Humans have survived climate change in the past, and we know enough today to survive it in the future. What we cannot survive is our shameless assault on the environment. Except for the anti-science deniers and the conspiracy theorists, most people in the world are aware of the threat of man-made carbon emissions and pollution of oceans with our junk.

Demonstrators from all around the world made this clear in Poland at the climate summit meeting. Our leaders tell us that saving the environment is not worth risking economic prosperity and the energy security of fossil fuels. They present us with a false choice between survival and business as usual.

If we allow ignorance, greed and indifference to the health of the planet to win the day, then we are all to blame. It is up to us to save the planet. Many leaders are failing us on this issue.

Arthur Mersereau

Manoa

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