Scientists may still be discussing what caused the disappearance of the once-dominant dinosaurs, but there is no doubt amongst them what is causing the current round of mass extinctions. It is mankind. People have been cutting down forests and polluting water and land for centuries, but it is the burning of coal, oil and gas that has brought the planet to the brink of disaster. As ice melts, storms get more violent and deserts spread, our major cities face being overwhelmed by the elements. The planet’s current dominant species may have less than 10 years left to prevent global warming getting out of control. If we fail millions of lives will be wiped out before the end of this century. World leaders have been warned repeatedly that time is running out. Most accept that there is a problem, and make fine speeches, but no economic power is doing enough to avert disaster. The technology, the know-how and the money exists to prevent this happening. All around the world new ideas and inventions are paving the way for solutions to the crisis. In Brazil more than half of the cars run on ethanol. Denmark is one of the world leaders in harnessing wind energy, which brings 3 billion euros each year to their economy and, in Japan, the effort to combat dependence on oil has been continuing for over half a century. Every one of us can play our part. We can switch off the lights, leave the car at home, vote with our wallets to pressurise companies and force governments to change. This book promotes understanding and insights into the issue of climate change and shows how all of us can help to save the planet.
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