Maybe the New Gym Needs A-C and a Seawall...

As I sit here at the lake on a gorgeous spring day, enjoying Arctic gales keeping the temperature below freezing, I continue to wonder if global warming would really be so bad. KJAM cites Tony Dean, South Dakota outdoor broadcaster, columnist, and admitted Republican, as urging us to act now to minimize the impacts. Dean worries that global warming will increase wildfire danger and dry up wetlands, decimating wildlife habitat and hurting hunting and fishing. Spoken like a truly conservative conservationist (those two labels should go together!).

Speaking of the IPCC, they issued a report in Brussells today outlining various threats to our species and the entire ecosphere from global warming. (See the draft policymakers' summary here.) They do note that global crop yields may actually increase 5 to 20 percent from longer growing seasons in the short term. That benefit only sticks, however, if the global temperature increase doesn't exceed 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees F). And warmer weather won't help if it's also drier weather, as our friends in West River can attest. I'd like a warmer Easter break, but I'd also like the garden to grow.