So the Permian era climatic conditions are now the threshold we're trying to stay below? That's good to know. It gives us more time to continue polluting. No matter how fucked the climate gets you can always find some era that was worse in some manner. I fail to see how noting this is helpful.
"Too late" as in too late to avoid setting off positive feedback loops that amplify climate instability.
Believing that we will not avoid the positive feedback loops is fatalism/despair and therefore not interesting is an odd idea. Believing we will avoid these feedback loops is like believing Obama is an agent of progressive change. It may make you feel better about your 35 month olds chances for a less bleak climatic future but it is equally unrealistic. Better to deal with unpleasant realism than hide behind positive feeling fantasies.
A couple that I'm very close to just adopted a child. With that adoption came an adjustment in their view of climate change. In their words they can no longer allow themselves to believe the climate problem will be severe or else they will lose hope for their child's future. A rather silly method to use to form ones beliefs on climate change. Apparently a very popular method as well. I don't believe we will avoid the positive feedbacks but it damn sure won't be from lack of effort on my part. I fail to see why believing near future generations will face positive feedback loops that amplify climate instability equals fatalism/despair.
John Thornton