Citizens

I think the key issue in global warming is that most people think it doesn't affect them. Why? Given the current statistics, the change in average climate temperature (less than a degree in the past 150 years) seems insignificant. Also, the true harmful effects will only be experienced in many generations to come, and even our children and grandchildren will not be too badly affected by it. Perhaps it may seem irresponsible of earth's citizens now, but the truth is the consequence is too far away to strike a chord with people. Moreover, looking at other climate and environment issues - depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain and other forms of air pollution - these issues seem more eminent.

At the same time, I think there may be a correlation between the depletion of fossil fuel and the greenhouse effect. The most man-induced greenhouse gas emissions come from the combustion of fuels, leading to greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, unburnt hydrocarbons/methane. At the same time, we predict that we are running out of fossil fuels soon - so inevitably the emission of greenhouse gases will also be reduced (save combustion for purposes other than energy generation, e.g. clearing forests or rubbish dumps). Hence perhaps it may be more effective to work towards other forms of more efficient energy which should kill two birds (energy crisis and global warming) with one enrivonmentally-friendly stone.