Meaning: Piers Corbyn is a meteorologist and a prominent climate change skeptic who has made several controversial statements regarding climate change. The quote you provided indicates Corbyn's belief that the world has experienced climate changes in the last 80 years, with a slight increase in global temperatures. He also suggests that the world was warmer during the Medieval times and the Bronze Age, implying that the current warming trend may not be as significant as historical periods of warmth.

Corbyn's statement reflects a viewpoint that is often associated with the climate change skepticism movement, which questions the extent to which human activity contributes to global warming and its potential impacts on the planet. It is important to note that the scientific community widely accepts the evidence of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change and its potential consequences for the environment. However, it is essential to understand the context and the scientific basis of Corbyn's assertion.

The assertion that the world has experienced climate changes in the last 80 years is supported by scientific evidence. Multiple studies have documented an increase in global average temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and other indicators of climate change over the past century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has consistently reported on the observed changes in the Earth's climate system and attributed a significant portion of these changes to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

Corbyn's reference to the Medieval Warm Period and the Bronze Age Warm Period is also a subject of debate within the scientific community. These historical periods are known for relatively warmer temperatures in certain regions of the world. However, the extent and global significance of these periods' warmth are still a topic of ongoing research and discussion among climate scientists. While some studies suggest that these warm periods may have had regional impacts, their global extent and comparison to modern climate change are complex topics that require careful consideration of various paleoclimate data and modeling techniques.

It is important to approach Corbyn's statement with critical thinking and an understanding of the broader scientific consensus on climate change. The overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that the current warming trend is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and lead to the observed increase in global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and other climate impacts.

Furthermore, the impacts of modern climate change extend beyond just temperature changes. They include rising sea levels, ocean acidification, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity. These consequences have significant implications for human societies, ecosystems, and the global economy.

In conclusion, while Piers Corbyn's statement reflects a perspective that questions the severity of modern climate change and its attribution to human activities, it is crucial to consider the broader scientific consensus on this issue. Climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with far-reaching implications, and it is essential to engage with a diverse range of scientific evidence and perspectives to develop a comprehensive understanding of this critical global challenge.