This means that water vapor should change the observed amount of carbon dioxide. More water vapor would decrease the observed amount of carbon dioxide at a location and less water vapor would increase the observed amount of carbon dioxide. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is not constant though, due to variations such as time of day, photosynthesis, industrial activity and other factors. This is an inverse relationship that occurs hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and annually and takes place at all the stations examined, according to the author. Egan asks why these data have not been widely publicized.
Scientists have yet to answer the second question.
It is difficult to show how the levels of water vapor have changed, but there is indirect evidence. The increase in carbon dioxide would mean there is less water vapor because of the inverse relationship between the two. Driving an automobile has more environmental impact than the manufacture or disposal of the vehicle according to a recent study conducted by an industry group. The study should be complete in early 1998, said John Sullivan, a scientist with the Ford Motor Company, who is working on the multi-industry project. The information will help our engineers make better environmental decisions that can be integrated with other expectations of Chrysler, Ford, and GM customers, such as afford- ability and performance.