Two Degrees, Plus or Minus

Just before I began writing this morning, I checked the reporting stations locally for the temperature via Weather Underground. The range for the 19 locations was 31.1-36.9F. I tossed one out—registering 49—which I think suggests direct sunlight, perhaps enclosed.

By the way, the elevation differential for the sites runs about 250’.

My new wireless temperature gauge—showing 33.1 at the time—is no high grade, professional model, and its tolerance is plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit. But, apparently the reading is in the ballpark of mostly about right, not too warm, not too cool.

In the past month or so I’ve watched various discussions about climate and geology that fuel such heated discourse and policy debate. Whatever flavors you might prefer, oh they’re out there. From solar cycles to CO2 levels to magnetic disturbances to geological business as usual.

Although I am no fan of cold weather, I do have a rooting interest in enough chill hours (below 40 degrees) for my fruit trees. But will not want freezing temperatures to harm tender buds. Somehow it all needs to be just about right.

Of course, CO2 is critical to plants and trees and so parts per million (ppm) do matter. Too few shuts down photosynthesis and more than enough is not productive. Obviously, professional growers using greenhouses are very necessarily on a need-to-know quest to optimize their crops.

All this information got me thinking, what about greenhouse worker safety, and by extension the rest of us. Oklahoma State University recommends alarms sounding when interior CO2 levels reach 2,000 ppm, which is 5 times the current atmospheric level. I am not in the quibbling mood regarding that assertion, and so just let it go.

At 5,000 ppm OKU folks think fatalities will occur.

Well, that sums up the issue. Except that "'Data collected on nine nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines indicate an average CO2 concentration of 3,500 ppm with a range of 0-10,600 ppm, and data collected on 10 nuclear-powered attack submarines indicate an average CO2 concentration of 4,100 ppm with a range of 300-11,300 ppm,' according to a 2007 National Research Council report on exposure issues facing submarine crews".

The report goes on to state few health problems seem associated with the CO2 levels.

Say what? You know, I want to be informed, I want to understand the world as it affects me, us.

Egads! Enough.

Current temperature, 35.6F. Say it with me, plus or minus 2 degrees.