At 14:44 01/02/2007, you wrote:
>On 01/02/07, John Clegg <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > It would be a good thing if it were ever possible to find a reasoned and
> > balanced analysis instead of all the hysterical hype we are peddled!
>
>Indeed so.
>
>I read what appeared to be a good book that touched on this subject,
>several years ago and before the current hype. Unfortunately so long
>ago that I can't remember the details. But it was apparent that carbon
>dioxide emissions are only a part of the story. There have been
>frequent changes of climate over the millennia, and I seem to remember
>that the last mini Ice Age was in the fourteenth century. The
>mechanisms are only partly understood, and prediction is difficult.
>
>I agree with Julian that the planet is likely to survive, and I think
>there's a reasonable chance of the human race surviving too. There are
>no guarantees for individuals, of course.

Mortality of life is 100% last I heard, outcome for individuals 
beyond doubt.  The majority of species that have ever existed are now 
extinct (if you believe in such deductions from geological records), 
so the outlook for humanity is interesting.

The point I made about the thermosphere, which is very dependent on 
solar activity (Wiki) was from the Times.

It's interesting first because it's sufficient to alter the 
degradation of orbits by the satellites and debris in that 
zone.  Satellites will stay up longer and use less fuel to maintain 
orbit if they are above the now more dense zone, but an accompanying 
problem is that junk will stay up longer too and increase the risk of 
collision.

I've no idea whether it's true or just mythological, but I think I 
read that we're 12/13th generation stardust (known by the complexity 
of the elements from which we're formed) so it's worth bearing in 
mind, unless you think the twinkling of an eye for which mankind has 
existed is really relevant, that nothing lasts for ever.  That is not 
to minimize in any way either the decisions we individually make or 
the value of human life, but still, there is a wider context.

Julian