G20 leaders reach climate agreement, set carbon neutral goal for 'around mid-century’

Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, wash your clothes in cold water, eat less meat, recycle more, and buy an electric car: we are being bombarded with instructions from climate campaigners, environmentalists, and the media about the everyday steps we all must take to tackle climate change. Unfortunately, these appeals trivialize the challenge of global warming and divert our attention from the huge technological and policy changes that are needed to combat it.

This year, Esquire celebrates its 75th anniversary and in this connection, the American magazine has asked which people worldwide contribute with something important and significant to the world in the 21st century. The list also features the Nobel Prize winner, Al Gore, the philanthropist, Bill Gates, the presidential candidate, Barack Obama, talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, media mogul, Rupert Murdoch, and the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

The election of Donald Trump and Republican majorities in both houses have terrified environmentalists and climate campaigners, who have declared that the next four years will be a “disaster.”

Fear is understandable. We have much to learn about the new administration’s plans. But perhaps surprisingly, what little we know offers some cause for hope.