Once upon a time there was a planet - climate change as the biggest challenge

The world is becoming increasingly unstable and unpleasant, and no one can escape the effects of climate change. It is our responsibility and moral obligation to do something about it, and we must avoid the possibility that our grandchildren will curse us for what we have done and, more importantly, failed to do.

This inspirement considers climate change and what it actually means for our prosperity and well-being. How does it affect our work and lives? What is the impact on nature and our environment, on our relationship to each other, and will technology solve all the problems?

As a scientivist, Ruud does not preach a doomsday scenario or instill fear. He is optimistic about the future, including that of the planet. But in this inspiration, truth-telling, facts and reflection are paramount.

But what if it’s all just not that bad? Well, then we just finish earlier! And what if it doesn’t work out? What if it really does get 3 to 4 degrees warmer, as is predicted if we continue as we are?

Then what facts will open the eyes of the deniers and people who follow the news but do not yet see climate change as humanity’s greatest challenge ever?

To a homo economicus, a damage of $600 trillion probably speaks most to the imagination. That is twice as much as all the wealth the world has today. The size of the global economy will then be 30 percent smaller. And not temporarily, as during the Great Depression, but long-term and possibly even permanent.

But money is abstract and other consequences are more shocking. Around the equator it will be so hot in the second half of this century, it will become unlivable. Unprecedented migration flows are inevitable. The UN expects 200 million climate refugees by 2050, growing to perhaps more than a billion by the end of the 21st century.

What all this means for the planet and our lives as a whole is an open question for now. But the best science-based predictions should not and cannot be ignored.

We need to rethink and redesign just about every aspect of modern society and our way of life. The insight and conviction that climate change affects everything and everyone proved to be a revelation to all participants. The positive side of the enormous impact we as humans have on the climate is that we can also change it for the better.

That requires commitment, dedication and struggle, but it is not impossible. That also makes this revolutionary era a beautiful time to live in: we can make a substantial difference.