disneydream06: (Global Warming Polar Bear)
[personal profile] disneydream06
Some people just don't believe in SCIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Congressman: Cut Trees to Reduce Global Warming

posted by Jake Richardson


You may not believe this, but Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican from Orange County, CA has suggested that cutting down trees in the Amazon rainforest could be a good way to reduce climate change. In a Congressional hearing, Mr. Rohrabacher said, “Is there some thought being given to subsidizing the clearing of rain forests in order for some countries to eliminate that production of greenhouse gases? Or would people be supportive of cutting down older trees in order to plant younger trees as a means to prevent this disaster from happening?” (Source: New York Times)

Trees convert CO2 into oxygen during photosynthesis. Doesn’t everyone who made it past ninth grade know this now? The naturally occurring carbon is part of the carbon cycle which exists as a balanced system, but all the human-made CO2 and methane are not part of that balanced system. They are additional carbon, which is upsetting the balance and trapping heat within the atmosphere causing it to increase in warmth. (A very basic explanation, but why does someone like a Congressman not understand this?) It should be pointed out that this is the same Congressman who said a period of climate change over fifty million years ago, might have been related to dinosaur flatulence. Tropical forests actually absorb about 18% of all CO2 created by fossil fuels and human activity according to a University of Leeds study.

Mr. Rohrabacher gave a typical politician’s response to the news articles about his profound misunderstanding, saying his view was misrepresented by the media, “I do not believe that CO2 is a cause of global warming, nor have I ever advocated the reduction of CO2 through the clearing of rainforests or cutting down older trees to prevent global warming”, and goes on to say he was asking “…if he (Todd Stern, climate change advisor) was considering a policy that would address naturally emitted carbon dioxide, which makes up over 90% of emissions.” (Source: Rohrabacher.gov) Even in his attempt at a rebuttal, he shows a shocking lack of awareness.

Naturally-emitted carbon dioxide is part of the carbon cycle that is within the balance of the whole system. It is human-generated carbon that is the problem. Deforestation contributes to climate change; it definitely would not be considered a solution because forests hold carbon within them and take it out of the air. Also peat bogs naturally hold about one quarter of the carbon stored in land plants and soils. Oceans also naturally absorb carbon, and are the largest carbon sink in the world. It is thought they absorb about one quarter to one third of all the human-made carbon. Don’t tell Rohrabacher about all the free natural carbon sequestration provided by forests, peat bogs and the oceans though, as he might recommend getting rid of them all.

Date: 2011-06-02 07:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ellierachael.livejournal.com
What a loony!

Date: 2011-06-02 10:02 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peccavo.livejournal.com
His first statement isn't *actually* all that unsound. I have a bit of a problem figuring out which part was not correct. He's encouraging the use of wood as fuel over petroleum, correct? Which would alleviate fuel dependence in that sector... And trees are also quality CO2 producers-- they don't fix CO2 like 9th grade science teaches. Algae, acquatic bacteria and other CO2 consuming sea-life are what really take CO2 out of the system. His rebuttal is weird and uneducated-- but deforestation is probably a better solution for climate change than most we've come up with to date. Preserving forest land is more about bio-diversity than climate.

Date: 2011-06-03 12:43 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thespian15.livejournal.com
Why not offer to cut down all the trees in the US then. Why does somebody else have to take the brunt?
We could start with all those pesky Redwoods. :o

Date: 2011-06-04 03:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peccavo.livejournal.com
I think we do a good enough job clear-cutting forest land without additional incentives. As for the neo-colonialist imperative... we do it with so many countries but it's probably not a good idea.

:-p Oh Noes! Not the Redwoods!

Date: 2011-06-05 12:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thespian15.livejournal.com
Just call me the Lorax. :)

Date: 2011-06-03 12:57 pm (UTC)
owlstorm_9: (Default)
From: [personal profile] owlstorm_9
Better kill all the sheep and cows too. Methane, ya know...

Date: 2011-06-03 01:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thespian15.livejournal.com
Hmm, wonder if he would be willing to put an end to the cattle industry? :o
Edited Date: 2011-06-03 01:05 pm (UTC)

Date: 2011-06-03 08:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] morzsa.livejournal.com
I don't believe in science. Science is not a great beard in the sky to require belief. Science is just... there, describing the world as it is.

Date: 2011-06-04 01:56 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thespian15.livejournal.com
Well, I guess I don't mean believe as in a Faith, but some people/politicians here treat it that way. They look at it as either you have a Faith or you have Science.
If I am making any sense?
Edited Date: 2011-06-04 01:57 am (UTC)
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