Smil uses historical information and data to show how modern civilization, far from being at the cusp of turning its back on fossil fuel dependence, is more likely to continue its current trajectory of using ever more in the years to come. And he explains that even if stepping away from fossil fuels was an uncontested objective, actually shifting society away from fossil fuels would be very complicated in the near term.
In Facing the Climate Emergency Margaret Klein Salamon starts with an impressive call to arms. She invokes the hero’s journey and states quite clearly how much the climate crisis matters and that you have a calling in life. It seems a bit dramatic at first, but in light of the global climate crisis, she’s probably right.
Let’s brush aside the altruistic reasons for protecting the environment because though noble, I don’t think they affect everyone the same way.
To me, the most poignant argument is that we should protect the environment because it is us, the humans, who have the most to lose.