The subject of global warming often gives rise to heated debate, especially in political circles. Scientists have come out in support of both sides of the issue and each side latches on to whatever theory supports their particular stance.
In the extreme cold temperatures of the winter of 2010, there were many jokes about the absence of global warming and supporters were forced to find theories to defend its existence. Die-hard global warming theorists said that dramatic temperature swings were actually the result of global warming. However, those who dispute global warming have been pretty quiet these last few weeks. In light of all the record high temperatures set, it's a difficult one to argue right now.
What do you think? Does this heat wave prove the global warming theory once and for all, or is it just part of natural climate changes that vary from season to season and decade to decade?
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/06/04/1003187107.full.pdf+html At the same time, it's worth noting that, because scientists as a group are more cautious than they get credit for, usually they don't blame climate change for specific short-term weather events such as this heat wave or the big burst of major tornadoes we experienced several months ago. Most climate scientists interviewed in this AP story say this heat wave LOOKS LIKE what they have predicted, but isn't conclusively the result of global warming: http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/national/heat-wave-2012-caused-by-global-warming-this-us-summer-is-what-global-warming-looks-like
Fossil fuels are a finite resource, an inevitable dead end, but we're like a smoker who can't kick the habit. To paraphrase Paul Simon, we are living in an age of "miracles and wonder", clean renewable energy is within our grasp. We have the capacity to develop the science but no one has the political will to stand up to Big Oil. That could be the death of us all.
You make a good point. Policy may be influenced by popular vote, and often should be. Science is not and should not be. A thing either is or isn't, regardless of how people feel about it.