About 130,000 years ago, an ice age ended and there was a period of few centuries before the next one began. During this lull, Earth’s temperature warmed, glaciers retreated and ice sheets melted. Sea levels rose by up to 20 feet. Scientists warn that this could happen again-and soon. But while the last great thaw was the result of a natural tilt in the Earth’s axis towards the Sun, the next one will be caused by humans, some scientists argue. If global warming continues at its current pace, by 2100 Earth could be up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it is today. If steps are not taken soon to reduce greenhouse emissions, the Arctic will be as warm as it was 130,000 years ago and similar rises in sea level will occur, according to two new studies released today. ‘Although the focus of our work is polar, the implications are global,’ said Bette Otto-Bliesner from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado, who was involved in both studies. ‘These ice sheets melted before and sea levels rose. The warmth needed isn’t that much above present conditions.’ Hot Topic The Controversy […]