Comments to this story http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527103528.htm from climateprogress.org

Alex J Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
It’s true that our ancestors learned to adapt and survive in the face of climate change. Well, either that or failed as a society, depending on where you look. But lest we think adaptation will occur with little cost and disruption to life as we know it, consider that the example given in that article was of REGIONAL climate change affecting a relatively small population. Today, we’re poised to accelerate changes beyond anything experienced by civilization, and on a global-scale involving an interconnected world of billions of people. So while this research may offer some insight into adaptation techniques, I’m not sure we can make a direct comparison to how nations today will rebuild infrastructure, secure reliable perennial water supplies, modify agriculture etc., on a massive scale. Actually starting to address the root of the issue rather than risking future economic health and quality of life still looks like a more responsible approach.

David B. Benson Says:
May 30th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Dorothy — Way to go, but in the long run need to bring it down to below 300 ppm CO2e.

Gail Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
May 30th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Alex J, I agree. There is no precedent for the number of people on the planet simultaneously facing widespread food, water, and energy shortages.

I see it going one of two ways, no middle ground. Either the global culture will be transformed into international cooperation and support, with people realizing there are no life boats for this Titanic; or it’s a Mad Max, every man for himself slugfest.

So there is hope that we will see a magically higher level of human understanding (albeit in a world impoverished by the massive loss of species - that’s inevitable and in fact, already occurring) and then there is the fear that we will have a total breakdown of social norms into pandemonium punctuated by police states.

When you start thinking about it, it gets kinda scary.