[OT] Re: Let's make a difference

[Shane Hathaway]

Andrew Jorgensen wrote:
> My hunch is that the planet will mostly take care of itself.  Higher
> concentrations of CO2 and more heat makes for a better environment for
> algae to grow and soak up that CO2 and heat to make more algae.  Not
> only that but more heat will mean more water vapor in the air which
> will mean, eventually, more water precipitating and thus a better
> environment for various plants which will soak up the CO2, heat, and
> water.

I wish this hunch could be proven somehow.  I just read this little gem 
(linked by Ned Batchelder):

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB114738549525950630-QqwFrCpeGpvAyVu_XA79Mm9vFKo_20070511.html

This article makes a fair case for the theory that humans are indeed 
changing climates and weather patterns.  However, the earth has already 
proven itself capable of maintaining overall balance over millions of 
years, even in the face of forest fires, volcanoes, meteorites, and so 
on.  What makes the scientists think the earth can't correct itself this 
time, like it has every other time?

Shane