Epilogue

Abstract

There can be no doubt that the discovery and widespread use of fossil fuels has driven massive economical and societal developments. It started with coal. Although oil and gas became important thereafter, coal never really lost its position of prominence, although the tide may have turned in very recent years (Figure 1.2). The use of fossil fuels is familiar to virtually everybody on the planet, and a massive global corporate infrastructure exists to ensure its supply and distribution. In addition, petrochemical products are essential base materials for much of the manufacturing industry (e.g., plastics, synthetics, solvents, etc.). Virtually all of humanity has thus become thoroughly dependent on fossil fuels and other petrochemical products. We feel in our comfort zone with them. The very closely interwoven relationship between the modern way of life and fossil fuels and other petrochemicals, the emotive comfort- zone issue, and direct financial interests are key to the strong reactions that commonly follow whenever external carbon emissions are identified as an urgent problem. I hope that this book has provided you with a deeper understanding of the concepts and observations behind the concerns expressed by researchers. The role of CO2 in climate could perhaps be defined a little more sharply in the fine details, but the big lines are clear. And the big lines are all we need to appreciate where we stand today. Using just a few simple numbers about the potential consequences of the modern CO2 levels, with examples from the past, and equally simple numbers about the sheer quantities of carbon involved, everyone can get their heads around the scale of the problem. By similarly working out the scale of the required remedial measures in basic terms, we have seen that our most advisable course of action is to create a zero emissions society at the very soonest. Because there has been inaction for so long already, positive action on a truly global scale has now become a matter of the greatest urgency. This zero emission society is critical for stopping the unnaturally rapid rise in CO2 levels and stabilizing them to a level as close to today’s 400 ppm as we can.