[Bowman]

From what I have read (and experienced) climate change is upon us, and unavoidable. Even if CO2 emissions were to end tomorrow existing levels and positive feedback from methane and methane hydrates, reducing ice caps etc, would still result in significant climate change. Obviously we should do everything we can to prevent further emissions, but globally emissions are increasing every year. It seems rather naive to be shutting the door after the horse has bolted.

I think that focusing so heavily on CO2 emissions is something of a red herring because it doesn't address the root cause of climate change, i.e. human activity, or more specifically the burning of fossil fuels by developed and developing societies.

My view is that we, as a global society, need to address our and our children's future at its most fundamental level. If one thinks in terms of opposites, we must reduce and eventually stop all activity that is unsustainable, whether this be cultural, economic or environmental. The implication is that we must start working towards a sustainable future.

The most important shift we need to instigate is away from consumerism and individual rights and freedoms while society and governments bear the burden of responsibility and authority, towards individual responsibility for the greater good of society.

With peak oil approaching and climate change accelerating we need to use the next few decades wisely.