Re: Life on Earth a Game of Jenga, Citizen, May 13
Todd Whitcombe is right to take the long geological view.
Earth has been hot before. For example, about 34 million years ago the average temperature was about ten degrees Celsius warmer than now, but life on Earth was not conducive to human life and we are hurtling toward those conditions at a far faster rate than ever before. Animal and plant life have little time to adjust to accommodate a hotter climate.
Although much is being done to reduce carbon emissions, increasing population with resulting energy demands work against these efforts. Climatologists agree that the correct world population for sustainable life on Earth is about 2.5 billion, which existed in 1950. It has since tripled in 70 years. The previous tripling interval was 200 years (1750-1950).
Equatorial regions of Earth are becoming too hot and dry for sufficient food growth. Food migrations will increase with colossal negative outcomes.
The increased atmospheric energy indicated by higher temperatures makes weather events far more severe and destructive.
In short, as author Whitcombe predicted, we are on the verge of the sixth major extinction event in Earth's history. Billions, not millions, will perish.
If certain conditions arise where Earth's water evaporates entirely ("Runaway" Greenhouse Effect) it is possible that Earth could wind up like our sister planet Venus which is super hot with no detectable life.
The future does not look bright for humanity but we must be realistic or too little will be done in time..
Donald A. Fraser
Prince George
