Why was an encroaching ice age commonly taught in the 1960s and 1070s debunked?

 In the 1960s and 1970s, many scientists and researchers believed that the Earth was on the brink of an impending ice age. This theory was based on several pieces of evidence, including a cooling trend in global temperatures and an increase in ice formation in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. However, as time passed and more research was conducted, it became clear that this theory was not accurate and that an ice age was not imminent.

One of the key pieces of evidence that was used to support the theory of an impending ice age was the cooling trend in global temperatures. Researchers observed that temperatures had been dropping since the 1940s and that this trend was expected to continue. However, as more data was collected and analyzed, it became clear that this cooling trend was not as significant as initially thought. In fact, it was found that the cooling trend was primarily caused by volcanic activity, which had temporarily reduced the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface.

Another piece of evidence that was used to support the theory of an impending ice age was the increase in ice formation in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Researchers observed that sea ice was expanding in these regions and that this was a sign of an impending ice age. However, as more research was conducted, it became clear that this increase in ice formation was not a sign of an impending ice age. Instead, it was found that the increase in ice formation was primarily caused by natural ocean currents and wind patterns, which had temporarily increased the amount of sea ice in these regions.

In addition to these pieces of evidence, scientists also used computer models to predict the onset of an ice age. These models predicted that the Earth's climate would continue to cool, leading to a widespread ice age. However, as more data was collected and analyzed, it became clear that these models were not accurate. In fact, it was found that the models were based on a number of assumptions that were not supported by the available data.

In conclusion, the theory of an impending ice age that was commonly taught in the 1960s and 1970s was debunked as scientists found that the cooling trend in global temperatures and the increase in ice formation in the Arctic and Antarctic regions were not a sign of an impending ice age, but caused by natural factors. Additionally, the computer models that predicted the onset of an ice age were found to be inaccurate as they were based on assumptions that were not supported by available data. Today, scientists believe that the Earth is currently in a warming trend caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.