little ice age

For about 50 years from roughly 1650 to 1700, the Sun took a break from its typical sunspot activity. That phase of solar rest coincided with what we now refer to as "The Little Ice Age" -- a period of cooling on the Earth that resulted in bitterly cold winters, particularly in Europe and North America. Scientists attribute the Little Ice Age to two main causes: increased volcanic activity and reduced solar activity.

Could it happen again? And are we headed there now?

This study should've been released a few weeks ago, when it might have reduced the rampant head-scratching that resulted following the announcement that Al Gore would receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Just a little bit, anyway.

According to Georgia Tech university researchers, as temperatures decreased several centuries ago during a period called the Little Ice Age, the number of wars increased, famine spiked, and population declined. The idea is that changes in climate—whether they involve boost or a decline in temperature—affect water supplies and seasons, disrupting food supplies. Food shortages can produce conflicts, and the resulting wars, combined with starvation, result in population decline.

Georgia Tech researcher Peter Brecke says today's warming temperatures could eventually lead to starvation and food-related clashes in the future.—Gregory Mone

Via Newswise