0
NL888 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Failed to understand "over decades to millennia" What does it mean? 1020?
Context:
In May, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide temporarily surpassed 400 parts per million for probably the first time in human history. It was no surprise when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned in its latest report, published in September, that climate change “unprecedented over decades to millennia” is altering natural environments in ways that could affect billions of people. Typhoon Haiyan’s record-breaking wind speeds demonstrated the destructive forces that the atmosphere can unleash — although the jury is out on whether and how much global warming contributed (see page 361).
In May, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide temporarily surpassed 400 parts per million for probably the first time in human history. It was no surprise when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned in its latest report, published in September, that climate change “unprecedented over decades to millennia” is altering natural environments in ways that could affect billions of people. Typhoon Haiyan’s record-breaking wind speeds demonstrated the destructive forces that the atmosphere can unleash — although the jury is out on whether and how much global warming contributed (see page 361).
Top answer
To my mind, it's an odd phrase. The writer just seems to mean 'unprecedented for thousands of years'. Usually, we say 'unprecedented' in an absolute way, without qualification.
- To my mind, it's an odd phrase.
- The writer just seems to mean 'unprecedented for thousands of years'.
- Usually, we say 'unprecedented' in an absolute way, without qualification.
- eg .
- .
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
1 Answers
0
To my mind, it's an odd phrase. The writer just seems to mean 'unprecedented for thousands of years'.
Usually, we say 'unprecedented' in an absolute way, without qualification.
eg. . . that unprecedented climate change is altering . . .
Usually, we say 'unprecedented' in an absolute way, without qualification.
eg. . . that unprecedented climate change is altering . . .
0
Related Questions