Earth has undergone various changes in its climates, some of which were not so hospitable to certain forms of life. The climates that permit human life to function on earth have many variables like temperature and precipitation. Humans have had an impact on some of these variables, a few possibly irreversible impacts. Impacts like the greenhouse effect, deglaciation, and sea-level rise are well documented discussions in both politics and science. The fear is that due to our current population growth and irresponsible use of resources, our environment is becoming less suitable for human inhabitants; especially those already at sea level.
A more personally responsible approach must be taken in order to avoid changing our climate even further and to ensure it is there for our future generations to utilize. This includes not only each person to hold themselves more accountable, but entities like corporations and governments to take corrective action as well. Unfortunately, capitalistic society’s focus on profit often obscures the view of how to approach climate change in a more responsible manner. The corporation’s bottom-line has been focused on shareholder’s interests as opposed to the company being more socially and environmentally responsible to the community in which it exists.
Earth’s climate is going to continue to change, human involvement or not. However, we as a species do not currently have the ability to inhabit another planet. Therefore, it is in our best interest for the survival of our species to become more cognitive of our impact to Earth’s climate as a result of our economic growth.