3 ms·

We do live in an interglacial [1] period, which is a slightly warmer, shorter time in the midst of an ice age. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interglacial h

• User23 8y ago
  For added reference, this is due to astronomical[1], atmospheric, and tectonic causes [2]. Obviously human beings have no control over astronomical or tectonic factors. The claim that the atmospheric factor can override both the astronomical and tectonic factors isn't implausible, but it should be understood that the atmosphere isn't the only or even the primary factor determining the climate. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milankovitch_cycles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milankovitch_cycles [2] https://www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/ice_ages.html https://www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/ice_ages.html
  • cbkeller 8y ago
    Woah woah woah, hold up. Geologist here. The effects of Milankovitch cyclicity and tectonics on climate are entirely mediated through the atmosphere.
    • zerealshadowban 8y ago
      The distinction between proximate and ultimate causes is deeply relevant for science and scientists. For instance, when oceans change, such as el nino, la nina, reversals of enduring currents, or even new connections between seas due to tectonic transformations, that is properly a cause of climate change -- regardless of how much that change is, in fine, mediated by the atmosphere. Atmospheric changes are demonstrably not the only, nor the ultimate causes, of climate change.