Is Climate change really an issue?

Those of you who would have read my previous post it would be pretty clear that I am a big sceptic.But I do have reasons, a hell a lot of them to be sceptical especially with regards to climate change.Before I list out the reasons let me acknowledge the people in TIME who helped me come into the "matrix" the real world.Those of you who wish to join us in the "matrix" continue reading and people who think that I am writing something sacrilegious please do read further and bring forward your arguments, it will help me to analyze and find out the flaws if any with my views.

Why is it I am sceptical about it? The first and foremost reason is that I believe in the fact that data represents nothing. Data is like molten iron they take the shape of the things which they are moulded into.Therefore the same data can either be used to support a view or oppose it. So this whole issue of global warming is based on certain data collected by IPCC, the same organization whose reputation is under stake after the theory they had put forward about Himalayan glaciers,hence the authenticity of this study is under question.

The second reason is based on climate gate episode. The emails of the various scientists involved in the study to determine global warming have been hacked recently and the exchanges revel that data has been doctored to support the theory of global warming.

The next reason is based on a statement made by Russian president. He sees the whole issue of climate change as a ploy by the western nations to impose their green technologies on the other nations thereby reducing the clout enjoyed by the major oil producing nations. In an interesting editorial published in the hindu on january 5 th, a parallel is drawn to the Y2K scenario. That Y2K turned out to be no issue at all ,however the vested interests pocketed more than 300 bn USD by raking it up.

The next reason is based on historical precedents. The globe by nature may have phases of warming and cooling. In the 1700, the Vikings have cultivated crops in places like Greenland.This must have been during the warming phase as there was no industrial revolution then and co2 emissions were very less.Then we had ice age which could have been during a cooling phase. Even during the 1970s there were discussions among scientists about global cooling. So if indeed global warming is happening how much of a role does human beings play in it.

These are some viewpoints we need to ponder upon before we embark on cutting emissions and embracing green technology. So does that mean we continue with our emission spree and care little about our environment? Definitely not. It would be better if we leave it to the markets.If green technology is as good as our current technology and if its available for a much cheaper rates people would definitely embrace it. Just to drive my point further, if a car which is running on solar power or wind energy is as good as the cars which runs on petrol or diesel and is available at a much lesser price why wouldn't people use it. The same goes with any other technology as well.

But what has going green done to us. The use of agriculture farm lands to cultivate bio-fuels and diversion of corn from food to fuel lead to a spiralling of global food prices and thereby increasing hunger and poverty.

The whole issue of global warming needs further understanding and till there are enough facts to prove me to the contrary I would remain a sceptic.