>> The worst case scenario for global warming is that it's an extinction-level event and civilization ends.
>I don't buy that. Beginning of a new dark age with a breakdown of civilization and loss of advancements? Yes. Extinction-level event? No.
Extinction-level event is a scientific term which refers to the rate of extinctions and the associated loss of biodiversity, it doesn't necessarily mean that we all die. And if you think there's a meaningful distinction between "civilization ends" and "breakdown of civilization"... wow, okay.
> Extinction-level event is a scientific term which refers to the rate of extinctions and the associated loss of biodiversity, it doesn't necessarily mean that we all die.
By the scientific definition, I will agree that climate change can be an extinction event. However, I still stand by my assertion that it will not end civilization.
> And if you think there's a meaningful distinction between "civilization ends" and "breakdown of civilization"... wow, okay.
"Civilization ends" is total and permanent. "Breakdown of civilization" is partial and temporary. That is why I referenced a dark age. We have been through civilization breakdowns before, albeit not since we became globally connected.
One thing to keep in mind is that all the easily-accessible sources of petrochemical energy have already been tapped. With our existing bootstrapped infrastructure, we can get at far less accessible energy sources. If we lose that infrastructure, it seems very very likely to me that humanity will never get back to its present state.
>I don't buy that. Beginning of a new dark age with a breakdown of civilization and loss of advancements? Yes. Extinction-level event? No.
Extinction-level event is a scientific term which refers to the rate of extinctions and the associated loss of biodiversity, it doesn't necessarily mean that we all die. And if you think there's a meaningful distinction between "civilization ends" and "breakdown of civilization"... wow, okay.