The Hothouse

The Hothouse refers to a concept in climate science and ecology where certain conditions lead to accelerated warming and significant ecological changes. It can describe environments, like tropical rainforests, where feedback loops—such as increased carbon dioxide and temperature—intensify, making the ecosystem more vulnerable to disturbances. In the broader context, it's often used to discuss the potential future of our planet under climate change, suggesting that unchecked global warming may lead to irreversible and drastic changes in climates and ecosystems, similar to a hothouse where plants grow rapidly in a controlled, heat-driven environment.