| Rath said: Actually this period right now (Holocene I think its called) seems to be about optimal for humans - it's probably why civilization has exploded during it. Both global warming and cooling would have major effects and neither would be good for us. Also civilization exploded just as much during the Little Ice Age as during the MWP |
Yes, the Holocene Interglacial, you have it right.
On the issue of optimal climate for humans I have to point out that we are not a static species in terms of survival capabilities, we have a wide range of climates we can survive in and warmth happens to be one we thrive in quite a bit where as cold is significantly harder on us (both from an exposure to the elements as well as food development standpoint, ie the basics of shelter and food). And these are only what we are capable of now without evolutionary advantages (both biological and technological) that would come about if the climate did change to a large degree to allow us to adapt to the situation.
Extreme temps can obviously be bad, but the fact is that there is a reason more people live near the equator than live near either pole. We are better equipped biologically to handle heat than we are cold.
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| To Each Man, Responsibility |
