Global warming and the future of humanity

Among many scientists, social scientists and political analysts there is a consensus that global warming and climate change represent the greatest threats to humanity and to our planet.

Many scientists and experts argue that there is irrefutable evidence indicating that our planet has entered into a new geological era with respect to climate change.

Due in large part to the dramatic increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, which has reached unprecedented levels in geological history, many experts refer to our current era as the "sixth extinction" era. Various studies confirm that global surface, air and water temperatures have been on an increasing trajectory since 1975.

It is very perplexing as to why certain countries and media outlets continue to downplay the significance of these threats. Even more perplexing is why these threats continue to be addressed tangentially, intermittently and without a genuine commitment, and while the exploitation of "dirty energy" garners much more commitment, relevance and significance.

Industrial output and production contribute too much of the global warming trend we are witnessing today which are driven by human needs and behavioural trends. It is therefore imperative that human behavioural changes are made to address the threats of global warming and climate change, particularly in relation to mandating significant reductions in the consumption of fossil fuels.

Unfortunately, paradigm shifts in human behaviour typically occur slowly, and require many decades to reach a sufficiently impactful level in reducing carbon emissions.

Alternative, renewable and sustainable energy options must be sought to reverse course, in concert with instilling a genuine belief in protecting the environment to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of climate change on both the geology or demography of the earth. This requires genuine and responsible leadership on a global scale, along with a genuine commitment to meeting global emissions standards.