The implications of geophysical and abiotic selection are summarized, and some applications are described in the context of global warming and climate change. Emergence guided or driven by selection explains the constrained variability of Earth systems; the simultaneous presence of unlimited variability and repeated occurrence of certain patterns, structures, and interrelationships. Tools and lessons applicable to scientific research and practical problems are reviewed. Applications to climate change focus on “climate whiplash,” the increased frequency and severity of extreme precipitation and drought events, and their emerging tendency to follow closely upon one another.