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http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_ward_on_mass_extinctions.html
This is rather interesting. It's a video from TED that features Peter Ward, whom talks about his idea of the real cause of mass extinction. His theory is that instead of most of the deaths being caused by the conventional notion of a meteor hitting the earth and killing things off--instead, he says, the majority of deaths were caused by bacteria.
He then links this with another interesting phenomenon involving hydrogen sulfide, and how it occurs naturally on the planet earth; hypothesising that it starts off as sediment at the floor of the ocean and sporadically rises up every age or so to the top of the ocean, causing a chain reaction which affects all life on earth--good or bad; then talks about how it will affect us.
He puts global warming in the mix too, and if what he says is true, than the scene we saw in AI: Artificial Intelligence with cities underwater isn't really that farfetched, possibly even happening in the next 100 years.
What are we gonna do?
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thanks, this stuff interests me a lot. will read.
we're gonna witness some serious stuff in our lifetime.
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Thus one more reason that we need to concentrate on Space exploration and the Sciences of it.
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Keep blindly enjoying the conveniences and resources we take for granted without planing for the future.
It's the American way. 
Edit: Would be cool if I had a watchman smile here hehe
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A bit off topic, but TED always has a LOT of innovative/interesting/amazing stuff.
People should check out their site more often, and you'll find yourself stuck there all day.
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We have actual evidence that points to the meteor impacts. You only need to look at the meteor impact in Siberia in 1950s-60s (I'm not sure on the exact year, but it was in the mid 1900s), which was comparatively a pin prick compared to the massive crater that formed the Gulf of Mexico.
There is no way for a chemical to eradicate 90+% of the life on earth. It would literally have to encompass the entire globe. Is there any supporting evidence of hydogren sulfide carpeting the ocean floor?
Secondly, everything we know about biology basically disproves the notion that a single, or even multiple bacterium or virus strains can systemically destroy a species, let alone wipe out 90%+ of life on earth. For example, it is literally impossible to eradicate humanity by way of a virus or bacteria because there will always be a % of population that is immune. Strength in numbers. Do you even understand the magnitude of numbers of life on this planet?
Lastly, everything we know in history points to a warmer Earth being better for humanity. Populations have exploded during such times, crops have flourished, and humanity progressed. When times were colder, humanity dwindled, crops failed, and mass death occurred. So, even if Global Warming happened to be true (Which it isn't, considering how the Earth has been cooling by almost .8 C over the last 10 years, which basically nullifies the previous 100 years of warmth buildup), it would be a good thing. Without the greenhouse effect we would all be dead. The Earth would be a veritable frozen planet. On top of that, water vapor accounts for 99% of the Greenhouse effect. For every major climate change in the Earth's history (that we have been able to document), the link has been exclusively pointed towards the Sun's activity. The Ice Ages, the tropical climates, etc. all have been due to Sun activity. To think you or I, or humanity as a whole has any effect whatsoever on the climate is so egocentrical it is outlandish.
Ah, Global Warming, how you made this summer in Milwaukee so warm. (It's been one of the coolest summers on record)
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On August 06 2009 15:02 Aegraen wrote:
We have actual evidence that points to the meteor impacts. You only need to look at the meteor impact in Siberia in 1950s-60s (I'm not sure on the exact year, but it was in the mid 1900s), which was comparatively a pin prick compared to the massive crater that formed the Gulf of Mexico.
There is no way for a chemical to eradicate 90+% of the life on earth. It would literally have to encompass the entire globe. Is there any supporting evidence of hydogren sulfide carpeting the ocean floor?
Secondly, everything we know about biology basically disproves the notion that a single, or even multiple bacterium or virus strains can systemically destroy a species, let alone wipe out 90%+ of life on earth. For example, it is literally impossible to eradicate humanity by way of a virus or bacteria because there will always be a % of population that is immune. Strength in numbers. Do you even understand the magnitude of numbers of life on this planet?
Lastly, everything we know in history points to a warmer Earth being better for humanity. Populations have exploded during such times, crops have flourished, and humanity progressed. When times were colder, humanity dwindled, crops failed, and mass death occurred. So, even if Global Warming happened to be true (Which it isn't, considering how the Earth has been cooling by almost .8 C over the last 10 years, which basically nullifies the previous 100 years of warmth buildup), it would be a good thing. Without the greenhouse effect we would all be dead. The Earth would be a veritable frozen planet. On top of that, water vapor accounts for 99% of the Greenhouse effect. For every major climate change in the Earth's history (that we have been able to document), the link has been exclusively pointed towards the Sun's activity. The Ice Ages, the tropical climates, etc. all have been due to Sun activity. To think you or I, or humanity as a whole has any effect whatsoever on the climate is so egocentrical it is outlandish.
Ah, Global Warming, how you made this summer in Milwaukee so warm. (It's been one of the coolest summers on record)
Cause Earth can easily support another 6-7 billion people.
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On August 06 2009 14:53 Fishball wrote:
A bit off topic, but TED always has a LOT of innovative/interesting/amazing stuff.
People should check out their site more often, and you'll find yourself stuck there all day.
Just take a lot of it with a pinch of salt, there is also a lot of crap on there too. (eg: self help stuff)
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On August 06 2009 15:08 {CC}StealthBlue wrote:Show nested quote +On August 06 2009 15:02 Aegraen wrote:
We have actual evidence that points to the meteor impacts. You only need to look at the meteor impact in Siberia in 1950s-60s (I'm not sure on the exact year, but it was in the mid 1900s), which was comparatively a pin prick compared to the massive crater that formed the Gulf of Mexico.
There is no way for a chemical to eradicate 90+% of the life on earth. It would literally have to encompass the entire globe. Is there any supporting evidence of hydogren sulfide carpeting the ocean floor?
Secondly, everything we know about biology basically disproves the notion that a single, or even multiple bacterium or virus strains can systemically destroy a species, let alone wipe out 90%+ of life on earth. For example, it is literally impossible to eradicate humanity by way of a virus or bacteria because there will always be a % of population that is immune. Strength in numbers. Do you even understand the magnitude of numbers of life on this planet?
Lastly, everything we know in history points to a warmer Earth being better for humanity. Populations have exploded during such times, crops have flourished, and humanity progressed. When times were colder, humanity dwindled, crops failed, and mass death occurred. So, even if Global Warming happened to be true (Which it isn't, considering how the Earth has been cooling by almost .8 C over the last 10 years, which basically nullifies the previous 100 years of warmth buildup), it would be a good thing. Without the greenhouse effect we would all be dead. The Earth would be a veritable frozen planet. On top of that, water vapor accounts for 99% of the Greenhouse effect. For every major climate change in the Earth's history (that we have been able to document), the link has been exclusively pointed towards the Sun's activity. The Ice Ages, the tropical climates, etc. all have been due to Sun activity. To think you or I, or humanity as a whole has any effect whatsoever on the climate is so egocentrical it is outlandish.
Ah, Global Warming, how you made this summer in Milwaukee so warm. (It's been one of the coolest summers on record) Cause Earth can easily support another 6-7 billion people.
Yes, it can.
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Earth has around 15 billion people capacity, but thats not the problem, the problem is when are we going to create subaquatic cities ?
I Know brazil is pretty advanced regarding deep water drilling and etc... tech, so I hope we win this race.
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Fuck greenhouse. I'm dying here in Florida with all of this humidity and heat. :[
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I used to go to TED so much but i've stopped recently. I don't really know why...
I most agree with Aegraen. the sheer number of humans living on earth is taking it's toll. look at the great pacific garbage patch
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On August 06 2009 15:22 D10 wrote:
Earth has around 15 billion people capacity, but thats not the problem, the problem is when are we going to create subaquatic cities ?
I Know brazil is pretty advanced regarding deep water drilling and etc... tech, so I hope we win this race.
Um....? We have plenty of land space for easily 30 billion+ people. Take for example the US. The US only has about 5-8% developed land. Vast majority of the US 90%+ is undeveloped. Extrapolating this, at 50% developed the US alone can sustain 3.5 billion people. (350Million x 10)
With the ever increasing technology leaps in regards to desalinization, genetic manipulation, and hydroponics, etc. it is quite conceivable to even raise that to 40 billion+. By the time we reach 30 billion population we'll be traversing the stars. Limitless options abound at that point.
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On August 06 2009 15:11 Aegraen wrote:Show nested quote +On August 06 2009 15:08 {CC}StealthBlue wrote:On August 06 2009 15:02 Aegraen wrote:
We have actual evidence that points to the meteor impacts. You only need to look at the meteor impact in Siberia in 1950s-60s (I'm not sure on the exact year, but it was in the mid 1900s), which was comparatively a pin prick compared to the massive crater that formed the Gulf of Mexico.
There is no way for a chemical to eradicate 90+% of the life on earth. It would literally have to encompass the entire globe. Is there any supporting evidence of hydogren sulfide carpeting the ocean floor?
Secondly, everything we know about biology basically disproves the notion that a single, or even multiple bacterium or virus strains can systemically destroy a species, let alone wipe out 90%+ of life on earth. For example, it is literally impossible to eradicate humanity by way of a virus or bacteria because there will always be a % of population that is immune. Strength in numbers. Do you even understand the magnitude of numbers of life on this planet?
Lastly, everything we know in history points to a warmer Earth being better for humanity. Populations have exploded during such times, crops have flourished, and humanity progressed. When times were colder, humanity dwindled, crops failed, and mass death occurred. So, even if Global Warming happened to be true (Which it isn't, considering how the Earth has been cooling by almost .8 C over the last 10 years, which basically nullifies the previous 100 years of warmth buildup), it would be a good thing. Without the greenhouse effect we would all be dead. The Earth would be a veritable frozen planet. On top of that, water vapor accounts for 99% of the Greenhouse effect. For every major climate change in the Earth's history (that we have been able to document), the link has been exclusively pointed towards the Sun's activity. The Ice Ages, the tropical climates, etc. all have been due to Sun activity. To think you or I, or humanity as a whole has any effect whatsoever on the climate is so egocentrical it is outlandish.
Ah, Global Warming, how you made this summer in Milwaukee so warm. (It's been one of the coolest summers on record) Cause Earth can easily support another 6-7 billion people. Yes, it can.
I doubt it. The fact that there are already water, and food crisis right now and the fact that Humans are already stripping resources at a enormous rate, not to mention pollution. And if a warmer earth is apparently good for Humanity I find it hard to imagine where the hell were gonna put the population boom with the rising sea levels it would produce. It may have been good in the past but not the future.
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On August 06 2009 15:02 Aegraen wrote:
We have actual evidence that points to the meteor impacts. You only need to look at the meteor impact in Siberia in 1950s-60s (I'm not sure on the exact year, but it was in the mid 1900s), which was comparatively a pin prick compared to the massive crater that formed the Gulf of Mexico.
There is no way for a chemical to eradicate 90+% of the life on earth. It would literally have to encompass the entire globe. Is there any supporting evidence of hydogren sulfide carpeting the ocean floor?
Secondly, everything we know about biology basically disproves the notion that a single, or even multiple bacterium or virus strains can systemically destroy a species, let alone wipe out 90%+ of life on earth. For example, it is literally impossible to eradicate humanity by way of a virus or bacteria because there will always be a % of population that is immune. Strength in numbers. Do you even understand the magnitude of numbers of life on this planet?
Lastly, everything we know in history points to a warmer Earth being better for humanity. Populations have exploded during such times, crops have flourished, and humanity progressed. When times were colder, humanity dwindled, crops failed, and mass death occurred. So, even if Global Warming happened to be true (Which it isn't, considering how the Earth has been cooling by almost .8 C over the last 10 years, which basically nullifies the previous 100 years of warmth buildup), it would be a good thing. Without the greenhouse effect we would all be dead. The Earth would be a veritable frozen planet. On top of that, water vapor accounts for 99% of the Greenhouse effect. For every major climate change in the Earth's history (that we have been able to document), the link has been exclusively pointed towards the Sun's activity. The Ice Ages, the tropical climates, etc. all have been due to Sun activity. To think you or I, or humanity as a whole has any effect whatsoever on the climate is so egocentrical it is outlandish.
Ah, Global Warming, how you made this summer in Milwaukee so warm. (It's been one of the coolest summers on record)
he never denied meteor impacts, he was simply saying that they weren't the cause of mass extinction
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On August 06 2009 15:26 madnessman wrote:I used to go to TED so much but i've stopped recently. I don't really know why... I most agree with Aegraen. the sheer number of humans living on earth is taking it's toll. look at the great pacific garbage patch
Wait, what? Where did I say that.
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We have actual evidence that points to the meteor impacts. You only need to look at the meteor impact in Siberia in 1950s-60s (I'm not sure on the exact year, but it was in the mid 1900s), which was comparatively a pin prick compared to the massive crater that formed the Gulf of Mexico.
There is no way for a chemical to eradicate 90+% of the life on earth. It would literally have to encompass the entire globe. Is there any supporting evidence of hydogren sulfide carpeting the ocean floor?
Secondly, everything we know about biology basically disproves the notion that a single, or even multiple bacterium or virus strains can systemically destroy a species, let alone wipe out 90%+ of life on earth. For example, it is literally impossible to eradicate humanity by way of a virus or bacteria because there will always be a % of population that is immune. Strength in numbers. Do you even understand the magnitude of numbers of life on this planet?
Lastly, everything we know in history points to a warmer Earth being better for humanity. Populations have exploded during such times, crops have flourished, and humanity progressed. When times were colder, humanity dwindled, crops failed, and mass death occurred. So, even if Global Warming happened to be true (Which it isn't, considering how the Earth has been cooling by almost .8 C over the last 10 years, which basically nullifies the previous 100 years of warmth buildup), it would be a good thing. Without the greenhouse effect we would all be dead. The Earth would be a veritable frozen planet. On top of that, water vapor accounts for 99% of the Greenhouse effect. For every major climate change in the Earth's history (that we have been able to document), the link has been exclusively pointed towards the Sun's activity. The Ice Ages, the tropical climates, etc. all have been due to Sun activity. To think you or I, or humanity as a whole has any effect whatsoever on the climate is so egocentrical it is outlandish.
Ah, Global Warming, how you made this summer in Milwaukee so warm. (It's been one of the coolest summers on record)
I love this post. One of the few designed to be truthful instead of designed to inspire fear.
BTW, if ocean levels start to rise, our cities will never 'go underwater' like in AI. At the very least, we'd build a friggin' wall. That's the very first thing humans ever did to truly master their environment. You think we wouldn't resort to it to stop oceans rising half an inch a year?
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On August 06 2009 15:29 {CC}StealthBlue wrote:Show nested quote +On August 06 2009 15:11 Aegraen wrote:On August 06 2009 15:08 {CC}StealthBlue wrote:On August 06 2009 15:02 Aegraen wrote:
We have actual evidence that points to the meteor impacts. You only need to look at the meteor impact in Siberia in 1950s-60s (I'm not sure on the exact year, but it was in the mid 1900s), which was comparatively a pin prick compared to the massive crater that formed the Gulf of Mexico.
There is no way for a chemical to eradicate 90+% of the life on earth. It would literally have to encompass the entire globe. Is there any supporting evidence of hydogren sulfide carpeting the ocean floor?
Secondly, everything we know about biology basically disproves the notion that a single, or even multiple bacterium or virus strains can systemically destroy a species, let alone wipe out 90%+ of life on earth. For example, it is literally impossible to eradicate humanity by way of a virus or bacteria because there will always be a % of population that is immune. Strength in numbers. Do you even understand the magnitude of numbers of life on this planet?
Lastly, everything we know in history points to a warmer Earth being better for humanity. Populations have exploded during such times, crops have flourished, and humanity progressed. When times were colder, humanity dwindled, crops failed, and mass death occurred. So, even if Global Warming happened to be true (Which it isn't, considering how the Earth has been cooling by almost .8 C over the last 10 years, which basically nullifies the previous 100 years of warmth buildup), it would be a good thing. Without the greenhouse effect we would all be dead. The Earth would be a veritable frozen planet. On top of that, water vapor accounts for 99% of the Greenhouse effect. For every major climate change in the Earth's history (that we have been able to document), the link has been exclusively pointed towards the Sun's activity. The Ice Ages, the tropical climates, etc. all have been due to Sun activity. To think you or I, or humanity as a whole has any effect whatsoever on the climate is so egocentrical it is outlandish.
Ah, Global Warming, how you made this summer in Milwaukee so warm. (It's been one of the coolest summers on record) Cause Earth can easily support another 6-7 billion people. Yes, it can. I doubt it. The fact that there are already water, and food crisis right now and the fact that Humans are already stripping resources at a enormous rate, not to mention pollution. And if a warmer earth is apparently good for Humanity I find it hard to imagine where the hell were gonna put the population boom with the rising sea levels it would produce. It may have been good in the past but not the future.
You do know that Ice shelves and other constructs like icebergs disperse water, thereby increasing the sea level correct? Have you ever for instance, had ice in a glass filled with tea, or water? Have you noticed its effect? Now, do a quick simple test. Fill the glass halfway with water, then add in 10 ice cubes. Measure the liquids height at its crest. Next, wait until all the ice melts and measure again. I'd love for you to point out the "increased levels of liquid". Thanks.
There are food and water crisis? Where? Africa? This isn't due to the fact that they can't produce their own sustenance, they could. Africa is simply impoverished and at war with each all the damn time. The resources are there. Secondly, you are discounting mounting technological advancements. Have you noticed in the last 10-15 years we have increased our crop yields by magnitudes of greater than 50%? We have increased them untold folds since 1900. Imagine the scientific advancements and possibilities by 2050. I bet if you showed hydroponics to scientists in the 1920s they would be astonished. We can artificially increase food production to coincide with any population jumps. This is proven.
I'm not sure if you know this, but water isn't exactly a huge problem to contend with. The Earth is mostly made up of water. You have heard of desalinization correct? We're in the beginning stages of developing this technology and it is all ready proved to be very useful. By 2030 I'm sure the efficiency of this technology will have grown beyond our wildest expectations.
And lastly, developed and undeveloped land. The Earth has plenty of land to sustain numbers well beyond your estimation. Most of the Earth is actually undeveloped. If you think the US is developed well beyond most countries, what does this tell you when the US is only 5-8% developed?
Ah, yes, because warmer weather is only good for crops in the past. Gotcha.
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On August 06 2009 15:02 Aegraen wrote:
We have actual evidence that points to the meteor impacts. You only need to look at the meteor impact in Siberia in 1950s-60s (I'm not sure on the exact year, but it was in the mid 1900s), which was comparatively a pin prick compared to the massive crater that formed the Gulf of Mexico.
There is no way for a chemical to eradicate 90+% of the life on earth. It would literally have to encompass the entire globe. Is there any supporting evidence of hydogren sulfide carpeting the ocean floor?
Secondly, everything we know about biology basically disproves the notion that a single, or even multiple bacterium or virus strains can systemically destroy a species, let alone wipe out 90%+ of life on earth. For example, it is literally impossible to eradicate humanity by way of a virus or bacteria because there will always be a % of population that is immune. Strength in numbers. Do you even understand the magnitude of numbers of life on this planet?
Lastly, everything we know in history points to a warmer Earth being better for humanity. Populations have exploded during such times, crops have flourished, and humanity progressed. When times were colder, humanity dwindled, crops failed, and mass death occurred. So, even if Global Warming happened to be true (Which it isn't, considering how the Earth has been cooling by almost .8 C over the last 10 years, which basically nullifies the previous 100 years of warmth buildup), it would be a good thing. Without the greenhouse effect we would all be dead. The Earth would be a veritable frozen planet. On top of that, water vapor accounts for 99% of the Greenhouse effect. For every major climate change in the Earth's history (that we have been able to document), the link has been exclusively pointed towards the Sun's activity. The Ice Ages, the tropical climates, etc. all have been due to Sun activity. To think you or I, or humanity as a whole has any effect whatsoever on the climate is so egocentrical it is outlandish.
Ah, Global Warming, how you made this summer in Milwaukee so warm. (It's been one of the coolest summers on record)
i agree with everything except for the warmer comment.
global warming isn't about climate becoming warmer. it's about the intensities of the climate becoming more intense, with the average being warmer. in other words, cold seasons will become extremely cold, and droughts will become extremely long and dry.
this is not good for farming btw... the slight increase in temperatures is more of a side note than anything. who cares about longer growing season when it's all offset by more droughts, more intense cold spells, and over-raining.
I also think you are totally off base on your water-vapor causing 99% of greenhouse comment. that's like saying most of a starcraft map is open terrain, so open terrain, not minerals, is the most important part of a map. the addition of even a slight percentage of carbon dioxide and sulfur emissions into the atmosphere goes a long way to fucking up the equilibrium.
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i love it when aegraen posts, always informative and sometimes controversial too
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EPT
