February/March 2010 / Features
Point-Counterpoint: Is There a Global Warming Crisis?
According to Skadden Arps attorney Ken Bialkin, an increasing number of scientists say that the role of carbon dioxide in the energy debate is heavily exaggerated, and this complicates serious discussion. Some of these scientists contend that scientific evidence, including actual temperature measurements, do not support the models that link carbon dioxide to a material impact on climate. Others, Bialkin writes, contend that some warming would be a plus for human life, or that it is nature and not human conduct that has ruled the climate for millions of years and is likely to continue to do so.
According to David van Hoogstraten, global warming theory is supported by scientific evidence and warming trends are clearly observable. He cites the recent World Meteorological Organization report that calls the last decade the warmest on record, and he argues that if warming is unaddressed it will likely contribute to increased global instability that could necessitate a U.S. military response and have severe negative domestic impacts. He says transformational technologies, such as underground storage of carbon dioxide, and a new generation of batteries should continue to be publicly supported because they will strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base and produce jobs, while addressing the dual challenges of energy security and climate change.
