The media continues to scare readers with predictions of 2.0 to 12.0 degrees of global warming. These predictions are based on noncomparable data from poor-quality instruments and anecdotal evidence. NOAA satellite and radiosonde data do not indicate global warming even though those instruments are so sensitive that the effects of El Ni
The earth's average surface temperature is certainly subject to many influences. In addition to those detected by satellites, the world's daily release of 5 x 1,013 btu/hr from fossil fuel, nuclear, and hydroelectric energy will cause about 1-2° C. increase per century. But this is offset by declining solar activity and the steady reduction in the amount of heat conducted from the earth's core to the mantle.
The "greenhouse effect" is a hypothesis looking for validation which nature declines provide.
Rather than chasing the global warming ghost we should concentrate on solving real problems. Our profligate waste of energy is a good place to start. Every engineer knows that there are few processes in which energy efficiency cannot be significantly improved.
Gerry McDonald
Sarasota, Fla.
