The mass extinction occurring today differs from those that occurred in the past because it is due mainly due to the actions of one species. The species in question is man since man's activities has resulted in such things as global warming which have vastly affected the earth's environments and the living conditions of other species.
The main reason for the difference in the mass extinction occurring today and previously is the pace of the current extinction. The extinction is taking place globally and involves hundreds of species at the same time. In less than 50 years, we have lost numerous species. In contrast to this, previously during the mass extinction, only a few species were lost, and other managed to survive. But, not the status is opposite due to the magnitude of the extinction.
The tilt of the earth changing would affect the distance to the sun. This, the radiation from the sun, and resulting temperatures, would change as well.
