According to the Center for American Progress, 58% of Republicans in Congress deny the existence of climate change or oppose action to cut greenhouse gas emissions. However, their voters are much smarter and believe the evidence of their own eyes, let alone the research of every respectable scientist concerned in the matter. 87% of Oklahoman and 84% of Texans, for instance, accept that climate change is occurring, and 76% in both states think the government should step in to limit greenhouse gas emissions produced by industry. 62% of all Americans favour action to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

This is good news. Climate change is a huge threat to all life on this planet, and it is contrary to common sense to claim that all the tons of gunk put into the atmosphere has no effect. Of course it has to have. And we cannot import fresh air from any other planet. Were Epicurus alive today he would be a firm advocate for (especially) tackling emissions from power plants. The latter will not change unless they are made to by society. Short term profit rules, and it shouldn’t.