CNN iReport

Could it be possible that we could see palm trees growing in the Arctic Circle? Yes it is possible, in fact it has already happened over 50 million years ago. Researchers have discovered sediments from not only palms but oak, pecans, conifers, as well as other tree species. The Arctic in this time period looked more like Florida than the frozen oceans of today. If you listen to some in the media today you would think that the Earth is warmer than it has ever been and we are the cause. While I do agree that we do suck at taking care of our planet, I don't think that man is driving the temperatures up today. It is now fairly well believed that CO2 emissions have very little to do with the rising temps. Emissions are still going up each year but the warmest recorded year was 1998. Also during this time Antarctic ice has increased but gets very little media attention. In fact after a low in 2007 Arctic ice has increased for the last two years. So why do politicians and the media still say we only have a few years to save the planet? With politicians it is a way to keep power by showing that they care about the planet while at the same time taxing "evil corporations" who pollute. I would say that radical enviromentalism started about the same time as communism failed. It is the new home for these who are against anything from the private sector. It is also the easiest way for the United Nations to implement the Global Tax that they have been lobbying for by taxing the rich countries and redistributing however they choose. If Al Gore really cared about the environment would he have electricity bills 20 times the normal rate and jet off to seminars while leaving his limos running during his speeches at the same time he is telling you to bike or walk to work? Is there a problem with our planet? Yes but the solution is to think globally while acting locally. These politicans hurt the real enviromental movement by taking money that would go to people who actually care about the planet  and giving it to those that will give them the best chance at getting re-elected.