Ok, let's.
The little ice age is now believed to be caused by a number of factors, but mainly two:
1) Decreased sun spots over an extended period.
2) Increase volcanic activity.
The decrease in sun spots during this period is fact, shown both by observational records and science. Interestingly, this decrease can be theoretically traced to increased cloud cover using research recently touted by anti-warming forces. Thus, if you believe these anti-warming theories, you must also believe that decreased sunspot activity leads to cooler temperatures.
Increased volcanic activity also leads to cooling, as the Earth is shielded from the normal radiation as with increased cloud cover.
Now, if you believe that the LIA and today's warming trend are related natural cycles, and the aforementioned are the leading causes, then it one must presume that we would see the opposite of these causes in today's warming. Uh, unfortunately, we don't. Sun spot activity is following its normal 11 year pattern, and there is certainly nothing even approaching an opposite of the LIA's Maunder Minimum.
Additionally, there is no corresponding reversal of the increased volcanic activity; in fact, we have experienced more volcanic activity since 1980, which causes more reflection of the Sun's energy and thus, cooler temperatures. This may be masking some of the effects of greenhouse gas warming - i.e. things could be WORSE if not for the recent volcanic activity.
Your turn. Care to rebut without simply cutting and pasting someone else's thoughts? |
