. Personally, I think that will be seen much as the 70's-80's debate on the effects of smoking on health is now seen. The argument has already shifted from 'is global warming happening' to 'is global warming man-made'. Next it will be 'how much change is needed'.
Actually in scientific circles (peer reviewed journals) there is no debate about "are humans causing global warming" (we are) and the question is now at the policy stage. The question is what should we do now, which is more of a policy question to be studied and debated by social scientists and politicians. They are currently working on this in Europe and hopefully we will act swiftly here in the US.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(maineprius947 @ Jan 13 2007, 09:15 PM) [snapback]375353[/snapback]</div> Right. I was referring to the arguments made in the more popular media, political stage, chat boards and the like. I didn't realize how significant the CFC problem was with the ozone layer. They think the ozone hole is peaking about now, and will take decades to return to normal. If we hadn't caught that problem, we could've made the high latitudes uninhabitable. In the 80's it still wasn't that big of a deal, but the scientists pushed it into the policy-maker's attention.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nerfer @ Jan 12 2007, 06:10 PM) [snapback]374906[/snapback]</div> I understand they're pulling their funding.
