There appears to be an element of gloom and despondency about the outcome of the just-completed Copenhagen Climate Change Conference (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/copenhagen). I have had discussions with folk close to me about why so many people either claim that they do not believe that humans have contributed to climate change and/or dislike the messages that the 'global warming lobby' put out. When you get a cold snap, like the present one in northern Europe, it's even difficult to get people to accept that global warming is happening. My personal view is that nobody likes messages like 'prepare to enjoy yourselves less and accept that your standard of living must fall'; 'accept that there are too many of you' or even 'it will be OK because, when the human species has gone, the planet can return to equilibrium' (possibly ruled over by the octo Einsteins). I made up the last bit. Humans, like every other species on the planet, are guided by Darwinian principles where getting a big share of resources to improve your chances of leaving more copies of your genes is generally of paramount importance. Altruism (especially towards people we don't know very well) about something as complex and intangible as 'climate' doesn't come at all easily. In addition, our political systems make it dangerous for 'leaders' to resist a consensus view. Marcus Brigstocke's take on the Copenhagen SAT conference, as seen through the eyes of Dr Suess (on BBC 4's 'The Now Show'), is the only thing that has raised a smile in me (catch it, if you can locate it).
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