I consume a significant amount of news from many sources, including a lot on the refugee crisis. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why what has been going on has been going on as long as it has. Then I saw this article earlier this month. Predictions are that even IF the recently agreed upon emissions goals are met, parts the Middle East and Africa (MENA) could be inhospitable by 2050. By 2100, large swaths of the MENA would be inhospitable to humans. Predictions are that by 2050, there could be 80 days averaging 45C (112F) and that by 2100 more than 200 days per year could reach 50C (122F).
Rather than the complete on utter chaos that would erupt from the mass migration of environmental refugees (think massive number of deaths, wars, global economic collapse), world governments are taking an 'it takes a generation' approach. Mind you, everyone has their theories, ideas and possible reasons behind all of this (which could be being used in and of themselves as motivators and catalysts in this), but we will all be dead or on our way out before the environmental crisis peaks. The next generation will find ways to integrate, ways we don't understand or agree with for our own reasons and beliefs, but they will find a way because by that time there won't be any going back. In the end, despite the tragedies occurring, we may be witnessing the coordinated and possibly now unstoppable start of the best possible outcome, given current politics and beliefs. I'd be interested to hear others thoughts on this.
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un1ty ago
But what if we have the technology to control the weather? What happens to the theory of anthropomorphic global warming?
Put your "weather modification hat on and think about it. There are patents galore. There are secretive frequency stations located all over the place. If we can control the weather, we can make it rain in the desert, cool the hot cities, and freeze the arctic. Alternatively, we can melt the icecaps and flood the coast.
UnknownCitizen ago
I don't doubt that there is some ability to do so, but the earth is big. Like really really really big. So I'm really doubtful there's a button in a bunker that says "rain" on it. Additionally, given the size of the planet, any ability to alter weather wouldn't be an on off switch. The patterns are complex and drawn out. The consequences are as well. It'd probably take significant planning and resources to coordinate a single weather event, let alone alter the planet as a whole.
un1ty ago
Think smaller and more localized. It's no different than recreating the super heated air found above large cities after long hot summer days - where the clouds seem to part as the pass over because of the heat. (this is a bad example)