Sample Overhead


	The Kyoto initiative started as a remarkable international effort to deal with the perceived global problem of climate change.
	Partly as a result of doubt about the reality of global warming, and partly due to irreconcilable difference and conflicts, agreement on why or how to proceed has not been achieved
	The Kyoto protocol will likely fade away and be forgotten. The climate change issue will stay. We will continue to study it. Perhaps the next IPCC report due in 2007 will be more convincing it is a reality.
	In any case humans will continue to rely on energy. New sources will be needed for our support regardless of the climate change issue. We will go ahead to develop new sources of energy. Prudence would suggest we learn all we can about the carbon cycle and means to control atmospheric greenhouse gases. It may turn out to be a necessity.
	James Lovelock came up with an interesting hypothesis when he worked with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He suggested the existence of “a complex entity involving the Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and soil; the totality constituting a feedback or cybernetic system which seeks an optimal physical and chemical environment for life on this planet."
	This later became known as the “Gaia” hypotheses after the goddess of earth from Greek mythology. Perhaps we more often refer to Gaia as Mother Nature. Lovelock also suggested that “The earth is more than just a home. It’s a living system and we are part of it”
	Earlier I noted a distinction between the “natural” carbon cycle and “human” perturbations in the IPCC discussion of the carbon cycle. Lovelock includes us as part of the natural system. That’s fine with me.
	Some say humans are using and abusing Gaia. I wonder if Gaia is using us to maximize her influence and productivity.
	Thank you.