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Global Climate Change Digest
A Guide to Information on Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depletion
Published July 1988 through June 1999
FROM VOLUME 2, NUMBER 8, AUGUST 1989
PERIODICALS
Item #d89aug32
 "What Gaia Hath Wrought--The Story of a Scientific Controversy,"
F. Lyman, Technol. Rev., 54-61, July 1989.
Develops the history and status of Lovelock's Gaia theory, which views the
earth as a living organism. Lovelock maintains that if there were no life on
earth its atmosphere would be more like that of Venus or Mars, consisting almost
entirely of carbon dioxide and nitrogen rather than the percentages of nitrogen
and oxygen that do exist. Despite the controversy of Gaia, critics acknowledge
Lovelock's contributions towards encouraging interdisciplinary study of the
environment.
Item #d89aug33
"The End of the Ice Ages?" J. Gribbin, New Sci., 48-52,
June 17, 1989.
Explains the three main cycles that are the basis of the astronomical theory
known as the Milankovic Model of the coming and receding of ice ages. Shows how
the ice cores have helped to support the theory that changes in concentrations
of CO2 in the atmosphere affect the global temperature and may be partly
determined by astronomical influences. Suggests that human activities may cause
unpredictable changes in these cycles and end the cycles of ice ages.
Item #d89aug34
"Nations Forge Antarctica Development Treaty," Sierra Club, Nat.
News Rep., 21(11), 3-5, June 15, 1989.
Outlines the issues surrounding the international debate over opening
Antarctica to mineral and energy development. Antarctica is the best place on
earth to monitor and learn about global climate and human-induced problems of
global warming and ozone depletion, because global pollution trends are trapped
in layers of the ice. Mineral development is incompatible with this unique
research site.
Item #d89aug35
Special Section--LANDMARC, 12(3), May/June 1989. This
issue is subtitled "Coal & Climate--Is Politics Overriding Science?"
It deals with coal and energy issues as viewed by the National Coal Association
(1130 17th St. NW, Washington DC 20036).
"Greenhouse Debate: Politics in a Clouded State," K. Maize, pp.
4-8. Suggests that, if global warming is not occurring as some scientists
believe, no one could make a convincing case that the cost of controlling CO2
should be internalized by business and industry. Enumerates global warming
legislation introduced by the 101st Congress in four areas: research bills,
environmental policy bills, energy policy bills and CFC policy bills.
"Environmentalists Continue 'Panic' and 'Crisis' Strategy," R.L.
Lawson, p. 9. The president of the coal industry suggests that, to counteract
panic strategy on environmental issues, one must gather solid information on
what is really happening and do a better job of disseminating it to Congress,
the media and the public. Maintains that the success of this challenge will
determine the future of the coal industry as well as the country.
"Climate and CO2--Many Questions Remain," P.J. Michaels, pp.
10-11. Suggests that policy should be commensurate with the state of scientific
knowledge. Reviews areas that indicate complexities of CO2 and climate
associations such as: 1) changes in trace gas concentrations, 2) the spatial and
temporal distribution of observed warming, 3) trends in the diurnal range and 4)
the urbanization problem.
"What Goes Around Comes Around," F.L. Koucky, pp. 12-13.
Archaeological studies of moraines in the Ohio River Valley have added to the
knowledge of how the earth came out of the ice ages. Suggests clear evidence of
climate cycles of 550 to 600 years that are worldwide. Maintains that the next
280 years should see a slow cooling of the earth.
"A Green Fix to the Global Warmth," S.L. Postel, pp. 14-17.
Explains reforestation's potential to help avert climatic change as well as
stabilize the livelihoods of third world people. Explains successful worldwide
efforts at planting trees and suggests global target areas for reforestation by
the year 2000.
"Temperature Change is International Business," M.R. Copulos, pp.
18-21. Outlines the clash between the developed and undeveloped nations in
dealing with environmental problems. Suggests that, by working together and
recognizing that change will have to be incremental, the world can solve its
pressing environmental dilemmas.
"Federal Research Probes All Phases of Warming Hypothesis," A.
Patrinos, pp. 22-25. The manager of the Department of Energy's Carbon Dioxide
Research Program reviews the national and international research since 1978. The
ultimate goal of the program is to provide adequate scientific knowledge to
underpin policy decisions by the government and others regarding the greenhouse
effect.
"Debate Over Crop Impact Grows," W.L. Decker, pp. 26-27. Outlines
complex difficulties facing agriculture if it is to keep ahead of any potential
problems from increased atmospheric CO2. Explains that time is required for
testing new technology in farm situations; this is usually followed by adoption
of techniques by progressive elements of the farm populations and finally by the
general farm population.
Item #d89aug36
"Pinning Down Clouds," J. Horgan, Sci. Amer., 260(5),
22-23, May 1989.
A recent comparison of 12 global climate models from six countries showed
that, with cloud-feedback equations included, the models' forecasts diverged by
a factor of three. Modelers are now working together to find answers to the role
of clouds in climate changes.
Item #d89aug37
"Will Climate Change Complicate African Famine?" C.F.
Hutchinson, RFF (Resour. for the Future, 1616 P St. NW, Washington DC
20036), No. 95, 5-7, Spring 1989.
Suggests that drought alone is usually incapable of creating famine but that
economic and political issues will likely contribute more to the threat of
future famine in the Sahel than will global climate change. A strategy of sound
agricultural development would help to fight effects of droughts.
Item #d89aug38
"Are Things Warming Up?--How Climate Changes Could Affect Texas,"
R. Jensen (Texas Water Resour. Inst., College Sta. TX 77843), Texas Water
Resour., 15(1), 1-6, Spring 1989.
Climate change may have direct impacts on Texas' water supplies. Droughts
could be more common, coastal areas may be threatened by more violent storms and
increased flooding and erosion. Suggests research may be the best defense to
changes by developing water saving strategies, better reservoir management,
alternative fuels and improved long-term weather forecasts. (See related entry
in REPORTS/IMPACTS, this Global Climate Change Digest issue--August
1989.)
Item #d89aug39
"Looking for Mr. Greenhouse [Part I]," R. Monastersky, Sci.
News, 135(14), 216-221, Apr. 8, 1989.
Explains reasons for hesitation amongst climate researchers to connect the
rising levels of greenhouse gases with climatic warming. First, for some unknown
reason, the Northern Hemisphere cooled in the middle part of this century, even
while greenhouse gases accumulated in the atmosphere. Secondly, there is a
possibility that the historical records have painted a false picture of climate
change during the last century.
Item #d89aug40
"Global Change: The Scientific Challenge [Part II]," ibid.,
135(15), 232-235, Apr. 15, 1989.
Research in the next decade holds the key to understanding the environmental
problems of the next century. Satellite monitoring of ocean currents,
vegetation, weather and other parameters will provide the necessary data to
assess global changes. Super computers will aid in the development of trusted
models and ultimately in answers to all aspects of global change.
Item #d89aug41
"Murder in Acre--Global Warming and Sustainable Development," M.
Willrich, Amicus J., 11(2), 10-13, Spring 1989.
It is widely believed that cattle ranchers in Brazil hired a professional
gunman to kill Francisco Mendes, president of the Rubber Tappers Union and
leader of alternative and sustainable economic development to save the rain
forests. Suggests urgent need to address social, economic, political,
educational and cultural issues within the Third World and between the Third
World and industrialized nations to enhance the quality of life for all people.
Item #d89aug42
"The Greenhouse Constituency," P. Beckman, Chief Executive,
No. 50, 40 ff, Mar.-Apr. 1989.
Some experts believe the increase in temperature is actually part of a
normal warming and cooling trend. Anti-industrialists are making counter claims
to attack industry and focus on the damage caused by industry burning fossil
fuels. However, a major portion of the greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4 come from
natural sources such as animals, volcanoes and swamps and only a small portion
from burning fossil fuels.
Item #d89aug43
"Climate of Fear: The Greenhouse Effect May Be Mostly Hot Air,"
J.R. Laing, Barron's, 69(9), 6-7, 20-22, Feb. 27, 1989.
Two scientists challenge the validity of the greenhouse effect. Reid Bryson
of the University of Wisconsin believes that there are problems with the world
temperature data used by proponents of the greenhouse effect. Frank Koucky of
the College of Wooster, Ohio, claims to have identified a 570-year cycle of
alternate global warming and cooling, indicating that the earth has reached the
peak of the latest warming cycle and will become cooler in the next fifty years.
Item #d89aug44
"How Green is Your Company?" L. Bruce, Intl. Management,
44(1), 24 ff, Jan. 1989.
Consumers consider environmental protection an important political issue,
and companies are beginning to make business practices environmentally sound.
However, this approach, as well as meeting regulations, has a high price tag.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that the
price of adjusting to the greenhouse effect will reach three to four percent of
the world GNP within the next three decades.
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