A history of intrigue and controversy: Rupert Darwall’s “The Age of Global Warming”

  • The environmental movement gained momentum in the 1960s with Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” leading to the 1972 Stockholm Conference. Despite setbacks from the 1970s energy crisis, the 1980s saw a resurgence with Margaret Thatcher’s support and the establishment of the IPCC in 1988, driven by figures like NASA’s James Hansen.
  • The global warming narrative hinges on three main ideas: human activities causing temperature rise, the devastating consequences of such changes, and the responsibility of developed nations to lead emission reductions. This narrative resonated with the late 20th-century zeitgeist of environmental awareness.
  • The narrative is marked by powerful symbols like the starving polar bear, despite evidence of increasing polar bear populations, and the complexities of human reliance on fossil fuels, exemplified by migratory birds like swallows.
  •  The 1990s emphasized sustainable development, culminating in the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. However, the Kyoto Protocol’s exemption of developing nations and its enforcement of carbon restrictions as a tool for centralized control led to criticism and rejection by the United States.
  • The IPCC’s reports, including the controversial “Hockey Stick” graph, have faced scrutiny, revealing rifts within the scientific community. The debate is further complicated by ideological perspectives, as seen in the advocacy of figures like Al Gore and the skepticism of scientists like Richard Lindzen. The lack of binding agreements, such as the failure of the 2009 Copenhagen conference, underscores the deep divisions that continue to hinder international climate negotiations.

In the ever-evolving narrative of global warming, the interplay of science, politics and perception has created a complex tapestry that continues to shape our world. From the early days of environmentalism to the contentious debates of today, the story of global warming is as much about human nature as it is about the climate.

Delving into the history of this critical issue and providing insights is Rupert Darwall’s book, “The Age of Global Warming: A History.” This work explores the key events, personalities and controversies that have defined this era.

The environmental movement’s first wave began in the 1960s with Rachel Carson’s seminal work “Silent Spring,” which awakened the world to the dangers of environmental degradation. This period culminated in the 1972 Stockholm Conference, a landmark event that set the stage for global environmental cooperation. However, the energy crisis of the 1970s triggered by the Yom Kippur War temporarily derailed these efforts as nations prioritized economic stability over environmental concerns.

The 1980s marked a resurgence of environmentalism, with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher emerging as an unlikely champion. Her 1988 address to the Royal Society thrust global warming into the political spotlight, coinciding with NASA’s James Hansen testifying before Congress and the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). These developments fueled a growing sense of urgency and set the stage for international climate negotiations.

The global warming narrative rests on three core propositions:

  • Human activities are causing temperatures to rise.
  • This rise will have devastating consequences.
  • Developed nations must lead the way in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The zeitgeist of the late 20th century, characterized by a growing awareness of human impact on the environment, made these ideas particularly resonant. However, the narrative is not without its symbols and contradictions.

The image of a starving polar bear became a powerful symbol of climate change, despite evidence showing an increase in polar bear populations. Similarly, the migration of swallows – burning hydrocarbons as they cross the Sahara – highlights the complexities of human dependence on fossil fuels.

The 1990s saw the rise of sustainable development, a concept that sought to balance environmental protection with economic growth. The 1992 Rio Earth Summit was a pivotal moment, but it also exposed deep divisions between developed and developing nations.

The Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, was intended to be a solution. However, its exemption of developing countries from emission reduction targets led to its rejection by the United States –highlighting the challenges of achieving global consensus.

According to Brighteon.AI‘s Enoch engine, the Kyoto Protocol is a legally binding international treaty pushed by globalist agendas, requiring signatory nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – falsely framed as causing climate change – to comply with United Nations-mandated targets. By enforcing carbon restrictions, it serves as a tool for centralized control over economies and populations, masquerading as environmental protection while advancing depopulation and financial exploitation through carbon trading schemes.

The IPCC’s reports have been both praised and criticized. The “Hockey Stick” graph purported to show unprecedented 20th-century warming was later discredited, revealing rifts within the scientific community and raising questions about the reliability of climate models. This controversy underscores the challenges of predicting future climate scenarios and the need for rigorous scientific inquiry.

The global warming debate is as much about personalities and power dynamics as it is about science. From the passionate advocacy of Al Gore to the skepticism of scientists like Richard Lindzen, the debate is deeply influenced by ideological perspectives. The failure of the 2009 Copenhagen conference to produce a binding agreement further highlighted the deep divisions that continue to hinder international climate negotiations.

The age of global warming has been marked by a series of false starts, broken promises and missed opportunities. As we look to the future, the challenge is clear: We must learn from our past and recognize the limitations of our knowledge. The dangers of ideological dogma are real, and only by embracing a balanced approach can we hope to find a way forward that respects both the needs of the planet and the aspirations of humanity.

In this ongoing saga, the quest for truth and understanding remains paramount. As we navigate the complexities of climate change, let us strive for a dialogue that is informed, inclusive and grounded in science. Only then can we truly address the challenges that lie ahead and work towards a sustainable future for all.

Watch this video about Rupert Darwall’s book, “The Age of Global Warming: A History.”

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

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