Predictions  

Is this article being printed to pin blame on developed nations or as a wake up call for everyone? Man has been cutting down forests, diverting rivers and burning wood, coal and oil throughout recorded history. And does this 4 year forecast coincide with the much of the 2012 excitement?

Gregory Majersky

What Hansen meant  

Jim Hansen wrote recently on his website that he's "relearned a basic lesson re interviews -- which will have to be fewer and more guarded." He clarified that he didn't mean that "the climate problem must be solved in four years", but that "we needed to start moving in a fundamentally different direction during President Obama's first term.
He also clarified quotes published elsewhere regarding his reported decision not to assist protesters fighting the construction of a third runway at London's Heathrow airport. Apologising to those opposing the runway, Hansen wrote that he had "no intention of damaging their case". He continued: "When asked about the proposed runway at Heathrow, I apparently said, in effect, that coal is the (climate) problem, not an added runway ... I should have deferred questions on Heathrow to local experts -- I am sure there are many good environmental reasons to oppose airport expansion. I am very sorry that I was not more guarded. You can be sure that in the future I will be more careful to avoid making comments that can be used against good causes."
Thanks, Jim!

Small thoughts

After reading this article, I first respected the scientist who struggled in the domain of climate change. What scientific research hopes for is the ability to produce a model that corresponds with the real effects of greenhouse gases, and to cause widespread concern. The world needs technology in order to develop. If the United States changes its former policy and responds actively to climate change, things couldn’t be better. This would definitely make progress in the difficult climate change negotiations. Still, developing countries still think it is difficult to change in the near future. It is difficult to develop the economy and eliminate poverty. Professor McKie recommends abandoning the cap-and-trade model, imposing a carbon tax, and developing new sources of energy, and phasing out old sources of energy. These are the hardest things to accomplish for the environment today. From the environmental volunteers to the first ones to enter environmental studies, role changes have brought about much perplexity. The issue is already utterly complex because it is politicized. Let’s imagine a simple world, where the rich countries help the poor countries develop their economies, using inexpensive or even free technology transfer. There would be peace, everyone would be part of a great family like in a song, and everyone would develop together. But in reality, everyone is sitting at the conference table discussing as if preparing for war. Meanwhile, the researchers say that the responsibility has to lay somewhere, and our prospects are dark and bleak --Jin Yunwei
(Comment translated by Michelle Deeter)

Comment 3 - you mean Hansen, yes  

Comment 3 refers to "Professor McKie". It's Professor Hansen. Robin McKie conducted the interview with him.

副产品

人类没有面临因全球变暖而导至的危机， 就此，任何致力於气候变化的工作都成为经济发展或者政治行为的副产品。这是事实。我们最佳的行动是搬出以经济和政治来对抗气候变化的优处，比如就业，政府收入等。应付变暖问题像个过程：学者前方先行，官方正在考虑，大众尚在观望。张素梅翻译

Not in imminent danger?!  

I wonder what the writer of comment 5 means by the word "imminent". Anyone doubting the danger that global warming and its accompanying extreme weather events present right now should take a look around -- to northern and central China, to southern Australia and to sub-Saharan Africa, to cite only a few places. And what about the polar bears, who are losing the sea ice on which they need to journey in search of food? More and more of these unique and awesome animals are starving and drowning in the Arctic. -- Matilda

Carbon-trading is worth meditative

Hansen's review about carbon-trading is worth meditating on. But how does carbon-trading really help the issue of global warming? It's time for us to evaluate. (translated by sunny)