Science fact, not science fiction

Despite the gloomy news about the state of the environment and the impact this will have on us everyone seems to remain incredibly upbeat and positive. This recent report from the Met Office paints a fairly bleak picture for the UK. But no matter what the science seems to be suggesting, people appear to be pretty confident that there's no need to worry. And I think I know why. It's Hollywood. The silver screen has lulled us into a false sense of security.

We've all seen the earth threatened with catastrophe; whether it's aliens in Independence Day or War of the Worlds, or a natural disaster in Deep Impact and The Day After Tomorrow. We've seen the danger, and we know how it ends. Yes... it's touch-and-go for a while... it looks very bleak... some of the supporting cast die and a few landmarks get flattened. But ultimately it's alright. Someone saves the day. And that's what will happen with Climate Change, isn't it?

I think people are confusing science fact with science fiction. They think that someone, somewhere is beavering away on a solution that will be wheeled out at the eleventh hour. It would be nice to think so - it's certainly easier to come to terms with than the alternative; the need to give up the comforts that we all take for granted and the realisation that it's already too late to avoid the first effects of Climate Change.

So why don't we do anything? I think it's because you can't see Climate Change - not really. If it crashed into the Statue of Liberty or fired lasers at Big Ben all hell would break loose and we'd take notice. But it doesn't, so we carry on as normal, assuming someone somewhere will find the answer. And it's not just 'us' - the public - governments seem oblivious too: take a look at this.

Now, I'm no expert. But there are lots of them out there, and they've got lots of answers. There are lots of things that can be done. What we need now is the collective will power - on a global scale - to make those changes. Because if we're not careful we might find ourselves in a situation that Hollywood can't get us out of.