Abstract: The Burning of Fossil Fuels and Carbon Dioxide

Bernold M. Hanson

Is the burning of fossil fuels and the carbon dioxide controversy a severe environmental problem? The so-called global warming and the carbon dioxide debate is not about science. There is a broad misunderstanding by many which includes non-specialist scientists. Much of the discussion is an intentional misrepresentation of the facts. A majority of the important and relevant data suggests little global warming.

The environmentalists are successful in their delivery about the issues because they have the ability to capture people's imagination, and they prey on the fear of the unknown. They do not or will not accept science to assess the environmental problems. We as scientists must evaluate the total concept of an issue. Many scientists say we do not understand climate phenomena well enough to take drastic action. When we have such a difference of opinion among experts, the conclusion must be: "No one really knows ..." and when no one really knows, the best solution is to take a wait-and-see attitude and avoid making premature judgments. Strong scientific issues cannot be resolved by strongly held beliefs. Opinion polls are useless. Evidence is the only solution to the problem. Fact must be easured, described and independently verified. This is the only basis for a scientific solution to a problem.

We as geologists have a great opportunity to educate the public. We need to use geology and the geological processes to help solve some of these issues. Let's stop the junk science that is being foisted on the public. We must address the issues and present them in a manner that the public will understand and remember what we are saying.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994