Global warming, downstream effects
On this graph I’m trying to show the reason why Global Warming ought to dominate the entire conversation about well-being and good science. Everything is connected with everything, but global warming is the root cause to all. Extreme social instability and warfare is the worst likely outcome.
Mankind has undermined, and continues to undermine its own well-being in a foolish way, and has made a return to the previous state of the planet very unlikely.
Global Warming has become such a preeminent problem that both “well-being” and “good science” have to be seen and formulated from this single perspective. “Good science” is science that is relevant in these terms. This is not discounting basic science but it shifts the balance between basic and applied science. It is now simply a matter of survival. It shifts the balance toward highly focused international science cooperation.
As far as well-being is concerned, “well-being” of mankind now appears as a goal that is far away, considering so much of humanity exists in desperate conditions of famine, ill health and poverty.
Since many of mankind’s current problems are downstream from the direct effects of Global Warming, and resources are limited, highest priority should be given to addressing the root causes, not the downstream effects.
The hierarchy and interconnectedness of the causes and effects related to global warming make it necessary to create an interdisciplinary field of integrated earth systems science that encompasses all aspects shown on this graph and includes the public health and particularly the dire political ramifications of global warming.
[presentation at the 4th World Laureates Forum in Shanghai, Nov 1, 2021]
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