Re: [Phys-l] Climate Change - Is it Controversial?

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

Folkerts, Timothy J wrote:
> > So, can we agree that coal and oil are biofuels?
> >     
>
> Could you please make your point, and skip further rhetorical questions?
>
> "If coal & oil ARE biofuels then ....  If they are NOT biofuels, then
> instead ...."
>
> This would help us all know what you are getting at and why this
> question is so important to you.  The general consensus here seems to be
> that they ARE biofuels, but what does it matter for climate change (or
> energy policy for that matter)? 
>
>
> Tim F
Here's one  prospective trail for this thread:
if the CO2 producing materials are of biological origin, then it would 
follow (other factors being equal) that turning the carboniferous 
aftermath back to aerial CO2 could not be entirely lethal.
Two factors complicate this comforting thought:
the vegetable-based  carbon production rate and the animal? hydrocarbon 
production rate  may have extended over thousands or millions of years.
In contrast,  1)  the (hydro-) carbon oxidation rate is evidently 
occurring over several hundred years only.
                  2) The atmospheric gas mixture in the heyday of the 
giant ferns and the other biomass, may have been antithetical to the 
lifeforms with which we are now familiar. While even modern plants seem 
to prosper on CO2 enriched environments, they are decidedly 
uncomfortable in general with elevated temperatures unless there is 
plenty of water available.

Brian W