We stand on the brink of a new era. The world is going to see some changes in the not-so-distant future. I believe global warming signals the coming of an ice age. Every 26,000 years or so the Earth repeats this cycle of the 'ice age'. In fact, we're way over due for one. It's been longer than the alotted 26 thousand years, I believe more than double(or close to that). It's not like the world is ending, its just changing.

As the world warms and the ice melts and the water levels rise, the shape of our lands is going to change. Many of the coastal areas and those below sea-level will be lost to us under a flood of water. This is going to have a great impact on everything. Major cities will disappear and many people will attempt to seek refuge in other areas. Areas that aren't crowded will become so. The people there will see drastic changes in their lives. Small and peaceful communities will see an influx of people and business. Land will increase in value and cost, more than likely creating conflict world wide. Civilization will change in a way never before imagined.

With a warming of the climate, there will be more moisture to carry snowfall, rain and all other forms of precipitation. More than likely, you can see more snowfall than will be able to melt. This will all take a relatively long time, a short time when you look at the scheme of things. This will bring cold and change the climate even more. This has happened before, many times, and most people don't realize that. They may know, but they don't understand. Just because human beings are spread all over the globe does not mean that we can control the planet. Governments and lifestyles will change drastically. People will die, of this I am certain. Our very way of life will be as never before for civilizations so large. The effects may be thought of as catastrophic, but with hope, people will finally realize the small role they play in the universe and thus open opportunities for us to realize our humanity and relish our differences.

Whether we see worldwide unrelenting snowfall is something I anxiously await the answer to. Whether or not the 'civilized' world will survive is an interesting question. The real point to take here is that this world is changing. Things are either winding down or speeding up. In the next hundred years we'll see, but to think as arrogantly as to believe that WE are responsible is ridiculous. To say we have sped this process up is also ridiculous. What we are going to experience first hand is a cycle that is long over due, and we must face this fact if we are to face all the troubles ahead.

Learn more about this author, Joshua Colson.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Effects of climate change on society and the environment?
We want to hear your view. Write now!