<[log in to unmask]> wrote: >I speculate that a bit of global warming would benefit my bees. Upstate New York is a harsh climate on honey bee colonies. Yes, but we don't know how warming would affect us and if it would be a benefit at all. It might cause the bees to build up earlier, only to suffer setbacks during a rainy, damp spring. Like having fruit trees bloom too early puts them at risk for losing the fruit set due to seasonal frost. Warming might be good for some and not for others. In the south it could create drought. Underlying this, however, is: what does it mean to be informed and what is the role of science in our lives? I certainly wouldn't dismiss global warming prediction because it depends on computer modeling. Computer models are supplied with increasingly excellent data. For example: New NASA Technology Helps Forecasters in Severe Weather Season When severe thunderstorms and tornadoes strike, communities often have only a few precious minutes to react. New NASA technology and satellite data is giving weather forecasters the tools they need to improve warning lead times, critical in ensuring the public can get to shelter before a storm. NASA relies on its Earth-observing satellites and models to understand the way the atmosphere, lands and ocean interact. Satellite data, including surface wind data from QuikScat and rainfall data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) enhances NOAA's weather model forecasts. Recent research has suggested that adding NASA satellite data and model output to NOAA forecasts could increase tornado warning lead times by 18 minutes. NASA's Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is working with NWS meteorologists across the southern United States to improve severe weather forecasting. SPoRT provides real-time lightning data to surrounding NWS forecast offices for use in weather warning decision making. Finally, scheduled for launch in June 2004, NASA's Aura satellite will provide temperature and moisture information. That data will provide a clearer atmospheric picture, and will help improve computer model weather forecasts :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::