Greenhouse gases hit a record level last year [ark], well beyond what threatens the habitability of the Earth for humans and all creatures. And indications are that most global citizens are prepared to sacrifice [ark | moreark] and pay some price to avert the worst effects of abrupt climate changes [search]. “43% of the 12,000 respondents of the survey chose climate change ahead of the global economy when asked about their current concerns.” This constitutes a global mandate for climate action.

Where are our leaders? The U.S. is not listening to the people [ark], Italy desperately clings to the past [ark], Australia blames others [ark] and China and India shirk their responsibilities [ark]. Globally tens of trillions of dollars are being spent to prop up an economic system based upon the environmental impossibility of maintaining exponential economic growth forever [search], the same growth that has caused the climate and other environmental problems. How ridiculous for governments to tax their citizens to pay failed banks to lend to already over-extended consumers.

It is all coming down baby. The only question is whether we will have the will, strength and remaining ecosystems to reconstitute truly civilized, equitable and just sustainable societies. Or will we enter an era of barbarism in vain attempts to first continue our over consumption (based upon continued ecosystem destruction) and then just to survive. The human family’s future and prospects for shared survival is being determined now.