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Change 'more dramatic' in winter than previously thought, ecologist says

Published: Tuesday, Dec. 18 2012 6:10 p.m. MST

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Sensible Scientist
Rexburg, ID

This ecologist (not a climatologist) seems to equate weather, which cycles in years to decades and varies by region, with climate, which has longer cycles and is hemispherical in scale. Climate experts keep saying those are no-no's. Hmm.

Either way, climate models said the global average temperature was supposed to be higher by now. It isn't -- it's been flat since 1998.

Another no-news article.

Kyle loves BYU/Jazz
Provo, UT

"Ecological systems are already more stressed than at any comparable period in human history" It makes me laugh inside when people, especially supposed experts, make outlandish comments like this. There is no way to prove an assertion like that.

Salt Lake City, UT

SS & Kyle,

Actually, there _is_ evidence to support the findings that climate change is already impacting Utah.

First, look at average low temps during winters for the past decade. They're rising.

Second, the assertion that global average temps have been flat since 1998 is intentionally deceptive cherry picking of data in the extreme. It's like observing that because 12 year-old kids are about the same height a week before their birthday as they are the week after their birthday that kids don't get taller as they age.

Finally, there's nothing "outlandish" about comments regarding unprecedented stress on ecosystems. Give these scientists a little credit for their areas of expertise - they know how to study tree rings and other proxies for long-term changes in the local climate.

I can tell this news story is going to generate the usual denialist talking points, but that doesn't make the reality of human-caused climate change any less significant. The science is there, and growing every day. At some point you folks are going to have to accept the facts.

Clearfield, UT

Welcome to water wars, higher prices and more human-made misery. Humans it appears are indulging in world-wide genocide of the human race and the entire biosphere of live here on earth. Another mass extinction and another whole round of new ecological development of new species. The human experiment may be another failed evolutionary attempt. Man's greed has outstripped women's nurturing kindness.

The Rock
Federal Way, WA

Wow, scientists with an agenda also write official sounding reports!
Climate researchers who don't support the official "Climate Change Doctrine" don't get research grants from the government. In as much as nobody else pays Climate researchers it is safe to say that 100% of climate researchers believe in Global Warming, Climate Change or whatever Al Gore needs to call it these days to keep selling his video of a Power Point Presentation (PPP). All those who don't believe in Climate Change have been forced to seek work elsewhere. Those who remain in the profession know they must speak the party line or face unemployment; and that is not a pleasant prospect in the Obama economy.

Farmington, UT

The sky is falling!!!!

Wasilla, AK

When I ponder the amount of waste involved with the antiquated system currently in place to distribute newspapers as well as the wasteful destruction of trees to produce the papers themselves it seems obvious that any person with a social conscious would cancel their newspaper subscriptions immediately as a first step in saving the planet.

Brad Peterson
South Ogden, UT

National Wildlife Foundation?
That group is incredibly biased, past good science, and into alarmism and activism. All of their reports are of the same vein. My favorite was a recent one titled "The Psychological Effects of Global Warming on the United States - And why the US mental health care system is not adequately prepared"

Yes, they tie everything bad into global warming. Including mental health.

No surprise that they release one of their monthly reports again saying everything is doomed.

Parkesburg, PA

As John Huntsman said earlier this year, when 9 out of 10 doctors tell a patient they have cancer, a wise patient seeks treatment. Here's to our collective wisdom.

Old Scarecrow
Brigham City, UT

I have come to believe that we are in a period of warming and perhaps climate change, but our view of the world's climate history is so microscopic that we can't possibly tell exactly what all of the data portend. Nevertheless, a scientist whose job title is "senior sustainability scientist" at the Arizona State University's Global Institute of Sustainability (whatever that means!) is not likely to contribute to a report or draw a conclusion that contradicts her job description or questions the necessity of her institute. And the "U.S. Global Change Research Program," mentioned as the sponsor of this study, suggests by its own name that it has already drawn its conclusions and is only looking for alarmist data to get everyone excited.

Albert Maslar CPA (Retired)
Absecon, NJ

Climate has been changing throughout the course of human history, and evidently prior to the appearance of humans, according to scientists. However the issue is where environmentalists are taking it; "human caused" climate change. Climate changed when there were no or few humans, no factories, electrical energy, and cars. So why suddenly is it all the fault of humans? Humans do have an impact but so far the measurable effect of human caused climate change does not hold water.For better or worse, nature will have her way.

Hayden, ID

News flash: The climate is always changing, always has (ice age) and always will and humans can't change it, never have, never will.

Dietrich, ID

I like warmer weather myself increased growing season and yield. We can't control the climate why let it control us?

Spring City, UT

The government (the military, in particular) has been manipulating and creating weather for many years. Though it isn't published or acknowledged in mainstream media, the unprecedented storms, like Hurricane Sandy or Katrina, weren't just a fluke of "nature". They were man made. I know. You think I'm just another "nut-case", with yet another conspiracy theory, right? Fine! Google the topic, "Weather Manipulation" You'll quickly change your mind. The evidence is overwhelming!

I live in the Sanpete valley. Until about a week ago, we’ve witness multiple aircraft spewing chemicals in our lower atmosphere, on a regular basis - not just a plane or two, once in a while; but, three or four days out of any given week. They're not simply seeding the clouds. The government has been developing, testing and perfecting the use of specialized chemicals for many, many years. The results have been the outlandish, almost unbelievable storms we're now witnessing and experiencing.

Millions of people became the "victims" of Hurricane Sandy. Many are still without shelter, adequate food, or necessary services. If they only knew!

Bountiful, utah

I hate to break it to the political scientists behind this farce, but the global temperature has been falling since its peak in 1998. There is no credible evidence than man has any effect on temperature, the climate, or the weather.

Far East USA, SC


And you come to this sweeping conclusion based on what? Special training? Research? Revelation? Science? Religion?

Dietrich, ID

Comparing cancer to climate change ridicilious as most doctors want what is best for there patients. So we should listen to 9 people that are lying. Can the law of gravity be changed if 9 out of ten scientists don't believe it?

Spring City, UT

There is global warming. But, it hasn't been brought about by man. It is caused by solar flares and a shift in the earths polls. NASA has followed much of this for several years

Ernest T. Bass
Bountiful, UT

The conservative head-in-the-sand mentality never ceases to amaze me.


To my friends and neighbors who doubt global warming science, I direct you to Josh Willis’ ocean warming work at NASA JPL. You will find that he has been the brunt of much of the pseudo-science that some of you are unwittingly quoting as fact. But don’t believe me. Please search on his name, read his article and lectures or watch his YouTube videos or phone him yourself.

It is always best to investigate topical issues by contacting the expert yourself.

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