Climate Change: A Cycle Not a Trend?

authordefault
on

Those who deny the reality of climate change like to point out that dramatic weather events have occurred in the past; they argue that we may be in the midst of a cycle we don’t understand, rather than a trend caused by human activity.

New research from the U.S. National Science Foundation looks at a previous “cycle” – one that occurred 55 million years ago and that resulted in warming-induced changes in sea circulation that appear similar to what are currently occurring in the northern hemisphere.

For those who would take comfort in the cyclical argument, consider that on the earlier occasion, the “cycle” took 20,000 years to reverse itself – a little beyond our current planning horizon.

Related Posts

on

Proposed legislation would further lower regulatory hurdles, despite environmental and public health risks.

Proposed legislation would further lower regulatory hurdles, despite environmental and public health risks.
on

Insiders aren’t surprised as ExxonMobil, the last remaining proponent of green algae biofuel, ends research.

Insiders aren’t surprised as ExxonMobil, the last remaining proponent of green algae biofuel, ends research.
on

Bayer’s efforts to sway public opinion are part of a strategy to “fight any sustainable transition which would harm its business”, say campaigners.

Bayer’s efforts to sway public opinion are part of a strategy to “fight any sustainable transition which would harm its business”, say campaigners.
Opinion
on

Greece’s worst rail disaster ever is the result of the same corporate cost-cutting and deregulation that led to East Palestine and Lac-Mégantic disasters.

Greece’s worst rail disaster ever is the result of the same corporate cost-cutting and deregulation that led to East Palestine and Lac-Mégantic disasters.