Hot Ice

Author’s Notes

I’m unaware of any evidence of grapes growing in Iceland, today or during the Medieval Warm Period (c. 800–1300), but there is no doubt that wine grapes were (and are again) grown in improbably northern latitudes. Iceland does have a local “wine,” however. It is made from berries, not grapes.

The fact that some ice caps, or glaciers, are melting is true. But then, some, as noted in the story, are growing. As far as I know, no one has come up with a plausible explanation for the inconsistency.

The hockey stick and the Climatic Research Unit have, in fact, been pretty well discredited. Dr. Kench’s study of the growth/diminution of Pacific islands is accurately, if briefly, described. That does not mean, however, that there is no real global warming or that it isn’t caused by CO2 emissions. Doesn’t mean that it is, either. Reputable scientists on both sides are still unable to convince either one another or those who stand to politically or economically profit from either side of the controversy.

The only thing that is certain is that the statement that “there is no disputing global warming or its cause” is grossly inaccurate. The debate is likely to continue for years. Perhaps into the next ice age.

I plead the excuse of literary license for rearranging the geography of part of Old San Juan. Although there are houses built into the old wall, Calle Luna 23 is not one of them, nor are there residences along the fortifications of the three-story town house variety.

Likewise as to the carbon-credit scam participated in by the Chinese company. The research required to adequately understand the market in carbon credits is not justified by the brief mention of it here and neither is the long and boring explanation necessary to explain it.

Although I haven’t tried it, I’m told the sugar-saltpeter combination makes a safe and workable smoke bomb.

G. L.

2013