Recent research suggests that Earth could soon be affected by a mini ice age for several decades – a phenomenon that could reverse damage from global warming.
A Mini Ice Age
Changes in the Earth’s temperature of any kind tend to have negative effects on its inhabitants, as the majority of life on the planet depends on an environment with relatively stable conditions. As Earth has heated up – largely due to human interference – more and more animals are losing their habitats, and the negative effects will soon start to affect humans as well.
Recent research led by Valentina Zharkova at Northumbria University suggests that there may be hope for us after all. An upcoming mini ice age may have the potential to reverse some of the major damage we’ve caused to our environment.
“I hope global warning will be overridden by this effect, giving humankind and the Earth 30 years to sort out our pollution,” said Zharkova.
It’s clear that the government and populace at large is slow to act to correct the impending disaster caused by global warming. With an outlook focused on maximizing profits and convenience, our pollution and overconsumption is wreaking havoc on the environment. While a mini ice age may be the resolution we so desperately need, it will only last a couple of decades. During that time, we’ll need to take major steps forward if we’re to save our planet from a slow and horrible destruction.
By 2030, the temperatures here on Earth could be so cold that the river Thames freezes over completely. This mini ice age is not the first of its kind, with a similar occurrence taking place between the 13th and 17th century. While chillier conditions may not be comfortable, a mini ice age would be a welcome change from the rapidly heating conditions that are starting to have major effects on our planet.
A Time-Sensitive Reprieve
As mentioned above, a mini ice age could truly work wonders on our rapidly heating Earth. If the mini ice age is to actually occur, however, it appears as if it will only be around for less than 30 years. That seems like a long time, but in planetary terms it’s a simple blip. Legislation is slow and governments are resistant to change. We may have a momentary reprieve from the slow decline, but it will start right back up again if we’re not careful to correct the error of our ways.
Zharkova has confirmed that any damage from global warming that has been undone by a mini ice age will once again become a major issue when the next “solar maximum” begins around the 2050s.
“Any global warming damage that is undone will be instantly reversed again when the next solar maximum begins in the 2050s.”
The impending mini ice age is a welcome relief, but 30 years isn’t a very long time in the grand scheme of things. If we’re to preserve our planet for generations to come, the government, corporations, and the population at large will have to adjust habits and practices to live in a more sustainable way.
