For The Love Of Port

Alan's question on another thread made me think of this.

We have seen some significant changes to our climate here in the UK and the rest of the world in the past 10 to 15 years. I for one remain unconvinced on the Global Warming theory but will not deny that climate change is a reality. My view is it's just business as usual for this world of ours, probably part of the process of coming out of the Ice Age we are still in, but that is another thread.

Reasons for change aside, has anyone looked at the impact of this in the Douro? Is there a significant difference in climate in the Douro over the past 15 years than over the previuos 15 or 30 years? Can we expect more or less good years (declarations?) as a result?

Derek

Al Gore just sent me an email and he wants to come on our trip in May so he can get an insider's view to the Douro and check out the climate issues there. Thanks Derek!

Roy,

:joker: Just the perfect blend of sarcasm and Friendly ridicule.

Gentlemen
I'm pretty sure Roy has now got our adolescent form of Humour! Well done.

Alan

OK - Roy and Alan have had their fun but this really was a serious question.

Despite today's big announcements on the subject I remain unconvinced about the root cause. Apparently I am now in a minority group known as the Flat-Earther's 8)

Anyway, the question is - is the climate in the Douro changing and, if so, is it having a demonstrable effect on grape production/quality?

Given some of the scare stories about what could happen in the next 10, 20 or 30 years this is something that could have a very real impact on our lives :?

Derek

Check out winebusiness.com ( grape growing section )

Luc,

Heres the link. http://www.winebusiness.com/GrapeGrowing/?ref=hn
Are you on about the warmer weather in Texas? If you are, I would argue that the odd blip does NOT advance the argument for Global Warming. I DO believe in it, but its the avalanche of statistical data that convinces me, not just the odd freaky condition.

Alan

Just to put the Flat-Earther's point of view into the mix.....

Climate Change is a phenomenon that has existed since the formation of the earth (which is almost round) and continues to be driven by forces that we barely understand and, probably, do not even know exist.

The reality is we have been coming out of an Ice Age for thousands of years. An Ice Age is where the poles are covered with ice. The fact that the ice is receding is unsurprising given that it used to extend down to central Europe and now does not.

Add to this that all the people on earth could stand side by side on the Isle of Whight and I find it extremely difficult to believe that we are having a significant impact on a force that has been continuously changing the envirnment of the planet for a couple of billion years.

Are we in an accelerated phase that always happens in the final throws of an Ice Age, who knows? Is the earths magnetic field about to switch polarity (again!) - who knows? Are we in some sort of cosmic storm - who knows? Do cows farting cause Tsunami's, I think not :?

Derek

Roy, you may wish to move this to Other Discussions?

Derek,

We agree!

Derek,

Your actual affiliation is to a group called 'The Cooler Heads' (Catchy, isn't it)

But, although you'll find arguments on all sides, this is a line from Wikepedia.

These conclusions have been endorsed by at least 20 scientific societies and academies of science, including all of the national academies of science of the G8 states. Some scientists disagree with parts of this conclusion as does the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.Only a few of these dissenting scientists specialize in climate science.

I'm convinced, and I dont care whether we've caused it or not, I do care that we at least try to slow it down for my descendents.

Alan

Derek ,
I agree that Ice Ages come an go .
They all occured naturaly .
The changes in the climate today are accelerated with mans contribution .

Alan,

I entirely agree that the climate is changing and agree that Global Warming is the result. What I struggle woth is the notion that we have the power to either have caused it or influence it's outcome.

I like Flat-Earther's - it's more descriptive of what I see when drining down the M1 8)

Derek

Derek ,
If some air head from Texas ( a.k.a. W ) can become one of the most influencial men on earth , then we have what it takes to influence Mother nature . . .