Change Quote by Anthony Zinni
![“We will pay for this [climate change] one way or another. We will pay to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions today and we'll have to take an enormous hit of some kind. Or we will pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives. There will be a human toll. There is no way out…” quote by Anthony Zinni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/df5/anthony-zinni-42564_change_we-will-pay-for-this-climate-change-one_424301.jpg)
“We will pay for this [climate change] one way or another. We will pay to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions today and we'll have to take an enormous hit of some kind. Or we will pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives. There will be a human toll. There is no way out of this that does not have real costs attached to it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Climate Policy Remarks, 2008
Addressing climate change incurs immediate costs, but delaying action leads to greater, possibly militaristic, human and economic tolls.
In simple terms: Act now on climate change or face higher future costs.
Key Takeaway
Invest in emission reductions now to avoid larger future losses.
Themes
environment
economics
security
future
policy
costs
Mood
urgent
serious
concerned
Type
policy
motivational
analytical
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- corporate sustainability planning
- public health initiatives
- national security strategy
Key Concepts
climate mitigation
intergenerational equity
military risk
budgetary constraints
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the most effective short‑term climate investments?
- How can societies balance economic growth with environmental responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Immediate action may be politically unpopular or financially burdensome.
![“So it is fair to ask, why not address the threat of climate change when it is still possible? Asad Rehman, of the international environmental group Friends of the Earth, who was in New York for the climate march, told me, “If we can find the trillions [of dollars] we’re finding for conflict…” quote by Amy Goodman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/amy-goodman-19343_addresses_so-it-is-fair-to-ask-why-not-address-the_2871684.jpg)
