The latest science is showing that sun spot cycles and very slight deviations in the planets orbit can cause significant climate change. History suggests that these shifts usually occur quickly, last for 100-200 years, then gradually abate. We're also beginning to find out that while CO2 emissions do have an impact on climate change, it's really only really responsible for about 35-40% of the increase in temperature over the past 200 years.

In short, there are many other variables going into play here, more than we initially realized.

What should be our reaction then, given the newest data that's coming out about this issue? Obviously the solution would be to move away from fossil fuels over time, and to move towards more sustainable agricultural and transportation systems, but there is a clear element of the uncontrollable here as well. We can't do much to shield the planet from the rays of the sun, nor can we adjust the orbit of the earth.

These shifts towards more sustainable environmental systems should be occurring anyways, regardless of whether climate change is a factor or not. Damage to our water table, soil resources, and air are impacting human health in very profound ways.

In short, we cannot react in an extreme manner to this situation. Nor should we pass a massive climate change bill that will hurt businesses, implement austerity, and encourage speculation in carbon credits in the world's stock markets.