People are panicking about climate change in large part…
““People are panicking about climate change in large part because the media and environmental campaigners tell us to, because politicians overhype the likely effects, and because scientific research is often communicated without crucial context…: humans adapt to their changing earth. They have for millenia… “We don’t just use up the iron or gas that is there and then give up. We get better at finding more, at lower cost, in effect allowing humanity access to ever more and ever cheaper resources… “Once the human propensity for adaptation is taken into account, the numbers on climate change start looking a lot less scary. And adaptation should ALWAYS be factored into any climate change study, because humans are ALWAYS adapting.” -p. 19, 29, 35””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human adaptability lessens climate risk; adaptation should be included in climate assessments.
In simple terms: Humans adapt, so climate impacts are less scary.
Key Takeaway
Factor adaptation into climate studies.
Themes
climate change
human adaptation
policy
risk assessment
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
policy
analytical
When to use this quote
- energy planning
- urban development
- disaster preparedness
- environmental policy
- public communication
Key Concepts
resilience
technological progress
resource economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure adaptation benefits all societies?
- What are the limits of human adaptation?
A Different Perspective
Adaptation may be uneven and limited by socioeconomic factors.