04-15-10, 11:56 PM
Iceland launched an assault on Global Warming, pumping tons of ash, smoke, fluoride and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
While many fear Eyjafjallajokull, mainly because they can’t pronounce it, JPL scientist note that all of the previous eruptions were precursors to more massive activity from the neighbouring Katla volcano.
The last time Eyjafjallajokull had an episode was in 1821, pouring tonnes of ash containing toxic fluoride gas into the atmosphere. It lasted not 24 hours, but until 1823, causing the deaths of many cattle and sheep through fluoride poisoning. (Industry leaders did note that the cattle had fewer cavities)
While many bemoan the cessation of air traffic due to the ash cloud, scientist say this will actually slow global warming, since air traffic is the cause of at least 15 to 20% of global warming in the arctic regions. (The amount elsewhere is still uncertain)
The ash and smoke also reflects sunlight, or at least blocks it from reaching the troposphere, further reducing global temperatures.
While Greenpeace activist celebrate Mother Earth “fighting back” against climate change, experts on volcanoes caution against too much jubilation.
“This could just be the start of a really large event, which could lower temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere by several degrees.” said one unnamed researcher. (he didn’t want his name used, because you know how the bloggers will react to that)
While Icelanders fear a drastic event could be disastrous for the area, they are welcoming the tourist, who are the only thing keeping their economy going right now.
Meanwhile in London, travelers complained about canceled flights and worried about when they could once again fly all over the planet whenever they felt like it.
In Bangladesh, farmers worried about rising sea levels celebrated the news.
A local farmer said, “If this will slow down the ocean rising and killing millions of us, then I am happy it is happening.”
Leaders cautioned that just because one volcano has erupted, this doesn’t mean we can stop fighting CO2 emissions, and urged people to remember that even if this does slow down global warming, we are still in grave danger.
Shortly before he was killed by toxic fumes, our reporter asked Eyjafjallajokull if this was motivated by a desire to help out the planet.
Eyjafjallajokull told us, “What? no, I just had to go, you know? You want to go talk to Mount Tambora, now he will put you back in to an ice age in a few years if you want.”
