MSNBC Scientist: We’ve Got 2-5 Years Before Global Warming Creates ‘Epic’ Disruption

HALTER: “Let me put this into perspective because there is a bigger story here, that is, the oceans are so warm. In fact, the oceans, the last six months of ocean wide temperature have been the warmest six months that we’ve ever seen. Now, that is despite the ice sheet in Greenland and West Antarctica adding the equivalent of 180 million Olympic swimming pools of ice cold water. This system, as Paul aptly pointed out, we’re in for more climate disruption. These are bigger, more angrier storms that are going to bite down on travelers, they’re going to bite down on our food supply and ... Look, for the every problem there are at least three solutions. Future proofing and beginning at every town and city to prepare for the future is the only way forward here. Ed.”
SCHULTZ: “Well, looking at what we’re seeing, this trend, it’s as troubling as it can be. If we do nothing, Dr. Halter, where are we going to be in ten years? I mean, if we have seen this happen over the last --  I mean, the things that you are putting out, where are we going to be in ten years, if we continue doing nothing?”
HALTER: “Epic. Epic. And as a matter of fact, to put it also -- when China and America signed a green house gas agreement that begins to take place in 2030, that is hogwash. We have a very narrow window to act. I would say 2020. My colleagues would say half of that, by 2017. We have to have a battle plan. And look, change is opportunity in disguise, entrepreneur’s known that, they take calculated risks. The lawmakers, [indecipherable] and his clan in D.C. are wasting precious time. And by the way, an addict never has a problem until they look in the mirror and say, 'help' and then we roll up our sleeves."