Carbon Quote by Bill McKibben
““Thus human beings are now carrying out a large scale geophysical experiment of a kind that could not have happened in the past nor be reproduced in the future. Within a few centuries we are returning to the atmosphere and oceans the concentrated organic carbon stored in sedimentary rocks over hundreds of millions of years.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Climate Change Lecture, 2015
Human activity is rapidly releasing ancient carbon, altering Earth’s climate in unprecedented ways.
In simple terms: We are releasing ancient carbon, changing climate.
Key Takeaway
Act to reduce carbon emissions.
Themes
environment
climate
science
anthropocene
Mood
urgent
concerned
Type
warning
scientific
When to use this quote
- policy making
- energy planning
- public education
- industrial regulation
Key Concepts
geophysics
carbon cycle
feedback loops
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies adapt to irreversible climate shifts?
- What responsibilities do we have to future generations?
A Different Perspective
The scale of change may outpace political response.
![“Scientists are telling us that 350 parts per million [of carbon] in the atmosphere is the upper limit. We're at 387 parts per million now, and we're up in that zone where the risk of going past irrevocable tipping points is elevated. It's no different than going to a doctor and learning your…” quote by Bill McKibben](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dea/bill-mckibben-1057_atmosphere_scientists-are-telling-us-that-350-parts_1427088.jpg)
