Climate Change

I have looked at the data from both sides and have come to the conclusion that there is no definitive evidence for or against global warming, so here is my personal theory about climate change.

I have long held a theory that there is no global warming, but there is REGIONAL warming due to over-development. Open spaces allow for radiational cooling, which acres of concrete and asphalt do not. Example: I live 10 miles outside of Philadelphia. The temperature in Center City is ALWAYS 6 - 8 degrees higher than in my backyard. I work 26 miles west of my home in rural Chester County. The temperature difference between Philly and where I work is between 12 - 15 degrees cooler. Additionally, there is a significant difference in air quality, due to not having 250,000 vehicles running within a 7 square mile area. The haze over the city traps the heat as does the concrete and asphalt. Urban areas are also where the weather data collection stations are (60%).

The relocated stations skew the numbers upward and no longer give a true idea of the temperature. This also poses a problem to farmers in the rural areas. If the reported temperature is 42 in Philadelphia, the actual temperature in the area I work is 30 or lower. This will cause unwary farmers to lose valuable crops. The farmers are for the most part already aware of this fact and do handle it accordingly. However several farmers new to this area have lost much of their crops recently.

These temperature differences hold true year round. So my initial point of over-development creating REGIONAL WARMING still holds true.

Having been born and raised in Maine I am an advocate for open spaces. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonder of nature. There is nothing more calming than watching the sun rise over a quiet lake, or a mountain range. How can you not have a great day after witnessing the explosion of color as the sun creeps over the horizon? Watching a sunset is an excellent way to unwind after a long, hectic day.

The development of these types of locations into gated communities restricts access by the public, and destroys the natural beaty of the land. Other problems arise when the land is regraded and changes the drainage fields. Many times this results in diverted water flooding areas that normally wouldn't have flooding. The removal of trees causes natural windbreaks to be destroyed causing more wind damage to structures. By clearing an entire forrest to build a new development, the heating and cooling requirements are much higher for those homes.

My theory seems to be supported by this article : http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN2832623520070328