From around 1500 to 1850, the weather was so cold that this period became known as the Little Ice Age. During this time, glaciers were more widespread than at any time in the previous 10,000 years. The century from 1600 to 1700 was one of the coldest on record.
Is Earth headed for another cool-down? Almost certainly, but scientists can’t predict exactly when it will occur. A few hundred or possibly a few thousand years from now, ice sheets will slowly begin to advance again. Certain plants and animals will die out, while humans will have to find new ways to grow crops and stay warm.
If the next big chill comes in 2203 or 3303, will our high-tech world be prepared? No one can be certain what life will be like during the next glacial period, but we do know how a cold spell affected people 500 years ago.
