Global warming tipping point could trigger ice age
Temperatures in Western Europe could fall by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius over the course of the century. While this may sound good in an era of rising temperatures around the world, such a climate event would have devastating consequences for agriculture. As one climate scientist told Inside Climate News, it would be like “trying to grow potatoes in Northern Norway.” According to Slate, other places (such as Norway) will simply become too cold for human habitation.
Scientists do not rule out the onset of an ice age
A new study shows just how important the ozone layer is to the living world. Without it, the planet would be 3.5° colder than it is today, and temperatures would approach ice age levels. In this case, the amount of carbon dioxide would remain unchanged. According to the authors of the work, the main effect of ozone deficiency will be cooling of the upper layers of the stratosphere. Colder air cannot hold as much moisture, so the stratosphere will become drier. Water vapor is an important greenhouse gas, so without it the Earth’s overall greenhouse effect would be reduced.
Scientists observe increased amounts of salt in water bodies
The global salt cycle in nature is disrupted, which leads to salinization of fresh water, and the distribution of salt by ocean currents plays a role in regulating surface water temperature and sea level.