Book contents
- Global Resources and the Environment
- Reviews
- Global Resources and the Environment
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Figure Credits
- Part I Introduction, Dynamic Systems, and Change
- Part II People
- Part III Climates
- 7 Global Distribution of Climates
- 8 Greenhouse Gases, Atmosphere, and Climates
- 9 Past and Future Climate Changes
- Part IV Landforms
- Part V Biodiversity
- Part VI Water
- Part VII Agriculture
- Part VIII Energy
- Part IX Minerals
- Part X Forests
- Part XI Perspective
- Book part
- Index
- Plate Section
- References
9 - Past and Future Climate Changes
from Part III - Climates
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2018
Book contents
- Global Resources and the Environment
- Reviews
- Global Resources and the Environment
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Figure Credits
- Part I Introduction, Dynamic Systems, and Change
- Part II People
- Part III Climates
- 7 Global Distribution of Climates
- 8 Greenhouse Gases, Atmosphere, and Climates
- 9 Past and Future Climate Changes
- Part IV Landforms
- Part V Biodiversity
- Part VI Water
- Part VII Agriculture
- Part VIII Energy
- Part IX Minerals
- Part X Forests
- Part XI Perspective
- Book part
- Index
- Plate Section
- References
Summary
The Earth’s long term climate is always changing. The continents’ positions changed and shifted ocean currents as the continents changed sea passages; mountains form or disappear; and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels change. The Earth’s Ice Age for the past 2.6 million years is because of global mountain positions. During this time, glaciers advanced and retreated—and the Earth has cooled and warmed—based on systematic variations in the Earth’s orbit around the sun. The Earth has been in a rare “mild” climate period for the past 12,000 years. Glaciers covered much of Europe and Canada; low latitudes were hotter and drier; and oceans were 300 meters lower 17,000 years ago. The Earth is scheduled to leave its mild period and may already be doing so, with a noticeable drying of low latitudes. Many scientists suggest the glaciers may not return soon because of the Earth’s warming with GHG's. Whether Milankovitch cycles or GHG's dominate, the Earth’s climate will continue to change. And, preparing for uncertain changes can allow people to fare them well. Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide is probably a priority, since its effects are less certain than Milankovitch cycle changes.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Global Resources and the Environment , pp. 116 - 134Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2018
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