1. The Climate Crisis Is Here and “Do Nothing” Is not an Option

This chapter presents in a concise and documented way the story of the climate change phenomenon and its anthropogenic origin. It presents the arguments put forward by those who deny that climate change is caused by human activities as well as the arguments of those who accept this notion and support the need for immediate action. Both arguments are presented with a summary of supporting data and documentation. Key data of CO₂ emissions per capita and per GDP are presented for some key polluting countries for a period of 30 years while data of actual quantities of CO₂ emitted in Gt/year are given for the six top polluting economies (China, USA, EU, Russia, India, Japan). The trends in the quantities of CO₂ emitted each year by the six most polluting countries, show a marked increase in the emissions after the year 2000 for some of these countries. The concise and accurate presentation and comments on emissions data and the reference to key reports and documents by various relevant organisations, is complimented by presentation of some of the most pronounced impacts of climate change that are already here. These are the major natural disasters that occurred around the world over the last decade which bring the most convincing evidence of the dire consequences that can be caused by climate change and global warming. The concluding sections of this chapter defend the notion that climate change is here, it is getting accelerated by human activities and their related GHG emissions, and that “doing nothing” is not an option. Already, the negative socioeconomic impacts of extreme weather events are felt in an increasing number of countries, and this should provide people and governments with enough evidence as to the painful consequences of a “do nothing” situation. It is argued that the consequences and impacts of “doing nothing” will be much bigger and more costly to humanity than the cost of the actions necessary to mitigate climate change and achieving full decarbonisation in the foreseeable future. The fight to combat climate change is seen as the only path in front of humanity to save the planet from the catastrophic consequences of a full-blown climate crisis.