When the heat is really on

April 7, 2026

Further to David Spratt's – as always – excellent article Has Climate Policy-Making Gone Completely Off The Rails? [April 7, 2026].

There is an inferred presumption among politicians and others, often in the media and the progressive advocates of ‘green capitalism’ that humans will be able to manage or even cope in a 3-degree world.

The late Will Steffen, who actually knew what he was talking about, wrote that: “Some people say we can adapt due to technology, but that’s a belief system, it is not based on fact. There is no convincing evidence that a large mammal, with a core body temperature of 37oC, will be able to evolve that quickly. Insects can, but humans can’t and that’s a problem. It’s clear the economic system is driving us towards an unsustainable future.” (Science, 15 Jan 2015, Vol 347, Issue 6223).

What is painfully and dangerously obvious is that the ruling elites continue to prevaricate when it comes to the polycrises associated with climate change, their naive belief that humans will be a viable species in a 3-degree world merely attempts to divert attention from the existential threats.