Crosstalk: August 8, 2019

Some are saying climate change is what provoked the Green New Deal.  Others look at the summer heat as proof, while still others look at the harsh winter we had.  Even the manifesto, believed to be written by the El Paso shooter, spoke of the decimation of the environment that is creating a massive burden for future generations. 

So what is the truth about climate change and our environment?

Joining Jim to answer that and numerous other questions was Dr. E. Calvin Beisner. Dr. Beisner is the founder and national spokesman for The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, a network of over 60 Christian theologians, natural scientists, economists, and other scholars educating for biblical earth stewardship, economic development for the poor, and the proclamation and defense of the good news of salvation by God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.  He’s the author of a dozen books, edited over 30 books and has contributed to another 35. In 2014 the Heritage Foundation honored Dr. Beisner with the Outstanding Spokesman for Faith, Science, and Stewardship Award at the Ninth International Conference on Climate Change.

Below is a sample of the numerous aspects of this debate that were discussed:  

Concerning manifestos such as those already mentioned, should those who believe we need to greatly reduce the number of people on earth be taken seriously?

Then there are those who say this past July was the warmest July on record.  What data analysis was used to produce such a statement? Dr. Beisner exposes how far back the data really goes for this July argument and how small the change really is.

During the July 30 presidential debate that aired on CNN, Elizabeth Warren said, ‘Climate crisis is the existential crisis for our world.’  Where would the 2 trillion come from for her plan when our nation is already 21 trillion in debt?  

During the same debate, Senator Bernie Sanders communicated that the fossil fuel industry was destroying our planet and that this is criminal activity.  According to Dr. Beisner, fossil fuel companies provide roughly 85% of all the energy used in the world. We need energy for everything that we do and since it’s so crucial, it’s the fossil fuel industry that’s been making life, as Dr. Beisner described it, ‘abundantly possible for billions of people.’  

Celebrities gathered at a posh resort for a climate change summit in Italy.  They flew in on at least 114 private jets, whipped around in gas-guzzling helicopters, 200 million dollar yachts with high horsepower engines, as well as Maserati SUV’s that get about 15 mpg’s.  If they really believed what they say, wouldn’t it have made more sense to use current high technology to hold a video conference?

In 2012 experts were blaming climate change for low water levels in Lake Michigan.  Now climate change is being blamed for record high water levels. Can a person scientifically have it both ways in this instance?

If implemented, would the ‘Green New Deal’ be economically sustainable?