Eli's Ideal climate
In fearsome retreat the denialists are raising the flag of climate change is normal. They ask what the ideal climate would be
As I said somewhere else, you ask what was the idea global temperature? Well, I guess that depends if you own a mansion on one of the US east coast barrier islands, or a hut in Bangladesh, both of which would be comprehensively flooded on a temperature rise of a few degrees C.
However, recalling that civilization has existed while the global temperature was in a rather limited range, maybe +/- 1 or 2 C from today, I think that the answer is rather clear. Given that the global temperature in recent ice ages was only about 8 C lower than today, I think we have a pretty strong lower bound on that too.
When it comes to the human species as a whole, which can adapt to climate change of a few degrees plus or minus, the idea of an "ideal" climate may indeed not have much meaning.
ReplyDeleteBut for individuals and even countries who are not equipped to adapt (eg, those living in Tuvalu, Bangladesh, etc) it has a very real meaning.
The same is true for some other species who have evolved over millions of years to survive within very narrow temperature ranges (particualrly those plants and animals that are stuck in one place).
But hey, it's survival of the fittest, winner take all. It just leaves more for those of us who are left.
Unlike many, yr humble rabett recognizes that he will be the first into the Hasenpfeffer pot. Although we come from noble lineage, we traveled steerage on the trip to the great western carrot fields.
ReplyDeleteThe assumption that they and theirs are going to survive is just that, an assumption, and a dangerous one at that.
But I thought rabbits (or "rabetts," for those of noble lineage) could just hop -- and hump-- on over to greener pastures (they breed like rabbits, which makes for quick adaptation)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, would "rabett" be the Welsh spelling by any chance?
Given the amout of beer I had consumed before naming this blog, let it be said that Rabett is Welsh like.
ReplyDelete