People don't easily understand how a small sea level rise can result in bigger storm surges and coastal damage, or how slight changes in ocean temperatures can change global rainfall patterns, leading to droughts and floods with catastrophic economic and societal consequences.
Mr Brown's remark is likely to do him even more damage than Barack Obama's slight to small-town America at a fundraiser during the Democratic primary race.
Gold market bears still have the slight overall near-term technical advantage, but were able to show power today to stave off more serious chart damage occurring.