In theory, there is a small chance that this warming falls within the climate's natural variability. But it would be dangerous for the envoys sent to Kyoto to bet on that chance by allowing nations to maintain or accelerate their emissions of greenhouse gases. The resiliency of nature, availability of food and water, health of human populations, and vibrancy of economies all hinge on climate. In doing so, they purposefully misguide public debate. O'Meara discusses climate change as a risky situation, and as a first step systematically identifies the range and probability of possible outcomes.
Some critics doubt that such a reversal is possible.
Others believe it's crucial. During the past two decades, the World Bank has come under heavy criticism for its support of environmentally and socially damaging loans. Despite the efforts of a newly created environment department, progress has been slow, and the world's largest development institution continues to be mired in environmental controversies. Flavin provides a historical review of the Bank's mission and project priorities as well as the World Bank president's current efforts to reform energy policies and strengthen energy efficiency regulations. The Bank could pay a key role in the effort by financing a new energy economy.