In terms of bringing our worlds closer together the author wrote, The ethnocentric fallacy that everyone wants our way of life just because they desire our consumer goods has led to the untenable conclusion that goods like the internet, cell phones, and satellite TV are capable of transforming fundamental values and ideas.
An atmospheric temperature inversion, also known as stable conditions, may occur due to ground surface radiation thermal loss to the night sky on clear nights. The air near the ground is then cooler and cannot rise into the warmer air above. Hence the term stable.
arktrees is right. Radiational cooling can cause exposed surfaces to dip below freezing, while the air itself can be as high as ~40F. But typically, at least here, the temp needs to get down to 30F or lower to cause any significant damage, except to the most sensitive plants.