I often hear on the news that climate change is an “existential threat.”
What exactly does that mean?

Question

I often hear on the news that climate change is an “existential threat.” 
What exactly does that mean?

? · Accepted Answer

I have no idea....why would any one say that or phrase it that way?

? · Answer

It means if the temperature rises a degree, all life as we know it is over.  If it is 71 DegF outside instead of 70, I am sure we can all agree that life is over.  Nothing could survive that.  It means we have to turn over all our freedoms and money to fascists that promise to save the planet for us.  It is just something that is obvious.  Come on Man.

Anonymous · Answer

It means big pharma is going to exploit us once again.

kswck2 · Answer

If it is such a threat, why do I keep hearing -for the past 50 years-the same argument without anything being done about it?

Anonymous · Answer

don't drink the kool-aid. they have been saying that for 50 years.

Pearl L · Answer

maybe that its not really a threat

BB · Answer

It is code for..."If you (not We) don't lower your standard of living and pay crazy high taxes, then you're gonna die...and...we mean it this time!!"

Anonymous · Answer

An existential threat means that humans could be totally wiped off the planet.  It will be mass extinction.

Anonymous · Answer

Another fake "question" from Dirac/Jim2/socks-R-us.

His new technique is posting these seeming naive and innocuous "questions."

It's Dirac, for sure.  He's just going to give himself best answer.

I often hear on the news that climate change is an “existential threat.” What exactly does that mean?

9 Answers