[Vision2020] CNN: "Planet In Peril" Environmental Special

[Ted Moffett]

Janesta et. al.

I was just going to post information about this CNN environmental special,
that will be airing again several times over the next few days, and over the
weekend.  Thanks!  Those watching baseball tonight will have many
opportunities to watch this special.  Just as with their CNN special,"God's
Warriors," which aired over and over for many days after the initial
showing, "Planet In Peril" may continue airing for weeks!

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/planet.in.peril/

I have studied environmental issues enough so that this special, which I
have watched, did not in general inform me of any major issue I was not
already aware of, though I am very glad CNN is airing this topic in such
depth.

My personal views are really not the issue on this subject.  What is most
critical is what the scientific community is determining to be the risks and
objective reality regarding environmental problems.  Ecology, Biology and
planetary systems, like global climate, are too complicated for most to
become an expert on a specific issue.  I've been studying climate science,
and I humbly concede the best I can do now to explain the discipline is
merely a simplified rehashing of condensed consensus scientific assessments,
though I make a definite point of also studying the scientific skeptics.
Take rates of species extinction, for example.  It does not matter what my
personal views on this issue are.  I cannot make an informed personal
estimation of what the species extinction rate globally is, based on my
personal experience.  I rely on the ecologists and biologists who have spent
their lives studying these issues for their scientific observations.  And
they are reporting that due to human impacts, the current rate of species
extinction is many times more than what the natural extinction rate would be
without humans.  This is a risk to the survival of many ecosystems, that
human beings depend on.  And on global warming, the complexity of this
subject requires the best trained scientific minds spending years of
research and modeling to come to their conclusions.  If people insist on not
trusting the scientific consensus on global warming, that it it mostly human
caused, that it is a threat to the well being of humans, and only increasing
unless we significantly lower our emissions of greenhouse gases, it is
difficult to make an argument based on the science, when the science is so
complex most people cannot explain it or grasp it without a lot study and
effort, even if motivated to do so. which many are not.  And there are
emotional and/or ideological barriers to accepting scientific findings, even
among the most brilliant people.  What can you do then?  Evolution and
global warming are hoaxes perpetrated by secular agnostic and atheist
scientists... Just ask the Southern Baptists!

Ted Moffett


On 10/24/07, Janesta <janesta at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Good evening,
>
> *warm smile*
>
> This evening while perusing the net, I came across a special CNN is
> presenting this evening, called "Planet in Peril". As I've mentioned before,
> I don't have cable.
>
> From time to time, there are passionate posts to this list from friends,
> or long time acquaintances (on both sides of the isle) as to their views
> on our environment, and or conservation. I have a friendly challenge to
> those of you so inclined. Since I can't watch this, would a few of you with
> differing view points watch. Then come back, and share with us what, how
> this report made you feel, did it change your mind? I'll look forward to
> reading your feelings, and by all means, if you choose to tell me off-line,
> that's fine!
>
> *slow grin*
>
> Bet dollars to donuts, most of you are watching baseball!!!
>
>
> http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/planet.in.peril/
>
> Thanks so much, and whatever you do this evening, have fun!
>
> Janesta
>
>
>
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