Cow Gas

In reference to an on-air broadcast where I joked about research on cow gas, a viewer wrote me the following email.  My response follows her message.

Gary,

I was shocked to see you making fun of the research going into the study of methane.  Aren't you aware of the impact methane has on global warming?  It's of MAJOR concern.  I would think that YOU, of all people, would be aware of the evidence that exists showing the relationship between oxygen and methane, which creates carbon dioxide.   I hope you are not one of the "Flat Earthers" who doesn't believe in global warming.  It would be mighty strange having someone who studies something as global and scientific as the weather, be a person who doesn't believe in the preponderance of evidence which shows that global warming exists and that mankind (and cattle) contribute mightily to it.   Without the studies you made fun of today we would be walking blindly into major problems.

You should know better!

And by the way, there are all kinds of forward-thinking people who are devising ways of using the methane produced on farms to power those same farms and at the same time cut back on the methane which is contributing to global warming.

And YOUR job was CREATED by plenty of tax paid research which has made weather predicting what it is today.  So be respectful, please.

Donna Schoenkopf

Tecumseh

My response:

Relax Donna... Smile a little!  There is nothing wrong with having a bit of fun.  It sounds like your trying to stampede the cattle when just a nice pace would be sufficient. 

It is my opinion that studying gas emissions from cattle will add little to our understanding of how our world works.  The money is ill-spent and could be used elsewhere to much better advantage.  You may disagree but you know, that's fine with me.  That is part of what makes our country great, being able to have different opinions without hating each other.  We can disagree but why be mean about it?

Now, global warming.  Yes we have been experiencing global warming.  And no, I don't believe it's all caused by humans.  And yes, I study global weather and climate and have done so for over 40 years and that is part of the reason I don't buy all the hype on global warming.  You need to keep in mind that the climate has always been changing and most likely always will until that big thermonuclear engine in the sky goes dark.  When that happens we will rapidly become an ice ball in the sky.   On the other hand if for some reason the Sun suddenly increased it's energy output significantly, we will most likely roast.  

A well-respected scientist one said, in reference to the climate discussion, "It's the Sun stupid."  Well, I don't know if he's correct or not but the Sun does play a titanic part in our weather and therefore our climate.  Without the Sun, we have no weather, no climate and no life.  So, taking the Sun out of the discussion of global warming is like saying the football is not important to the game. 

Regards,

Gary