By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

October 28, 2011

Climate change deniers despite their small number continue to influence many people still on the fence about the causes of global warming. When Richard Muller, a well-known scientist and a former skeptic about global warming, decided to scientifically investigate the validity of climate change and rising temperatures he sent a powerful message to other deniers.

Muller and the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature team found that global warming values published by other scientists were accurate. Their confirmation of previous scientific work regarding climate change should have a major impact on convincing other deniers that climate change is real.

As many other have noted, it is now time to finally put to rest denying that the widespread use of fossil fuels for nearly two centuries is causing a runaway change in warming that threatens the existence of earth as we know it. The rapid increase of atmospheric CO2 and its associated greenhouse gas methane is well documented and needs no introduction to most readers. That humans are a major source in its creation should be fully accepted.

350. org., the widely respected organization founded by Bill McKibben, has taken a number for the name of the organization that is believed to be the maximal concentration of CO2 allowed to sustain the integrity and well-being of our planet.  CO2 has now reached 392 and is rapidly accelerating. Some scientists believe that a target of 600 and higher is in the cards. The extent of devastation to earth when that level is reached is unimaginable.

We will experience longer period of extreme hot weather, hurricanes, acidification of the oceans,  rising seas, costal flooding, water shortages and desertification of certain parts of the earth even as other areas are deluged by floods. Social unrest, famine, vast dislocations of populations barely describe the potential changes that lie ahead. Much of this is predicted to develop my 2050. By the end of the century the conditions can reach catastrophic proportions.

What can we do? First and foremost is the awaking of all people to the need that major shifts in energy production must occur NOW. Slow pacing is not enough. This country must take the lead instead of now falling behind most other major countries. The entire world needs to devote their efforts to stop the burning of fossil fuels and create renewable energy sources. Unfortunately there is scant evidence that such a world-wide move is imminent.  Certainly some countries have elevated the task of finding new sources of energy and many have moved far ahead of the United States but it’s a drop in the bucket for what must be done.

Perhaps someday future legislators in the United States and elsewhere will be selected in part because of their conviction and willingness to work to stem the tide of world-wide air and water pollution. Unfortunately choices in the United States do not give us a clear-cut choice. Both Obama and the entire Republican Party fortified by the Tea party have put the need of controlling climate at the bottom of their agenda.

People as a whole need to arouse our leaders to bring climate control into the foreground of their political agenda. To delay is destructive to the future of our country and to our children and grandchildren whose lives will be radically affected by rising global warming. Time is slipping away. Some time in the future the window of opportunity will inexorably close. That time is near.

For those deeply concerned for the future of our planet, read "Rescue," a novel that focuses on the increasing dangers to earth as global warming and worldwide pollution sweep the world. It offers solutions to the immense crisis that faces us.

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com. to review “Rescue” and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.