Quote (Black XistenZ @ 26 Jan 2017 08:08)
well, I certainly dont deny global warming or that it is an issue.
but this graph is misleading in the sense that it doesnt show the uncertainty associated with that regression line. you have 2 outliers with high leverage at 2007 and, in particular, at 2016. take away that one single data point, which could well be an outlier, and the trend line is much less steep.
in general, the long-term trend of a loss of arctic sea ice is undeniable and alarming. at the same time, antarctic ice volume isnt declining at all.
I know that there is ample evidence for global warming, but you cant infer global warming from arctic sea ice levels alone.
moreover, climate is known to have fluctuated throughout history. the decisive question isnt if there is global warming in recent decades, the question is whether it is manmade; and if yes, to which extent.
this is THE question that decides if our resources should go to prevention of further global warming, or if they should go to the mitigation of its effects.
a simple graph of ice levels in one region of the world over a very specific period (1979+) with a simplistic regression line provides absolutely no answers to these questions.
summed up quite well, but i wouldnt call it evidence, because there is none
i would rather say strong hints that are most likely not a coincidence
for my standpoint the physics of our sun, its activity and cycles, and astronomical conditions (that are the reason for ice ages for example), while being very active research topics, barely find a place in climate discussions
aside from that, if we continue like this we dont really need climate change to make this planet unhabitable
