Global warming? What the heck is that?

Sure, we've had the mildest winter since…..well, I don't know when – I've only lived in NOVA for 23 years.

Yep. Global warming is upon us. But wait.

Think back a couple of winters ago and over 80 inches of snow. Global warming? Baloney, one could say!

Still, as a lifelong water guy, I can't help but be nervous. Why?

Because about 95 percent of the world's climate scientists say that global warming and the accompanying climate change is occurring. They point out that the human race has an insatiable desire for fossil fuels, and the carbon dioxide released by the burning of fossil fuels is exacerbating global warming. Know what?

I believe the 95 percent. If, during the 21st century, global warming accelerates ice melt in Antarctica and Greenland causing sea level rises of even only a few feet, the world will have serious problems.

Not everyone believes global warming is occurring. What about the five percent of climate scientists and probably a larger percent of the public who deny global warming, or more rightly deny that carbon dioxide emissions are accelerating a natural process?

This very vocal minority, according to some sources, has attempted to discredit legitimate work by outstanding scientists. They do this not with science of their own, but rather with attacks and innuendoes on the integrity of the individual they have targeted.

Want an example? How about prominent climate scientist Michael Mann of Penn State, previously of UVA? Ask him about how Virginia Attorney General Cuccinelli, a climate change skeptic, went after him issuing subpoenas for his research on global temperature while he was on the faculty at UVA.

Just a few days ago, a Virginia court ruled against Cuccinelli.

One of the most vocal anti-global warming organizations has been the Heartland Institute, a 28-year-old Chicago-based think tank. For several years, the well-funded Heartland, which declined to release the names of individual or corporate contributors, has been on a crusade of global warming denial.

Recently, a prominent climate scientist, Peter Gleick of the Pacific Institute, who, frustrated about trying to learn about Heartland by conventional means, used a false name to obtain documents from Heartland that he then released. After he admitted doing this, Gleick rationalized his actions as frustration with "often anonymous, well funded and coordinated" attacks on climate scientists.

It turns out that over the years, some of Heartland's backers have included General Motors, Exxon Mobil and others many of whom have been involved one way or another with fossil fuels. Even knowing this, it strikes me that Gleick's unfortunate actions may have done more harm than good to the 95 percent of scientists who understand that global warming is a legitimate concern.

Interestingly, those who deny global warming have found some willing listeners in the current group of presidential candidates. A few quotes. Romney: "We don't know what's causing climate change." Santorum: "….junk science." Paul: "hoax." Gingrich calls for replacement of the EPA.

So what happens in the future regarding global warming?

My take: Scientists will continue to warn us of severe consequences if we don't cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. Those who now deny global warming will continue to deny global warming. So who's right?

Only time will tell, but if the 95 percent are correct, the consequences may be catastrophic.

In the meantime, what am I going to do if the creek does rise? I'm thinking seriously of putting my house on stilts!