The impact of a 2 km NEO with the earth would result in catastrophic earthquakes, tsunamis, sun- blocking clouds of dust and ash, dramatic drops in temperature, global crop failure, and widespread starvation. More than 25 percent of the earth's human population would perish. Testing diversion methods is of special importance, noted McGaha. Once within a close enough range with the earth, no diversion means will have a life-saving effect. McGaha also pointed out that since space is a vacuum, there is considerably less energy transferred in a nuclear explosion, necessitating testing on the magnitude of detonation.
Science is the only major interest group in the U.S. without an organized lobby.
Government funding for science is very limited. May Trigger Global Cooling. Through Deregulation Key to Combating Emissions. The most dangerous result of global warming could be the triggering of a modern ice age. The Earth's climate is currently in a cooling period, which began about 15,000 years ago.