[Vision2020] Change in the Environment

[Paul Rumelhart]

Here are a couple of questions, if I think of others I'll post more:

Climate change:

What kind of predictive ability do current climate models have?  What is 
their track record?  Can they be run on historical data and accurately 
predict current conditions?  How many variables do they look at and what 
kinds of parameters do they take?  Are the models susceptible to large 
changes based on small differences in parameter inputs?

The Sun is currently in a solar minimum, with a 50-year low in solar 
wind pressure and a 12-year low in solar irradiance 
(http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/01apr_deepsolarminimum.htm).  
If the Sun does not exit the solar minimum in the next few years, what 
effect will this have on the climate over, say, a five year period?

If every person on earth stopped burning fossil fuels, coal, and other 
carbon-heavy fuels tomorrow, how long would it take for the current 
level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to drop below it's 
pre-industrial levels?

In terms of effect on the climate, how do volcanic activity and 
anthropogenic causes compare in magnitude?

Evolution:

Is there a difference between micro- and macro-evolution?  Are there 
biological components which are "irreducibly complex"?

Mankind is changing the rules with respect to it's own natural 
selection.  The conditions we were bred for no longer affect us as much, 
because of modern technology.  We live in climate-controlled buildings, 
have access to medical technology that saves lives that would have 
otherwise been cut short allowing the "weaker" to survive along with the 
"stronger".  What affect is this going to have on the course of our own 
evolution?

Where are the largest gaps in the evolutionary history of humans?

Has speciation been observed in the laboratory?

Paul

Joe Campbell wrote:
> On Friday, May 1, 7-9 pm the INPC is hosting a public forum at WSU in
> CUB L60 entitled "Change in the Environment."
>
> My main goal, in organizing this forum, was to provide information and
> dispel myths surrounding two scientific, yet culturally significant,
> issues: climate control and evolution.
>
> I am the moderator for the event and the panelists are:
> Carol M. Anelli, Entomology (WSU)
> Tim A. Kohler, Anthropology (WSU)
> Elisabeth Lloyd, Philosophy (Indiana)
> Von P. Walden, Geography (UI)
> Michael S. Webster, Biology (WSU)
>
> But I'm not just trying to publicize this event. This is also a call
> for help! I need to send the panelists some questions that might be
> asked at the forum. So, what questions would you ask, when thinking
> about the problems of climate control and evolution from a scientific
> perspective? If these folks (and myself) were before you, and these
> issues came up, what questions would you ask us?
>
> These are important topics so if folks wish to step into the thread
> with some answers or other comments, that is fine by me! I'll sift out
> the information I need and enjoy the rest -- or more likely throw in a
> comment or two!
>
> Best, Joe
>
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