Scientific evidence that the activities of mankind have altered global climate to the extent that our very survival appears to be in jeopardy is incontrovertible. It must be emphasized that global climate change has been a matter of grave concern within the scientific community for some time and has been the subject of an large number of scientific investigations. The vast body of scientific knowledge that has been accumulated over the past 50 years is notable for its high level of agreement, and has been recently reviewed by a United Nations established Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).⁽¹⁾ Reports⁽²⁾ recently released by the IPCC clearly state that global climate change is real and primarily caused by the human-caused release of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. The IPCC and its various Working Groups are composed of some of the finest minds in the worlds scientific and governmental communities - we would be foolhardy to ignore their findings.

No human living today will see a reversal, or even slowing of Global Climate Change, or Global Warming. For the short-term, the "best" that we can do is adapt to the physical, biological and social changes imposed by climate change; and initiate the necessary actions to permit the long-term survival of our civilization.

The task ahead of us is both urgent and complex. The consequence of non-action is potentially the end of civilization, as we know it, on this planet.

What are the threats? What can we do to alleviate these threats? What can we do to aid the survival of our civilization? Do we not have a moral obligation to our children, and our children's children to act now? These are some of the questions that you are invited to explore and discuss here. Please participate, and act!

Indeed, do we have the wisdom to adapt and the time to take the necessary actions, or are we already toast?