Re: Predictions for the future!?! (posted for T. Lipka)

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From: Tompaleo@aol.com
Date: Tue, 5 Sep 1995 13:24:37 -0400
To: paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk
Subject: Re: Predictions for the future!?!
Status: O

In a message dated 95-09-05 03:16:32 EDT, you write:

> Nevertheless, my
>(un)educated guess right now is that paleoecology (in some form) will be
>the new focus of attention. Personally, I'd like to see more studies of
>morphology and ecology combined within an explicitly phylogenetic context
>as a way of really understanding biotic response to long-term environmental
>change, but I have little hope that this will emerge as a dominant theme
>for the multitudes.  Anybody else care to gaze into their crystal ball and
>offer any predictions?
>
>

I think Norm has hit the nail square on the head! The 90's has become IMHO,
the decade of eco-environmental extremeism.  With this extremeism, based on
dubious scientific data, has been a concomitant rise in hard scientific data
 (i.e Greenland ice cores and volcanic aerosols) that refute so called
"global warming" sensu a doomsday scenario. The CFC-ozone depletion link has
not proven either. The best and ONLY way to understand our climate and
biodiversity of the present and near future will be to study the climate,
ecology  and biodiversity of the Phanerozoic, not just ice cores. At least
for the duration of this latest enviro-craze, paleoecologists, and
paleoclimatologists will be in a unique position to influence the outcome of
the (often politically motivated) environmental debate and hopefully, bring
some common sense into the forum. Therefore, paleoenvironmental studies
within a strong geological context is the way to go.

Just my (and I'll probably get flamed for it) 2 cents worth.

                                                    Regards,
                                                    Thomas R. Lipka

                                                   Paleontological/Geological
Studies