Comments on: The United States is getting hotter http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Thu, 23 May 2013 11:16:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Mark Dow http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152523 Mark Dow Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152523 Fahrenheit? Fahrenheit?

]]> By: quicksand http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153811 quicksand Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153811 Okay, you go on believing that every weather event you see is caused by climate change. But blaming global warming for all sorts of things that have nothing to do with global warming, and that are just random weather events, doesn't help shine light on the debate or the issues. Okay, you go on believing that every weather event you see is caused by climate change.

But blaming global warming for all sorts of things that have nothing to do with global warming, and that are just random weather events, doesn’t help shine light on the debate or the issues.

]]> By: tp1024 http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152799 tp1024 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152799 If you had been born in 1931 and we were in 1971, you would have come to a very different conclusion. If you had been born in 1931 and we were in 1971, you would have come to a very different conclusion.

]]> By: quicksand http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153058 quicksand Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153058 The fact is that there's been a modest increase in temperature. This has had negligible effect, and certainly no negative effect. The temperature went up but the sky didn't fall down. Whether there are further increases, whether they will have negative effects, and what we should do about that aren't as certain. The fact is that there’s been a modest increase in temperature. This has had negligible effect, and certainly no negative effect. The temperature went up but the sky didn’t fall down. Whether there are further increases, whether they will have negative effects, and what we should do about that aren’t as certain.

]]> By: xtophr http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152548 xtophr Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152548 Just for clarity, the NOAA article states that the new "normals" are based on 30 year running averages for the 1971-2000 period and 1981 to 2010 period. Normals are used by weather casters for comparison in daily temps, by utilities for billing purposes etc. So using "the new normal" is not wrong, but a bit misleading. NOAA is using the term for a very specific product, not in the (somewhat) hyperbolic colloquial manner. Just for clarity, the NOAA article states that the new “normals” are based on 30 year running averages for the 1971-2000 period and 1981 to 2010 period. Normals are used by weather casters for comparison in daily temps, by utilities for billing purposes etc.

So using “the new normal” is not wrong, but a bit misleading. NOAA is using the term for a very specific product, not in the (somewhat) hyperbolic colloquial manner.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153070 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153070 "The fact is that there's been a modest increase in temperature. This has had negligible effect, and certainly no negative effect." Why oh why do you lie? http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html ...and note the areas of "exceptional drought". “The fact is that there’s been a modest increase in temperature. This has had negligible effect, and certainly no negative effect.”

Why oh why do you lie?

http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html

…and note the areas of “exceptional drought”.

]]> By: quicksand http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153074 quicksand Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153074 Sure, I noted the areas of "exceptional drought." Please find me a scientist who is on record as linking those droughts to CO2-caused temperature rises. Droughts come and go and have done so since agriculture began. It's not like the human race is suddenly coming out of a long unbroken stint of mild, agreeable weather. Sure, I noted the areas of “exceptional drought.” Please find me a scientist who is on record as linking those droughts to CO2-caused temperature rises.
Droughts come and go and have done so since agriculture began. It’s not like the human race is suddenly coming out of a long unbroken stint of mild, agreeable weather.

]]> By: knoxblox http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152832 knoxblox Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152832 Also, since 1962, Taco Bell has increased from one restaurant to 6,446 in 2009. ("OC-Based Restaurant Chains". Orange County Business Journal 33 (37): 24. July 5, 2010). *poot* Also, since 1962, Taco Bell has increased from one restaurant to 6,446 in 2009.
(“OC-Based Restaurant Chains”. Orange County Business Journal 33 (37): 24. July 5, 2010).

*poot*

]]> By: benher http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152578 benher Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152578 Maggie, may I be the first to say, "Oof da." Maggie, may I be the first to say, “Oof da.”

]]> By: giax http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152608 giax Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152608 Thirty years is just way too short time to follow how the weather and climates change. Try a few hundred years, or thousands of years. At least the next few winters could be much colder again as so many large volcanoes worldwide have been active recently. Just like the temperatures dropped in the 1860s. Thirty years is just way too short time to follow how the weather and climates change.
Try a few hundred years, or thousands of years.

At least the next few winters could be much colder again as so many large volcanoes worldwide have been active recently. Just like the temperatures dropped in the 1860s.

]]> By: Shart Tsung http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153411 Shart Tsung Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153411 What does it all mean Bazzel? What does it all mean Bazzel?

]]> By: flytch http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153937 flytch Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153937 the farther back you go the less and less accurate the data... the only real number we have are the last few hundred years... before that it's a bit foggy... ... with this I ask, when was the weather ever "stable"??? change is inevitable as it has always changed in the past... the farther back you go the less and less accurate the data… the only real number we have are the last few hundred years… before that it’s a bit foggy…
…
with this I ask, when was the weather ever “stable”??? change is inevitable as it has always changed in the past…

]]> By: Chevan http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152666 Chevan Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152666 "Thirty years is just way too short time to follow how the weather and climates change. " Absolutely true. This is why we have temperature reconstructions going back two thousand years that confirm that current warming is unprecedented in magnitude and rate. “Thirty years is just way too short time to follow how the weather and climates change. ”

Absolutely true.

This is why we have temperature reconstructions going back two thousand years that confirm that current warming is unprecedented in magnitude and rate.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152671 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152671 But, guys, come on... *Many* people think climate change isn't happening. In this milieu of not-quite-100%-consensus, why would we reevaluate our relationship/entitlement to the world and the consumption thereof? We always make existentially significant public decisions based on 100% consensus. And? Don't we all agree that technology will save us!? We can just go on at this clip, and some new technology will come along that will rectify everything. Technology always saves us! There is no need for a new moral philosophy or economic system! Yes, consumption of old technologies got us into this mess---But consumption of new technologies will get us out! We have every reason to believe... But, guys, come on… *Many* people think climate change isn’t happening. In this milieu of not-quite-100%-consensus, why would we reevaluate our relationship/entitlement to the world and the consumption thereof? We always make existentially significant public decisions based on 100% consensus.

And? Don’t we all agree that technology will save us!? We can just go on at this clip, and some new technology will come along that will rectify everything. Technology always saves us! There is no need for a new moral philosophy or economic system! Yes, consumption of old technologies got us into this mess—But consumption of new technologies will get us out! We have every reason to believe…

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152679 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152679 Actually, 30 years is the minimum time span one can fairly judge a change in climate. Why? basic statistics; get 30 of any one representative thing and hidden pattern changes start to uncloak. Also 30 years is longer than most large weather events (La Nina, El Nino, the 9-14 year cycle etc); which allows these events to be averaged out, and the changes in the patterns begin to emerge However, not all cycles are this short, so climatologists will prefer to work in longer terms, such as 50 or 100 year spans. Actually, 30 years is the minimum time span one can fairly judge a change in climate. Why? basic statistics; get 30 of any one representative thing and hidden pattern changes start to uncloak. Also 30 years is longer than most large weather events (La Nina, El Nino, the 9-14 year cycle etc); which allows these events to be averaged out, and the changes in the patterns begin to emerge However, not all cycles are this short, so climatologists will prefer to work in longer terms, such as 50 or 100 year spans.

]]> By: druse http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152685 druse Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152685 <blockquote>This is why we have temperature reconstructions going back two thousand years that confirm that current warming is unprecedented in magnitude and rate</blockquote> Meaning it's never been this warm? When you say in magnitude?

This is why we have temperature reconstructions going back two thousand years that confirm that current warming is unprecedented in magnitude and rate

Meaning it’s never been this warm? When you say in magnitude?

]]> By: hockeybrad http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153199 hockeybrad Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153199 And Leon's getting LLLLarrrrgerrrrr. But on a serious note, I think all weather is getting more drastic. We just had the worst winter in 30 years here in KC and also the most dangerous Spring. And Leon’s getting LLLLarrrrgerrrrr.

But on a serious note, I think all weather is getting more drastic. We just had the worst winter in 30 years here in KC and also the most dangerous Spring.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153455 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153455 Well, Shart one, eventually it will mean less tearing around out in the dunes on our gas-fired dune buggies. Other than that, you tell me. Well, Shart one, eventually it will mean less tearing around out in the dunes on our gas-fired dune buggies.

Other than that, you tell me.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153456 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153456 Not until you peel me a grape. Not until you peel me a grape.

]]> By: igpajo http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152953 igpajo Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152953 Could someone please inform whatever entity is in control of the weather in Seattle about this so called warming trend? We're approaching 300 days without hitting 80 degrees. Actually turned the heat on in my son's room last night. Freaking ridiculous!! Could someone please inform whatever entity is in control of the weather in Seattle about this so called warming trend? We’re approaching 300 days without hitting 80 degrees. Actually turned the heat on in my son’s room last night. Freaking ridiculous!!

]]> By: Chevan http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152702 Chevan Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152702 Yes, that's what I meant. Current temperature anomalies are unprecedented in our 1600 years of reconstructed temperature records. Yes, that’s what I meant. Current temperature anomalies are unprecedented in our 1600 years of reconstructed temperature records.

]]> By: Chevan http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152703 Chevan Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152703 And when I say 1600, I mean that's the period we have best evidence for - we can see probable trends back father, past 1700 and edging up on two thousand years, but that far back and you start getting stronger caveats and higher uncertainties on the data. And when I say 1600, I mean that’s the period we have best evidence for – we can see probable trends back father, past 1700 and edging up on two thousand years, but that far back and you start getting stronger caveats and higher uncertainties on the data.

]]> By: andygates http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152709 andygates Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152709 Thirty's about the minimum to get statistical significance - Tamino on the Open Mind blog has done a ton of very clear, solid demonstrations of the maths behind this. A poster who says it's too short is recommended to visit and educate themselves. A poster who refuses to do so is just a concern troll. :) Thirty’s about the minimum to get statistical significance – Tamino on the Open Mind blog has done a ton of very clear, solid demonstrations of the maths behind this.

A poster who says it’s too short is recommended to visit and educate themselves.

A poster who refuses to do so is just a concern troll. :)

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152710 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152710 <blockquote>Thirty years is just way too short time to follow how the weather and climates change.</blockquote> Shouldn't the significance depend on the magnitude of those changes? A very slight and inconsistent increase would take a lot of evidence to confirm, but a more dramatic or a more consistent one needs less to data to exclude a neutral hypothesis. Unfortunately popularizations tend to leave them out, but actual researchers spend a lot of time looking at levels of confidence.

Thirty years is just way too short time to follow how the weather and climates change.

Shouldn’t the significance depend on the magnitude of those changes? A very slight and inconsistent increase would take a lot of evidence to confirm, but a more dramatic or a more consistent one needs less to data to exclude a neutral hypothesis.

Unfortunately popularizations tend to leave them out, but actual researchers spend a lot of time looking at levels of confidence.

]]> By: knoxblox http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152982 knoxblox Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152982 Wanna trade? We hit 103 today in Kansas. Wanna trade? We hit 103 today in Kansas.

]]> By: knoxblox http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153497 knoxblox Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153497 Dibs. I asked him/her first. Dibs. I asked him/her first.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152739 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152739 It seems you are ok with revisiting the conditions during the jurassic period. For folks saying "oh boy, warm winters!" that also means more infectious insects further north, more droughts, wildfires, more weeds, greater desertification, etc. It seems you are ok with revisiting the conditions during the jurassic period.

For folks saying “oh boy, warm winters!” that also means more infectious insects further north, more droughts, wildfires, more weeds, greater desertification, etc.

]]> By: kawayama http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152746 kawayama Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152746 yes, but how do you look in a <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Normal-TVOD-Warm-Leatherette/release/2266">leatherette?</a> yes, but how do you look in a leatherette?

]]> By: NikFromNYC http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1152762 NikFromNYC Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1152762 Minneapolis has one of the longest running T records in the USA: http://i.min.us/idAOoE.gif To find out, really, how much your hone state is "warming" see: http://themigrantmind.blogspot.com/2009/12/hundred-years-of-october-cooling.html Minneapolis has one of the longest running T records in the USA:

http://i.min.us/idAOoE.gif

To find out, really, how much your hone state is “warming” see:

http://themigrantmind.blogspot.com/2009/12/hundred-years-of-october-cooling.html

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2011/06/30/the-united-states-is.html#comment-1153020 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1153020 I'll trade. It's supposed to be 112° here for the next three days. I’ll trade. It’s supposed to be 112° here for the next three days.

]]>