Climate Quote by Thom Hartmann
““So we now know the formula for extinction. Something happens to increase global temperatures five to six degrees, which triggers a melting of the frozen carbon and methane oceanic reserves that then leads to further global warming devastating life on Earth. Thus, the pressing question for us today is this: Can seven billion people on the planet burning fossil fuels imitate the sort of carbon greenhouse gas release caused by the Permian lava flows, or the K/T mass extinction impact or whatever warming caused the PETM? The answer is yes.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Climate Change Conference, 2023
Human activity can trigger runaway warming comparable to ancient mass extinctions, threatening life on Earth.
In simple terms: Fossil fuels may cause catastrophic warming like past extinctions.
Key Takeaway
Reduce emissions urgently.
Themes
climate change
extinction
anthropogenic warming
environmental risk
Mood
urgent
concerned
Type
warning
call to action
When to use this quote
- policy making
- energy planning
- public awareness
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
feedback loops
carbon cycle
geological epochs
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions can individuals take to reduce emissions?
- How can societies transition away from fossil fuels?
A Different Perspective
Mitigation requires global cooperation and technological innovation, not just awareness.
![“It’s] pretty clear that times of high carbon dioxide—and especially times when carbon dioxide levels rapidly rose—coincided with the mass extinctions,” writes University of Washington paleontologist and End-Permian mass extinction expert Peter Ward. “Here is the driver of extinction.” quote by Peter Brannen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/206/peter-brannen-44487_carbon-dioxide_it-s-pretty-clear-that-times-of-high-car_265397.jpg)
