So I've been digging into the whole global "warming" thing (the earth has actually cooled somewhat for the last decade).  I was pointing out to someone the recovery of the sea ice (up 9% over the previous year's low in 2008 even though the ice SHOULD have melted since it was thinner)  and it suddenly stuck me...  HOLY CRAP, the environmental groups were right but in the wrong way.  We really did just cross an environmental "tipping point!"  All during the last 10 years the old warm mode feedbacks have been counteracting whatever force (probably solar activity) has been pushing world temperatures down. 

Now those feedbacks have switched to COLD MODE!  Ice coverage is increasing, global temperatures are falling.  Antarctic sea ice reached levels not seen since the 1700's or 1800's.  The north (with it's greater feedback component) is now starting to follow suit.  With the feedback forces in cold mode there will be nothing to stop the (perfectly normal) drop in temperatures.  The snow coverage has increased, that will reflect more sunlight, cooling the region. The sea ice has increased (and is now at normal levels) which will increase the cooling.  People worry about methane from warming permafrost...but the permafrost will refreeze...DUH...it's colder!

BTW, for arctic ice levels check out this site