[Jeff Higgins]

We are simply along for the ride. To think we, as a species, can influence this in any way is laughable. That notion has, in and of itself, spawned a whole new religion, replete with the trappings of every religion that has preceded it. Man is evil. Man is destructive. Man needs to repent and sacrifice. Give up most, if not all of our modern creature comforts and learn to suffer a bit more. All of it based upon "evidence" that is open to a very broad range of interpretation, with noted, respected, accomplished experts in vehement disagreement with one another. The loudest proponents are those with the lowest technical or scientific understanding of that evidence, who have simply chosen sides based upon their guilt, desire for peer acceptance, desire to control others, and other non-scientific factors. These basic precepts are unchanged across the board, down through the ages, found in every religion we have ever concocted. This is just the modern version of all of that.

It's an easy sell to urban man. Their world is very small, far smaller than it is in all actuality. For those of us who have spent a good deal of time out there in this world's vast, open, lonely spaces - not so much. When we can fly halfway around this giant globe in half of one day, from one crowded metropolis to another, and never see nor experience anything else, the world seems very small and crowded indeed. It's easy to think that those teeming masses, and the industry that supports their comforts of modern living, can have some influence over the climate on this planet. Haughty man. We couldn't do it even if we tried. Even if we put our best effort into it.

Again, no more than another religion, with all of their trappings. Helping to assuage the guilt while building like minded peer groups and associations amongst those urbanites who feel as though they have it too good, too easy. And a great way to force your will upon others who do not agree with you - again, just like any other religion.