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Carbon Emissions 'Will Defer Ice Age'

Posted by Soulskill on from the not-cool dept.

Sven-Erik writes "Due to subtle variations in the Earth's orbit, researchers have calculated that the next Ice Age is due within 1,500 years. However, a new study suggests greenhouse gas emissions mean it will not happen that soon (abstract). 'Dr Skinner's group ... calculates that the atmospheric concentration of CO2 would have to fall below about 240 parts per million (ppm) before the glaciation could begin. The current level is around 390ppm. Other research groups have shown that even if emissions were shut off instantly, concentrations would remain elevated for at least 1,000 years, with enough heat stored in the oceans potentially to cause significant melting of polar ice and sea level rise.'"

4 of 347 comments (clear)

  1. Been there, done that. by sconeu · · Score: 4, Informative

    Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle and Michael Flynn.

    Fallen Angels

    --
    General Relativity: Space-time tells matter where to go; Matter tells space-time what shape to be.
  2. Re:So why to we bitch about global warming? by forkfail · · Score: 4, Informative

    Maybe because of this:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15342682

    --
    Check your premises.
  3. Offtopic info.... by rts008 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Good book, IMHO.

    For those interested, "Fallen Angels" is available at Jim Baen's Free Library to read online, or download. (linked below)
    "Fallen Angels"

    *Discaimer*
    I'm just an enthusiastic fanboy, not affiliated with Baen Books in any way other than being a happy customer.*

    --
    Down With Slashdot BETA!!! I've been around the corner and seen the oliphant; you can only abuse me from your perspecti
  4. Re:This is good news. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Good luck finding habitable land at the North Pole!