Blasting Thomas Friedman’s three-bomb theory

In his latest piece, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman says there are three bombs that could devastate society as we know it: the nuclear bomb, the climate bomb and the debt bomb.

And he’s right. All three of these could irrevocably push the system – either the natural or economic system – to the breaking point.

But still, just as it was during the Cold War climax, the nuclear bomb is the one constant, it-could-happen-tomorrow threat. Especially with technology spreading to hostile, short-fused nations like Iran, Pakistan, India and North Korea, among others.

If looked at holistically, the nuclear and climate threats are interrelated. Even a regional nuclear back-and-forth between foes would leave lasting effects on the world ecosystem and climate.

A study released in late 2006 found detonating between 50 and 100 bombs, a tiny percent of those now ready and aimed, would throw the world into a tailspin.

“(The effects would be) much greater than what we’re talking about with global warming and anything that’s happening in history with regards to volcanic eruptions,” researcher Richard Turco told the Guardian.

Not only would such a scenario kill millions, it would stifle crop growth for more than five years and deplete the ozone by as much as 70 percent in some areas. Ouch! That makes Al Gore’s predictions look downright tame.

Although for some reason the threat of global warming looms large, the nuclear threat could come much sooner. While the U.S. and Russia, seemingly stable nations, still control the vast majority of these weapons, the day when they’re in the wrong hands at the wrong times seems to be drawing ever nearer.

Iran is growing closer to nuclear capabilities, raising the question of what the rest of the world can do to keep the peace between nasty Mideast neighbors. And of course the U.S. won’t soon be out of Iran’s warpath. On Thursday, Iran blamed the U.S. for the disappearance of a nuclear researcher.

Well, Mr. Friedman, it looks like you can combine two of those bombs into one. Because even if the world breaks out in nuclear warfare, it’s climate control that would be our demise.