EnviroSpin Watch

Climate-change contingent.....

Here is a most interesting analysis of anthropocentric views of climate change: 'A history of human perceptions of anthropogenic climate change in the past 1000 years' (Hans von Storch and Nico Stehr, Ånnaboda, 9-11 May 2005, .pdf):

"Concerns over extensive transformations of the earth's climate have been expressed since the 18th century enlightenment and earlier. And it is plausible that initial discussions contained strong religious elements. In the following we present a list of cases. It seems reasonable to speak of a 'history of anthropogenic climate changes'. Most of the cases were not real; as a matter of fact, none of them proved to be associated with significant impacts related to the suggested dynamical link. But all cases were associated with the perception of significant discontinuities; in most instances the apprehended change was seen as a threat; only rarely were they welcomed as a improvement."

Climate change - remember, it's always been our fault - and bad! "Oh Goddess, Gaia! Forgive our foolish ways!"

Philip, always for contingent concepts, especially where big Barthesian myths are concerned. "Good morning you Mad, Mad World." Coffee.....