12 tipping points

October 14, 2004 11:56 PM

The earths 12 "tipping points" where small increases in average temperature due to global warming could produce "sudden and dramatic environmental damage." The canary in a coal mine to keep an eye on. More papers by the Tyndall Center. (via).
posted by stbalbach (5 comments total)

Life on earth has been through any number of tipping points and mass extinctions before. Species died out, other species took their place. The only thing different about now is, y'know, people may be threatened. Frankly, I find myself able to view the prospect of human extinction with a bit of a yawn.
posted by jfuller at 4:57 AM on October 15, 2004

jfuller - It's a blessing, no doubt, to be so thoroughly disinterested in the fate of all life now on Earth.

You're like Dr. Strangelove on Quaaludes.
posted by troutfishing at 5:17 AM on October 15, 2004

I find myself able to view the prospect of human extinction with a bit of a yawn.

The prospect isn't intended for your entertainment value.
posted by stbalbach at 6:26 AM on October 15, 2004

jfuller, you're such fun to discuss with. Try it also with your shrink.
posted by acrobat at 6:49 AM on October 15, 2004

Crimes Against Nature
posted by homunculus at 10:15 AM on October 15, 2004