Al Gore says that the cyclone in Myanmar is a result of global warming. He told NPR yesterday:
And as we’re talking today, Terry, the death count in Myanmar from the cyclone that hit there yesterday has been rising from 15,000 to way on up there to much higher numbers now being speculated. And last year a catastrophic storm from last fall hit Bangladesh. The year before, the strongest cyclone in more than 50 years hit China – and we’re seeing consequences that scientists have long predicted might be associated with continued global warming.
Gore said that because ocean temperatures are on the rise, extreme and dangerous weather is also on the rise.
Critics of Gore say he's taking advantage of the deaths of thousands of innocent people to promote his political advantage. But, if he truly believes that we must address climate change to stop such disasters and save future lives, doesn't he have an obligation to speak up? If he is wrong about global warming, what harm is there in taking better care of the planet anyways?
Is Gore right to tie Myanmar Cyclone deaths to global warming?
Isabella Oliver
Notify Jeans
Cheap Monday
did cyclones occur before global warring in south east asia? could this just be mother nature??? This is a terrible tragedy and in a country suffering under the thumb of a horrible government and we need to concentrate on helping the victims now who are in despair.
1^^
2I don't think he's "taking advantage" of deaths to promote his political views. I think he is explaining a tragedy in the best way he knows how. I have heard for several years that increases in surface water temperatures lead to more intense storms and more frequent storms. We do need to concentrate on reaching victims, but I think it is always beneficial to take steps to mitigate another such event.
3everyone was saying the same thing about Katrina... the thing is, we've only been able to track hurricanes/cyclones reliably for maybe the last 50 years. So there's absolutely no way to see real historic trends in that data. So I say he is exploiting the tragedy for his own political gain.
4
5Al Gore?! Exploiting something for his own gain?!
Never!!
6Maybe Al Gore should sell his 20,000 sq. ft. house, fly commercial and drive a prius to demonstrate his commitment to combat climate change.
7yep yep agree with syako, cab, meumitsuki...
8I think he is explaining a tragedy in the best way he knows how. I have heard for several years that increases in surface water temperatures lead to more intense storms and more frequent storms.
The link between global warming and hurricanes was proved to not exist late last year, acccording to the weather channel. This is another example of someone who can't seem to adjust to life out of the spotlight....
9Al Gore is a monster. Trying to warn people with his stupid science and his facts! Let's all light torches and burn down the universities!
10If only his facts were true...
11exactly syako.
12They're not true? (Not being sarcastic, in case anyone thinks I'm trying to be).
13Not when you're trying to cut into corporate profits they're not. It's okay, I'm sure the global sea temperature is voting democrat and just trying to make conservatives look bad.
14I remember in the 80s everyone was saying how we were facing the next ice age.
15The warming of water temperature will raise the number of storms we will have and their strength.
The Weather Channel is as bias against Global Warming as Al Gore is bias for it. Didn't the owner of WC try to sue Al Gore?
16I also don't really see exploitation here. If he had said things in a different way, (e.g. threateningly, "These people died because the world doesn't care about global warming and aren't doing jack about it"), then I'd call it exploitation. Otherwise, it's not like he's running for president, so I don't think I could call it that...
17It's pointless to argue. Conservatives won't actually believe there's a global climate crisis until the Midwest is like the Sahara and we have to drink our own pee. Then they'll probably blame the liberals for having drunk too much water while it was available.
18He isn't running for president, but he wants people to invest in his company, which just happens to be trying to find ways to stop global climate change.
Jillness - The founder of the weather channel wanted to sue Al Gore because Gore's conclusions aren't supported by his facts.
19wow someone is testy today, have a rough night scavenging?
Look. All I'm saying is that hurricanes strength and numbers have not been definitely linked to global warming. AND Gore is using this as another way to get media attention, which is obviously working.
20It's pointless to argue. Conservatives won't actually believe there's a global climate crisis until the Midwest is like the Sahara and we have to drink our own pee. Then they'll probably blame the liberals for having drunk too much water while it was available.
Of course you'd say that, just like a raccoon...
21Wow with the hate Rac!
I thought liberals are supposed to be tolerant??
22Geeze
Rac! But, you're right I don't believe in global warming...
23Not hate, it's just complete incomprehension. In the face of so many facts, to argue that the world is undergoing a climate change is just so bizarre. Do any of you really still believe that the global temperature is not rising? I guess I just don't understand how this is a political issue when our existence might be at stake. I concede that we don't know how bad it will get, but aren't you in the least concerned for your own futures?
24Well, OK, it's alright to say that hurricane strength and numbers aren't 100% linked to global warming, but to say that all of his "facts" aren't true? I don't know.
Also, I don't really see anything wrong in preventing something like global warming. Then again, I've been on the conservation bandwagon since I was about 6, when my favorite science teacher gave me a book on the environment, so...yeah, I don't really think we should wait around to "see" if all of these things are caused by global warming. It's not hard to see that a few changes here and there to help the environment can benefit everyone. Even if there isn't a 100% correlation/causation link, what's the harm in bringing attention to climate issues (even if Gore does want people to invest in his company)? How is this different from anyone else who wants people to invest in their company?
25LOL Rac, you're hilarious.
26I know I've said this before that I already am living a conservationist lifestyle (to the extent I can, living in a city with no public transportation and/or sidewalks
) so it's not like I'm going around and saying oil oil oil. I just don't agree with all the "facts"
that Al Gore spouts out. And I also find it interesting that people completely DISREGARD the scientists who say global warming/climate change isn't the way that the alarmists are presenting
it. In fact, that shocks me as much as I'm sure you're shocked.
27also I thought it was called a sense of humor ??? you conservatives try and teach this to us liberals all the time (mostly at our expense of course
)
28em, I think that answers your question.
29Um, sorry NYF, but that comment was not said in a humorous way.
30I agree w/ Syako. Sorry Rac I just do NOT agree w/ you.
31I'm not DISREGARDing what scientists are saying about global warming and climate change. Hell, I'm a scientist myself, so it would be lame of me to not look at this issue from a scientist's point of view. I'm just not a huge fan of the "let's just wait and see if this causes cancer/global warming/birth defects/excessive ear hair growth, and THEN we'll do something about it" tactic. Granted, there are people like the alarmists who can definitely get out of hand and can be really extreme (I don't really think Al Gore is extreme, but that's just my opinion of course), but every group with every agenda has little sects who go all Chicken Little on us and say "The sky is falling!". Doesn't make it right, but I don't think that should mean the issue should be disregarded completely.
32Totally agree with syako. Everyone should do their part in taking care of the environment, but with so many respected scientists saying that the "facts" that Al Gore has presented are false, how can people just blindly follow him?
33You all might not suffer from global warming, but your grandkids probably will. I can't figure out what motivates you to deny something that is simple science. Legit scientists acknowledge global warming. It must be the Al Gore thing that rubs you the wrong way. Plus you can refuse to make any changes to your day to day life. Who cares about other countries or future generations?
34I really don't understand how its IMPOSSIBLE for some people to get that just because you don't beleive the hype, does not mean you are walking around trashing the Earth.
I mean really, is that concept so far out of grasp??
How many times do we have to have this conversation?
35I'll make an analogy...
There are people who say they don't support the war, but they support the troops. These people might contribute to good support the troops causes. Am I going to chastise them for not supporting the war? No, they're doing something good, who cares if they support the war or not?
So... if I say I don't beleive that we are causing all the climate change, but I still recycle and conserve, should I be chastised for not beleiving in the hype of climate change?
NO!! Because I'm still doing something GOOD!!!
36
Exactly Cabaker. I'm just wasting my time here. I'm just gonna agree to disagree.
37yep agree with syako and cabaker again... man it's nice not to have to type out what others have already said... lol... serioiusly though, I agree with them 100% and can't add anything else.. besides I'm off to the gym... bye all - have a nice day!!
38Rac - I don't think "we conservatives" believe that the earth isn't going through some climate change (Given this last winter here in WI, it's definitely not warming..
). The argument is wether or not humans are the cause.
Em - It's ok to ask me to invest in a company, but tell me that my life depends on my investment to your company, or that I'm destroying the world, and only you can save it, and that is why I should give my money to you.
39A piece of ice the size of Connecticut just sheared itself off of the Antarctica Ice Shelf. That's just the tip of what's to come. The repercussions of this "fact" are going to lead to more severe weather and a rising of the ocean. To not admit that this happening is just weird. As for "blindly following him". I'm not following Al Gore, I am reading about what's happening to the world and making my own opinion. I am just amazed that with the temperatures rising year after year, anyone would conclude differently that it's not global warming.
40well maybe because you live in a liberal bubble.
41
syako! ooooooh snap!
42
syako.
43sorry if that was rude, rac. I don't mean to hurt your feeling. You just got me all worked up AND I actually started sweating, which I hate to sweat unless I'm running, or playing soccer, or lifting weights, etc. etc.
44I'm just happy he's shedding some light on the situation in Burma right now. With thousands of people dead, as usual I'm so disappointed in the media for under-reporting this horrible ordeal.
I think we can most certainly agree to disagree (I don't believe everything Mr Gore says about Global Warming), however it doesn't mean we can't all be better about preserving our environment (i.e. use less plastic or carpool more). His message can be seen as a wake up call or just a reminder that our earth shouldn't be abused and used. We must take extra steps to ensure we're all doing our part, no matter what political party we identify with
45You know, they say you should never discuss politics or religion in polite society so when you come to a site where all you do is discuss politics (and sometimes religion) it can really get to you. Normally, I never engage with people this way. Especially strangers. But dear lord, this stuff gets me so mad sometimes.
46I agree, NYF, do your part. And Al Gore does rub me the wrong way. I think he's the wrong face to put on global warming and environmental issues. How bout Ed Begley, Jr. Now he's a bit out there but at least he's living the message.
47"But dear lord, this stuff gets me so mad sometimes."
you have no idea.
which is why I'm glad we're pretty darn respectful here because if not, I'd either have had a heart attack by now, or stopped participating.
48I was afraid to comment for fear of getting rabies. I'm glad you all worked it out. As a Southerner, I do have to say hurricane seasons have gotten worse these last few years, but I am not ready to concede yet that it might not be a smaller weather trend. Syako, I truly enjoy your comments. I see you are a diamond member. Have I congratulated you yet? If not, my sincerest congratulations.
49I agree that Gore is the wrong face to put on anything. But what do I know, he invented the internet.
Racci - again, I'm not going to argue that the temps have gone up a little. But how is that not a normal thing? This planet has had global temps much higher than it is now, and much lower. We've been here for a relative blink of an eye, when compared to the life of the earth, and have been industrialized for even less than that.
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