I would point out that if you're a believer in the Bible, one would have to say the Great Flood is an example of climate change and that certainly wasn't because mankind had overdeveloped hydrocarbon energy.

In this quote, Joe Barton, a former U.S. congressman, makes an intriguing comparison between the Great Flood described in the Bible and climate change. Barton suggests that if one believes in the biblical account of the flood, it can be viewed as an example of dramatic climatic shifts, even though it occurred long before humanity's use of hydrocarbon energy like oil and coal. This statement implies that significant climatic events may occur naturally, independent of human activities, challenging the notion that human development and industrialization are solely responsible for modern climate change.

Barton’s origin for making this comparison lies in his long-standing position as a conservative politician and critic of the prevailing narratives on global warming. He is known for advocating against the idea that humanity's reliance on fossil fuels is the primary driver of climate change. By invoking the Great Flood, he emphasizes the possibility of natural climate fluctuations, suggesting that dramatic environmental shifts have occurred historically without human influence.

The phrase “overdeveloped hydrocarbon energy” underscores Barton’s view that the current debate around climate change often places too much blame on human energy consumption. In his view, natural events like the Great Flood serve as a reminder that climatic extremes might not necessarily be caused by modern industrial practices, but could be part of natural cycles.

Ultimately, Barton’s quote presents an alternative perspective on climate change, one that challenges the dominant scientific consensus that human activities—particularly the burning of fossil fuels—are the primary cause of current environmental issues. It reflects his broader skepticism of climate change policies that call for major reductions in carbon emissions.