just to clarify my previous comment slightly (but importantly) my reference to arrogance is attributed to the generally pontificating (not in the case of your excellent discussion of the issue BTW) arguments that we can significantly influence the climate. On second reading, the curtness of my encouragement to enjoy your burger might also be misconstrued, I genuinely meant you to enjoy your burger because I think we do need to relax somewhat.

Your points above (and in the referenced blog) reflect the uncertainty and complexity of the climatic changes (they may well be climactic too, for the human race, eventually). Too many people think that the Earth is a static object and the status quo ante can be preserved by a few gestures towards “green-ness.” (oops I am pontificating a tad too much)

As regards the extent to which man impacts the earth, the evidence is far more than strong that we made the current problem with little help from the planet. See 5 Green Questions (Hanging In The Air). And in truth we are geology. Those layers of sandstone that ‘geology’ laid down were once crustaceans. The limestone was bone. The coal was trees. Aside from the carbon created by cosmic rays from nitrogen, the carbon dioxide surplus is mainly man.

As far as Question 9 is concerned, my own view is that it is sheer arrogance to presume that the human race can seriously influence the Earth’s climate. Relative warming may well be an ongoing issue for some worried people but much more radical climate changes have been experienced historically and will be experienced again in the future. Look at the geology and relax is my perspective – the highest land in Knaresborough was laid down at a time when it was under an ocean, close to the equator .

The Earth is a complex adaptive system and we are but mites on the surface.

Enjoy your burger.