Re: [Phys-L] carbon wars

[Jim Diamond <jiminoregon@gmail.com>]

   - *From*: "Folkerts, Timothy J" <FolkertsT@bartonccc.edu>
   - *Date*: Sun, 5 Oct 2014 20:27:25 +0000

------------------------------

"Folkerts, Timothy J" wrote:

John D says
> "You can calculate the amount of carbon that can be dumped
> into the environment before it leads to utter catastrophe,
> such as the end of civilization as we know it, or possibly
> extinction of the human species. This is a finite number,
> on the order of 500 gigatons."
> The remainder your post is a very interesting discussion of how to deal
> with
> this starting assumption. I wonder if you could expand on how you come to
> this
> initial point.
> * What specific "utter catastrophe" do you foresee happening after the
> next 500
> GT of carbon is burned (on the order of 50 years at current rates) that
> could
> kill the human race?
For a look at consequences, please take a look at *Theme Issue 'Four
degrees and beyond: the potential for a global temperature increase of four
degrees and its implications*' compiled and edited by Mark G. New, Diana M.
Liverman, Richard A. Betts, Kevin L. Anderson and Chris  C. West.
http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/369/1934.toc

Best wishes,
Jim
--
James J. Diamond, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Linfield College, McMinnville OR 97128