Change Quote by Steven Chu
“While we cannot accurately predict the course of climate change in the coming decades, the risks we run if we don't change our course are enormous. Prudent risk management does not equate uncertainty with inaction.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Climate Change Risk Management, 2015
Predicting climate is uncertain, but inaction carries huge risks; prudent management separates uncertainty from paralysis.
In simple terms: Uncertainty isn’t excuse for doing nothing.
Key Takeaway
Act despite uncertainty.
Themes
climate risk
decision making
policy
uncertainty
action
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
policy
motivational
When to use this quote
- government policy
- corporate strategy
- personal lifestyle choices
- investment decisions
Key Concepts
risk assessment
precautionary principle
systems thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance caution with decisive action?
- What safeguards prevent over‑confidence?
A Different Perspective
Uncertainty may be overstated, leading to paralysis.
![“What's at risk [in 100 years] if we do not take action, truly is the survival of civilization as we know it... Literally that is the case. We have seen global warming so far of just a little bit less than one degree Celsius and look at what's happened. Superstorm Sandy. Boulder Colorado. All these…” quote by Al Gore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d36/al-gore-609_action_what-s-at-risk-in-100-years-if-we-do-not_538537.jpg)
