[charles1948]

The human population continues to rise most rapidly in flood-prone, low-lying coastal zones at the same time as sea levels are increasing.

We'll build walls, to keep the sea away.  Do you think we can't do that?

[Bored chemist]

Do you think we can't do that?

What anyone thinks is beside the point. The evidence shows that sea walls fail.

[Kryptid]

The human population continues to rise most rapidly in flood-prone, low-lying coastal zones at the same time as sea levels are increasing.

We'll build walls, to keep the sea away.  Do you think we can't do that?

That would be quite a wall. A wall that we could not afford to be broken. It would be an awfully big risk with disastrous consequences if it were ever breached.

[Colin2B]

That would be quite a wall. A wall that we could not afford to be broken. It would be an awfully big risk with disastrous consequences if it were ever breached.

Sounds like we should employ Trump as a consultant. I seem to remember he’s really big on walls.

[Petrochemicals]

The human population continues to rise most rapidly in flood-prone, low-lying coastal zones at the same time as sea levels are increasing.

We'll build walls, to keep the sea away.  Do you think we can't do that?

That would be quite a wall. A wall that we could not afford to be broken. It would be an awfully big risk with disastrous consequences if it were ever breached.

At 20cm we could just landfill all the area with our rubbish and we'd be safe for centuries!

[alancalverd]

The usual characters found a magic bottle. Out popped the genie, who said "You know the score: one wish each, no limits."

The American said "I want to feed the world." "No problem, Boss. Go and plant your walking stick in Death Valley. It will be a fertile forest in a week, with a fish-filled river running through meadows of corn."

The Frenchman said "I want a 5 meter wall around France to preserve our wonderful cuisine, language and customs from foreign influence". "Bien sur, mon ami, c'est accompli."

The Englishman said "About that wall. Is it completely impervious and structurally sound?" "Yes, mate." "Now fill it with water."

[jeffreyH]

The American said "I want to feed the world."

With propaganda.

[Kryptid]

At 20cm we could just landfill all the area with our rubbish and we'd be safe for centuries!

And if you thought pollution in the ocean was bad before, well...

[CliffordK]

If one looks at the Eocene Temperature Maximum, it was much hotter than it is today.



It isn't necessarily a bad thing overall.  However, it brings "Change" with it.

I.E.  Changes in our coastlines, changes in arable land, changes in storms, etc. 

And changes in species. 

However, humanity does better if everything is the same.  We don't want species to change.  We don't want deserts to become tropical forests, and farms to become deserts.  We don't want coasts to recede.  And, of course, some species to become extinct and new species to either move, or evolve (which normally might take thousands or millions of years).

Of course a little winter warming might be pleasant, but are we prepared for those 110°F summer days?

[Bored chemist]

The real answer to "Why is Global Warming a threat?" is
"Because it is fast."

[charles1948]

The word "threat" has negative connotations.  Which imply that it's something to be scared of, and run away from.

Like animals do. When they're confronted by some surprising new phenomenon, they run away whimpering and hide.

But humans are made of braver stuff.  We don't get scared by something new.  Instead we think: "How can we exploit this, and turn it to our benefit"

Aren't there many benefits offered by Global Warming?

[Bored chemist]

But humans are made of braver stuff.  We don't get scared by something new.  Instead we think: "How can we exploit this, and turn it to our benefit"

And then we get eaten by the lion.

[charles1948]

We won't be eaten by lions, as we'll soon have shot them all.  And good riddance.  Domestic cats are OK

That's progress.  Isn't it?

[Bored chemist]

No.
Ask a lion.

[Kryptid]

That's progress.  Isn't it?

Progress towards... what?

[charles1948]

That's progress.  Isn't it?

Progress towards... what?

Towards a nicer world. Where horrible things like viruses are got rid of.  Permanently.





 

[alancalverd]

Arguably the only horrible species is homo sapiens - it seems to be unique in enjoying cruelty, both to its own species and to others. Fortunately it has bred itself into a very fragile ecological niche which is likely to shrink  over the next 50 - 100 years.

[charles1948]

Arguably the only horrible species is homo sapiens - it seems to be unique in enjoying cruelty, both to its own species and to others. Fortunately it has bred itself into a very fragile ecological niche which is likely to shrink  over the next 50 - 100 years.

Homo Sapiens has developed Science.  This will enable us to overcome anything.  I deplore your negative attitude.

[Kryptid]

Homo Sapiens has developed Science.  This will enable us to overcome anything.

Unless our scientific expertise leads us to extinction first (via something like nuclear war, man-made pandemics, etc.).

[Bored chemist]

Homo Sapiens has developed Science.  This will enable us to overcome anything.

Unless our scientific expertise leads us to extinction first (via something like nuclear war, man-made pandemics, etc.).

Or maybe by global warming.