Debunking help needed

[RT_Fanatic]

During a social gathering this past weekend (just a few close associates), my cousin, a conservative (also my best friend in the world) proclaimed during the course of conversation that "Global warming is a myth."

His talking points:
1. CO2 levels on earth are lower than during the time of the dinosaurs. Substantially reducing CO2 emissions would cause an environmental catastrophe because plants need CO2 to produce oxygen.

2. The actions of man have NO effect on climate change.

3. Burning fossil fuels has NO effect on climate change.

4. Real "scientists" have refuted global warming completely.

I know it's nuts, but I need help educating my cousin before he becomes completely delusional.

To his credit, he now agrees that the Bush presidency is an unmitigated disaster.

[hobbit709]

1. Too late

I'd say he's already delusional. If he's making statements like these, then he's not willing to look at the evidence but just spout the talking points he's heard.

[BOSSHOG]

2. "Real Scientists"

Another good student, that cousin of yours. Only "real" scientists toe the right wing jerkoff line. One of your cousins ancestors thought once upon a time that the notion that the earth revolved around the sun was a myth.

[Wetzelbill]

3. the earth revolves around the sun?!?!

holy shit, where have I been?

Next thing I suppose you're going to say the earth is more than a thousand years old. Psh... :)

[GliderGuider]

4. It's not worth the effort, and will get in the way of your friendship.

His mind is made up, and no amount of objective evidence will change it.

I've come to accept that we really don't need to straighten out every last misinformed person we run into. Reality will happen regardless of their beliefs, and Mother Nature is usually the best teacher for such people. When I run into someone like that now, I just say something like, "No problem. Why don't we get together and raise the topic again in ten years and see how the situation is unfolding?" If they're interested, I might make a bet with them: $10 that in ten years they will have changed their mind. I do the same thing with Peak Oil deniers.

[endarkenment]

5. I'll address one point of this idiocy.

Yes CO2 levels were far higher in the cretacious and jurassic periods, and so was the average temperature. If your idiot cousin would like to return to the climate of that period, perhaps he ought to do some research on what that climate was?



http://www.clearlight.com/~mhieb/WVFossils/Carboniferous_climate.html

[RT_Fanatic]

6. I truly appreciate your suggestions

I agree that it's most likely too late, but hope springs eternal. I do think I'll make that $10 bet, though. Sounds like a winner!