Today is the Day.... A Brief History of Climate Change By The Associated Press posted: 16 February 2005 06:04 am ET Today the Kyoto Protocol takes effect in an effort by 140 countries to reign in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The world's biggest emitter, the United States, is not participating, so the result is expected to be limited, reducing by about one-tenth a projected 30 percent rise in worldwide emissions between 1990 and 2010. Key events in the story of climate change: 1750: Before Industrial Revolution, atmosphere holds 280 parts per million of heat-trapping carbon dioxide, later research determines. 1898: Swedish scientist Svante Ahrrenius warns carbon dioxide from coal and oil burning could warm the planet. 1955: U.S. scientist Charles Keeling finds atmospheric carbon dioxide has risen to 315 parts per million. 1988: NASA scientist James Hansen tells U.S. Congress global warming "is already happening now.'' 1992: Climate treaty sets voluntary goals to lower carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. 1995: U.N.-organized scientific panel says evidence suggests man-made emissions are affecting climate. 1997: Treaty parties approve Kyoto Protocol mandating emission cuts by industrial nations, an approach rejected in advance by U.S. Senate. 1998: Warmest year globally since record-keeping began in mid-19th Century. 2001: U.N. scientific panel concludes most warming likely due to man-made emissions; President Bush renounces Kyoto Protocol. 2004: Carbon dioxide reaches record 379 parts per million; Russia gives crucial ratification to Kyoto Protocol. 2005: Kyoto Protocol takes effect on Feb. 16. A related story : Toasty 2005? Year Could Become Warmest on Record By LiveScience Staff posted: 10 February 2005 04:00 pm ET Last year was the fourth warmest since the late 1800s and climate conditions in place could cause 2005 to be the warmest, NASA scientists said this week. The analysis of 2004 data by NASA confirms figures for 2004 released in December by the World Meteorological Organization. The numbers are based measuring stations around the globe, with each day's high and low being averaged. Temperatures are recorded on land and at sea, in part with satellite data. The 2004 average temperature at Earth's surface around the world was 0.86 Fahrenheit (0.48 degrees Celsius) above the average temperature from 1951 to 1980, NASA scientists said. The warmest four years since 1890s, when reliable record-keeping began: 1998 2002 2003 2004 "There has been a strong warming trend over the past 30 years, a trend that has been shown to be due primarily to increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," said James Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. In any year, temperatures around the world can be nudged up or down by short-term factors like volcanic eruptions or El Ninos, when warm water spreads over much of the tropical Pacific Ocean. The large spike in global temperature in 1998 was associated with one of the strongest El Ninos of recent centuries, the scientists say, and a weak El Nino contributed to the unusually high 2002-2003 global temperatures. Manmade pollutants play a role, too, most scientists agree. Hansen said Earth's surface now absorbs more of the Sun's energy than gets reflected back to space. That extra energy, together with the weak El Nino, is expected to make 2005 warmer than the years of 2003 and 2004 and perhaps even warmer than 1998, which had stood out as far hotter than any year in the preceding century, according to a NASA statement. Hansen and his colleagues also note that global warming is now significant enough that it is beginning to affect seasons, making them warmer than before on a more consistent basis. Some scientists argue that the human contribution to global warming has been insignificant.

Re: rychnc "I have a pond nearby so I plan to run loops though the water." If you have a suitable pond to run your loops in youve got it made! This is probably the least expensive way to do geothermal, no drilling (except through your foundation wall), minimal trenching. Whats to think about (providing its permitted)? Re: cookingpassion Geothermal systems using copper tubing in the ground loop are called DX or Direct Exchange systems and run the refrigerant through the copper tubing in direct contact with the ground. Theyre great systems providing your ground is ph neutral. Regular systems use high-density polypropylene pipes in the ground circulating some kind of antifreeze. This necessitates the use of an additional heat exchanger and a circulating pump as well as boreholes being about 40% deeper and twice the diameter resulting in higher drilling cost. We have a DX system; never had a problem with the boreholes GREAT SYSTEM! However, I always play it again in my mind, were we to it again, would we go DX? Im really not sure. Both systems have their advantages. I would probably go for conventional only for peace of mind and to distance myself from this whole controversy. My wife on the other hand, who is a supremely intelligent and knowledgeable lady says, Look, we know the ground is ph neutral; since when have we ever had a problem with the tubing in back of a fridge? Thats the simplified version. Its a tough call especially for an IGSHPA accredited installer. SR I can no longer find the link on the copper.org site to this interesting fact sheet about copper, so Ill just copy and paste. Its rather long, I apologize. Breeze though it if you like. About Copper What's Your Best Buy Today? Copper or Plastic? When comparing geothermal systems, compare the value and benefits of copper compared to the plastic pipe used in water source geothermal systems. No heating and cooling piping product is totally immune to all problems. However, for more than 60 years copper-based products have continually proved themselves to be the most robust and reliable for all kinds of heating and cooling systems. There was a time when we were limited to a relatively small range of basic materials from which to make things: wood, stone, iron, brick, leather, cotton, wool, and of course, copper. Copper is man's first, and still most indestructible non-precious metal. Because copper withstands corrosive elements better than any other engineered metal, it long ago set the standard for plumbing systems. The 1940s fostered the Age of Synthetics, an era of technological change. It was the natural outgrowth of an economic system that stressed mass production and sought substitute materials which would do the same job for less money. Manufacturers looked at plastic for a wide range of building products-especially plumbing. Lower first cost, rather than long term reliability, was the driving force. Recently, however, we have seen a growing reaction to this "throw away" economy. Consumers realized that the "cheapest" was not necessarily the least costly in the long run. In many cases, they found that some of the old, basic materials are still the best, still the most economical, because they last and give years of reliable trouble-free service. Copper or Plastic? Here's why generations of homeowners and professionals in the building community feel copper is the best and most economical material: * Copper plumbing has a 60-year track record of nationwide acceptance for water, waste and space conditioning use. * Rigid standards govern the composition and properties of copper products for specific applications. And all products can be tested to ensure conformance to these standards. * Precision and control in manufacturing assures a quality product and long service life. * Copper tube products have permanent product identifications, including type size manufacturer and country of origin. You know what you're installing. Inspectors and owners know what's been installed. The manufacturer backs up the product. * Nationwide, codes and standards assure reliable installations. * Refrigeration contractors have more than a half century of know-how, experience and customer satisfaction with copper tube and fittings. * Copper systems can be installed, tested and used year-round at any temperature in any climate. * Copper systems can be tested immediately after installation. * Copper is not damaged by either near-freezing or boiling water temperatures. * Copper requires virtually no maintenance and can be protected more easily from damage than plastic. * Copper's superior thermal conductivity provides superior heat transfer. * Copper can be stored or used anywhere, indoors or outdoors, without harm or deterioration by the sun's ultraviolet rays or other weather elements. * Copper is non-flammable. Unlike plastics, it doesn't burn or melt or support combustion. It maintains pressure even when subjected to flames. * Copper will not "pipe" flame through walls or floors. It does not violate the integrity of fire blocking. * Copper plumbing products do not give off toxic gases when exposed to fire. * Copper tube is rigid, requires fewer supports, and does not sag over long runs. Copper, unlike plastic, will not fail from the "rubbing" or abrasion normally encountered in service. * Copper tube is flexible (whether it's hard-drawn or annealed) and has a smooth "polished" interior - which means it's easily installed anywhere and will not impede the flow of refrigerant. * Copper silver soldering is a safe, reliable and non-toxic operation. * Copper is fatigue resistant. Copper systems do not present the problems associated with excessive and repeated contraction caused by extremes in temperature. Well-installed copper joints are for keeps, they will not break down or pull apart. * Copper scrap has a high value when sold for recycling. It ecologically friendly. * Copper does not rely on domestic or foreign oil production for its manufacture. * Copper tube is all natural. No synthetics are introduced or used in its manufacture. It is environmentally friendly. * Copper is a noble metal combining extraordinary corrosion-resistance and high strength for refrigeration piping applications. * Copper tube and fittings can, if necessary, be disassembled and reused. * Copper plumbing, like copper wiring, has recognized quality and value that helps sell (or resell) your home or building. * Copper plumbing protects your home investment. It's an insurance that pays dividends year after year after year. * Many decades of in-service experience have proved copper's reliability. It will outlast the life of the mortgage. * Copper systems are the worldwide refrigeration standard of excellence. * Copper has eight times the thermal conductivity of other metals and is the material of choice for high performance, high efficiency heating and cooling systems. Due to its high performance characteristics, copper is the material of choice for American Geothermal(R) DX direct exchange geothermal heat pumps. * In the United States, nearly 50 percent of the copper used each year comes from recycled sources. Copper is one of the most highly recycled materials and can be used over and over again, helping to preserve natural resources and the environment. * Copper plumbing products offer unbeatable quality and value. * Copper tubes and joints are strong. They can withstand pressure surges and rapid temperature changes without rupturing. * Copper plumbing lasts. Copper doesn't become brittle with age. Once installed, it stays installed. * Copper is an investment. When the time comes to sell your home, the quality of copper refrigeration piping and plumbing can actually enhance its resale value. Copper is the right choice no matter where you live. It meets or exceeds all standard refrigeration and plumbing codes in all 50 states. * Decades of successful service say, "You can trust copper." For more information on the value, benefits and technology advances of copper visit the Copper Development Association web site at www.copper.org

Eliott Spitzer was simply getting his pipes cleaned regularly to avoid back-up which contributes to pollution and other health problems.

Yo Ken, if your still around your up on this one. Far as Composites go I am with the Larry/whoever We are for the most part. Composites are really no longer using recycled material because there is just not enough of it so most of the raw stuff is virgin,the energy used to make composite is an enviro no no, when its time to remove the project composite is not real big on bio degrade its tricky to burn shreading it would be silly. Bottom line composites are not so enviro freindly. Info like that might suggest its not all that good to clean it either, with anything. I dont agree>> composites will out last Ipe, left to go silver/gray Ipe is as close to no maintance as a person can get. With the softer composites like Choice/MoistureShield even trex= tjunk I have found a coat or two of TWP 116 seals up the decking,locks in the color and keeps mold,mildew,stains from causing major problems. Of course not needing to do this is the reason the Wallet goes for composite in the first place. I my own self dont like composites at all for the reasons stated in several posts here and on other sites. Welcome aboard Larry!!! Sorry I dident understand your intent at the begining . John