Many people are worried about global warming today. They fear that the polar ice caps will melt, raising sea levels and creating environmental chaos. Such concerns are not new. The historical record tells us of many warming episodes — and subsequent cooling periods — that have bedeviled humans for thousands of years.

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who lived from 427 B.C. to 347 B.C., wrote about major climate changes that were known in his day. In the dialogue "T ...

( Back to Article )