In the nearest one slate Articles titled “I used to hope that humans will become extinct. Now, I know that fantasy can give us a easy way out.” Author Lizzie Wade believes that humans are in extinction due to climate change, which shows that a rise in global temperatures of 4°C can achieve the end of modern civilization. [emphasis, links added]
This claim is not only an alarmist; it is ridiculous.
Today’s available evidence suggests that humans are more resilient than ever, able to adapt to changing climates and are supported by hundreds of years of technological and medical advances.
Contrary to the end of the world slate, Human beings are currently experiencing the golden age.
Consider the indicator: Over the past century, global life expectancy has more than doubled, food production has been at an all-time high, and access to clean water, health care and education is available.
According to the World Bank, life expectancy worldwide has increased from 52 years in 1960 to 73 years in 2023. slate The blame for the coming Revelation.
Historically, colder periods such as the Little Ice Age (1300-1850) were characterized by widespread famine, crop failure and social decline. Meanwhile, warm periods like the Middle Ages Warm Period (900-1300) saw the expansion of agriculture, population growth and the rise of major civilizations.
If the temperature is higher and is born catastrophic, how do we explain the prosperity of these warmer times?
The reality is that warmth promotes life, while cold has brought more suffering and death in history.
Consider the following figure.
It clearly shows that as we evolved technically ahead of time, while warming slightly over the past century, the risk of death in the climate is close to zero.
this slate The article relies heavily on the claim that a 4°C rise in temperature will trigger social collapse. But where does this number come from? It repeatedly overestimates the warming trend based on speculative climate models.
A glance at the performance of climate to historical climate models shows that these models can often predict more warming than what happens.
For example, the CMIP6 climate model (the latest climate forecast used by IPCC) has a warming rate of up to 50% compared to the observed satellite data.
However, slate Despite decades of inaccurate models, these exaggerated predictions are taken as certainty.
Likewise, it is ridiculous that modern humans will respond to warm temperatures in the way the primitive Neanderthals did. Unlike prehistoric ancestors, we have advanced agricultural technology, desalination plants, irrigation systems, air conditioning and fast transport networks.
In short, we have unprecedented adaptability.
this slate The article implies that human extinction is a realistic consequence of climate change, but it cannot explain human beings’ unparalleled adaptability and innovation capabilities.
These technologies can be used by society today, allowing us to thrive in a variety of climates – from the hot deserts of Dubai to the icy Arctic outposts.
Consider agriculture.
In response to the dust bowl of the 1930s, American farmers adopted advanced irrigation techniques, soil conservation methods, and drought-resistant crops. Today, genetic engineering is producing crops that can withstand extreme temperatures, droughts and pests.
The International Institute of Food Policy has documented how Despite climate variability, agricultural output continues to increase driven by technological advances.
Furthermore, adaptation is not only theoretically – it is already happening. Coastal cities like Miami are implementing strong flood control measures, while countries like Israel are still downplaying the world to ensure freshwater despite drought conditions.
This shows that humans cannot survive just at 4°C temperatures, which is a serious underestimation of our ability.
Let's directly address the extinction claim. The idea that a 4°C rise will lead to human extinction is not only speculative. This is the fear of hyperbolic.
This is a classic case where the worst-case scenario is involved while ignoring the evidence of a fight back. Even IPCC will not project human extinction in any of its warming scenarios, including the so-called “high-end” scenarios.
Furthermore, the article attempts to achieve similarities between modern humans and Neanderthals is a false equivalent. Neanderthals are poorly adaptable, lacking modern infrastructure, global trade networks and medical services.
We are not at their mercy like elements. We have the technical strength to mitigate and adapt to changing climates.
It is also worth noting that previous doomsday climate forecasts have not been achieved. In the 1970s, we were warned of the new ice age. In the 1980s, we were told that acid rain would weaken forests. In the 1990s it was the ozone hole that would blow us all with ultraviolet light.
Today, it is said that the rise of 4°C will lead to extinction of human beings. Yet, we are here – healthier, richer, and more resilient than ever before.
this slate Articles are not scientific analysis. This is a speculative opinion disguised as an informed comment. The narrative of imminent extinction is a convenient way to attract attention, but this is not based on solid evidence.
By promoting the worst scenarios to the inevitable outcome, slate Participating in classic climate phobia – this strategy is more than a strategy to inform the public of real risks and realistic solutions.
if slate True focus on the future of mankind, it will serve readers better by discussing practical, evidence-based adaptation strategies rather than promoting apocalyptic narratives.
Fear for sale, but facts matter. The truth is, humans are not on the verge of extinction. We are on the verge of another century of technological advancement and human thriving – if we don’t let the speech of alert distract our reality.
Top photos by Walter Frehner
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