What's Up with the Weather?

Everyone from the weatherperson to Al Gore weighs in with an opinion in this NOVA episode on the extended forecast for global warning. As one expects from the NOVA team, the research is in-depth, scrupulously fair and delivered with first class visuals, understated narration and great detail (in this case, rather scary detail). Although the experts disagree about specifics, the conclusion seems to be that, yes, indeedy, the earth is warming, but whether it's because of a manmade greenhouse effect or just a natural fluctuation in the environment of a planet that has experienced ice ages off and on for eons is up for grabs. One expert posits that even if the earth is being heated up by our profligate bad habits, so what? People like warm weather (as witness population trends in the U.S.), and with a warmer Earth more places will be tillable or suitable for swimming (a net gain!). Of course, there may be fewer places to ski, but one can't have everything. Still, even with the prospect of increased options for fun at the beach, this is a grim subject with important implications for the future, and while this video doesn't offer a firm conclusion (there isn't one, scientifically speaking), it does a provide a timely and comprehensive overview of a hotly debated contemporary topic. Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (M. Tribby)