Do Threats to Our Natural Environment Pose a Clear and Present Danger?

Frequent commenter Larry Lemmert writes:

Have you ever heard the term “clear and present danger”? … When the danger rises to an indisputable level that affects the wellbeing of everyone, we will become united and save the planet.

Larry: I’ve read dozens of your posts here, and I can see that you obviously have a keen intellect. So, given all this, you don’t think there’s a “clear and present danger” associated with the issues that surround our continued dependence on fossil fuels? You’re not on board with the 97+% of scientists in relevant disciplines who tell us that we’re headed for a fantastic train wreck with climate change? You want to wait until the level of catastrophe has affected all seven billion of us? Isn’t it possible that by this point it will be too late?

Here’s something else to consider. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, mankind is not getting smarter day by day; to the contrary, he’s shrinking, getting more plowed in, more manipulated, more drugged, less able to see what is unfolding in front of him, less able to, using your words, to “become united and save the planet.”

I thank you for your numerous fantastic contributions here, and again, I admire your intellect, but I think you’ve missed this one.  If we’re going to turn this around, it has to happen…. right around now.