Monday, February 26, 2007

Global Warming caused by Burritos

So we have all seen the Oscar winning Al Gore movie "An Inconvenient Truth" which blames greenhouse gases for global warming, and countless others have read the book "State of Fear" by Michael Crichton which links the global warming fears is simply replacing the Cold War fears.

Countless websites examine the "facts" such as National Geographic which agree with the movie, and countless others contradict the same "facts" such as this article. While this back and forth commentary is quite entertaining, Michael Crichton does bring one point to the table that makes sense, funding for scientists. Now there is no doubt that man is killing the earth at an ever increasing rate. Efforts have to be made to reduce the damage, as soon as possible. Even CompuQuest has a e-waste initiative in place. But the source of funding for scientists can clearly alter pure science. When you know where your next check comes from, you could be biased to please those signing it. Even with the best of intentions, it's hard to be objective all the time.

Now, imagine a body of scientists who do not know where their funding comes from. When one team decide to start a study, another undertake it, and yet another study the results. What conclusion would they come to?

I have myself examinated the problem of global warming and have found a strong link between the popularity of Mexican Food, and the greenhouse gas rise. Quebec is now threatened by the introduction of a Taco Bell in the West Island. Will all this "natural gas" melt the polar caps? Will the Burrito called a weapon of m-ass destruction? Only time will tell, but as for me, I will stick with the poutine!


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