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Climate is any long term change in weather. Most climate studies use five year running averages to show trends. Two or three cold years is just a cold spell, it does not necessarily herald any change in climate. By the time the fifth year of a trend sets in (more rain, less rain, etc.) we can say with a measure of confidence that climate appears to be changing.

If it changes back, the five year record was still long enough to represent a little change. Climate change driven by natural events typically occurs over very long time scales. You may hear people say that the 11 year solar cycle drives earth's climate. This claim is baseless, in that we have never determined any 11 year climate cycle. The measured solar variation over the past four decades is considered too small to have any measurable impact on earth's climate.

We have charted earth's temperature increase over the past century, and the rate of ocean level rise. We have every reason to anticipate this well established trend will not ony continue, but accelerate, just as it accelerated each of the past three decades. The rate of increase has slowed this decade, which climate scientists attribute to the unpredictable vagaries of weather, but the change is still increasing. Climate change does not mean each year must be a new record year.

The threat of climate change is not so much against individual survival, but instead a source of economic hardship. Continuing ocean rise will eventually threaten coastal areas around the world, flooding crop land, increasing droughts, and displacing populations. Our species is quite adaptable and we could drive atmospheric CO2 levels about 10 times higher than they are currently before increasing direct risk to human health. We just recentlly broached 400 ppm, and the recommended long term exposure limit is about 5000 ppm.

The environmental impact of raising CO2 anywhere near this level would, of course, be catastrophic. Many scientists suspect 350 ppm may be the maximum sustainable level for atmopsheric CO2 concentrations.

So while the survival of our species is not being called into question by continued climate change, the environmental disaster caused by floods, droughts, and storms is anticipated to eventually result in the deaths of hundreds of millions of people, plus the extinction of numerous other species.

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How long do we have to survive if climate change does not stop?

Some scientists think the human race has a 50:50 chance of surviving beyond 2100 if climate change continues.


How many people would it take to trash Antarctica to change the climate?

Trashing Antarctica (no matter which way) will not stop climate change (if that is the question).The way to stop climate change is:Change from fossil fuel energy (coal, oil and natural gas) to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro).Replant the great forests of the world so they can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.


How long can a human survive with food or water?

With food and water, only sickness or injury will stop you from reaching your natural Life.


What is the problem of climate change?

We know about global warming, andwhat causes it (carbon emissions growing in the atmosphere),and how we can stop it (stop burning fossil fuel, stop deforestation, use renewable energy),and we know it is causing climate change.We don't know what climate change will do. It will probably:make some places wettermake some places driermake storms and hurricanes more powerfulcause faminescause rivers to dry upflood low lying lands near the oceansmean millions of people looking for better places to live.All these can cause immense amounts of damage and death. That is the problem of climate change.


Is there any ways that the world can stop global warming?

No there is not. Climate change/global warming or cooling is a natural phenomena. We may be able to reduce the rate of change by sensible use of energy.

Related Questions

How long do we have to survive if climate change does not stop?

Some scientists think the human race has a 50:50 chance of surviving beyond 2100 if climate change continues.


How long will climate change carry on for?

Global warming and climate change will carry on for ever if we don't stop burning coal and oil. We have to change to renewable energy, stop burning fossil fuels and plant billions of trees.


Why is the rainforest being destroyed and how can you stop it?

Talk to the minister of climate change


What were the initial aims of the Australian labor party?

To stop climate change


What is a long-term solution to the drought in Africa?

Implementing sustainable water management practices such as rainwater harvesting, building infrastructure for water storage and irrigation, promoting drought-resistant crops, and providing education and support to farmers on sustainable agricultural practices can help mitigate the impact of drought in Africa in the long term. Additionally, addressing issues of deforestation and climate change can also contribute to long-term solutions for drought.


How do you help climate change?

try and stop using cars that run on gas


What laws Barack Obama trying to pass to stop climate change?

none


How long do you have to survive if climate change doesnt stop?

Chances are you would probably live close to the same length of time as you normally would. While climate change can potentially have very damaging effects, it is not an apocalyptic scenario. Some people will suffer and die as a result of its effects, but the vast majority will survive it.A:The Astronomer Royal, Sir Martin Rees, in Britain (rather like the Chief Scientist) was asked, "What are the chances of the human race surviving beyond 2100?" He replied, "Fifty-fifty!"


Will the earth stop turning if global warming continues?

NO, the revolution of the Earth is not impacted by climate change.


What can government and big businesses do to stop climate change?

Government can take a ban on CFC's. Business men can stop using CFC's in industry.


What can you do to stop global warming and climate change?

you can stop local warming by becoming more echo freindly.So recycle more and stay green.


How many people would it take to trash Antarctica to change the climate?

Trashing Antarctica (no matter which way) will not stop climate change (if that is the question).The way to stop climate change is:Change from fossil fuel energy (coal, oil and natural gas) to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro).Replant the great forests of the world so they can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.