This Changes Everything summary

The fight against climate change has been ongoing, with mixed results. If we continue to pollute the earth at our current rate, we could face the real possibility of environmental and social collapse.

Back in 1990, global leaders in an attempt to curb climate change agreed to a goal of limiting global temperatures to an increase of 2 degrees Celsius. The most effective way to make this happen would be to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are the main energy source in the world today. We burn such fuels to generate electricity as well as keep ourselves warm in cold weather.

Yet fossil fuels are quite dangerous, and they've been shown to directly interfere with our health.

Do you believe climate change exists? If so, you agree with a consensus of the scientific community. 

Shockingly, you may also be in the minority in society at large.

In 1945, the United Nations was formed to foster global cooperation. One of its many tasks is drafting international agreements.

One type of agreement is a trade agreement, which stipulates general rules governing international trade. In 1994, The World Trade Organization (WTO), which works to liberalize international markets, was founded by such an agreement.

In addition to climate agreements, the United Nations also develops programs to help curb harmful emissions. These programs however have had mixed success.

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was created in tandem with the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. The goal of both was to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions, also known as “greenhouse gases.”

While many of the world’s billionaires certainly have the means to help fight climate change, the actions of the few who show some interest have still been lacking. 

In 2007, Warren Buffett, the owner of investment company Berkshire Hathaway, said that climate change is serious and that preparing ourselves for such an event is important. 

Many countries have laws against littering. If you throw trash on the street and a police officer catches you in the act, you have to pay a fine.

We need to use this same principle to fight climate change. Strong governments should make fossil fuel companies pay for the pollution they cause.

Have you ever heard about a movement called Blockadia? 

Blockadia is international activism geared to curb the power and influence of multinational corporations involved in fossil fuel extraction. It is a loose affiliation of people who not only want to stop extractivism, but also are seeking a better way forward. 

Do you hold stock in fossil fuel companies? You might think about divesting yourself of those shares. 

Major public institutions too are beginning to sell their interests in fossil fuels companies, in response to activist pressures. 

The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” 

We should all heed this warning with regard to the pollution of our planet.