Climate Change Isn’t the End of the World

Even if world temperatures rise, the appropriate policy response is still an open question.

The above title is from an article in WSJ this morning and it makes a couple great points.

First off; long term projections are rarely accurate. Simply look at the cost estimates for almost any construction project the government is involved in and it's never accurate. Look at the continued debacle that is high speed rail in CA.

Which brings up the point of this article. Assuming by 2100, the effects of climate change are 10% of GDP which is on the high end. 10% would be devastating on the world's economy. But, that 10% cost doesn't hit all at once. It's spread out over 50 year.

As water rises in the southern US, population gradually moves north which is the opposite of what's happened over the years as the population moved gradually south. The change is barely noticeable. Each of us probably know dozens of people "snowbirds" who moved to homes down south and some stayed year round. Think about the reverse happening over our kids and grandkids lifespan.

And the temperature change is miniscule to the human body so there's zero impact on direct human health. People live in Maine and people live in Arizona. If Maine's temp rises by an average of 1/4 degree, that's still no where near Arizona. That point is the actual temperature increase has zero effect on humans and that's important. any impact is on how we live, not on our bodies.

Regarding cities like Miami, this article's point was to look at cities like Amsterdam, Venice and or the Netherlands. Those places have evolved construction techniques over the last 50 years to accommodate water level. Since most buildings have a life span of 50 years, as construction continues, buildings adjust to higher sea levels.

Basically, as in most things, the 'invisible hand' of economics will make adjustments and minimize any impact of a slight temperature increase.

Assuming there is any increase which is just an assumption at this point.

Mann won't release data to the courts.
Gee, why?
Medieval warm period was warmer than NOW.