If anyone needs a fast synopsis of how global warming can cause a rapid ice age, see the Mega Science series on the Science Channel (USA) episode called Fast Frozen Future.
(http:/)/science.discovery.com/tvlistings/episode.jsp?episode=12&cpi=87190&gid=0&channel=SCI
It reports on these ice cores and also seabed sediment tests that corroborate the two abrupt global shifts. The program made it clear that these rapid coolings happened in the midst of global warming. Not only are we on a natural upswing in warming, but human activity is exacerbating this extremely. They ended by saying that if enough ice melts and the ocean current "pump" stops, we could drop into the deep freeze in as little as ten years. If they are underestimating the impact of human activity, it could be faster than that.
(http:/)/science.discovery.com/tvlistings/episode.jsp?episode=12&cpi=87190&gid=0&channel=SCI
It reports on these ice cores and also seabed sediment tests that corroborate the two abrupt global shifts. The program made it clear that these rapid coolings happened in the midst of global warming. Not only are we on a natural upswing in warming, but human activity is exacerbating this extremely. They ended by saying that if enough ice melts and the ocean current "pump" stops, we could drop into the deep freeze in as little as ten years. If they are underestimating the impact of human activity, it could be faster than that.