As a doctor I face situations where only one action is needed, individually and globally, for example, if a patient suffers from an arterial bleed there is only one thing that has to be done immediately – stop the bleeding, 100 per cent. If somebody has a cardiac arrest the life saving measure is to restore a heart rhythm that guarantees a sufficient blood circulation – without any delay.
I see climate change as a life threatening process at the global level – the symptoms include extreme weather conditions, rising sea level, reduction of the Gulf Stream circulation. A climate collapse may become possible. There is no cure for such a serious condition; therefore all efforts have to be invested into prevention. Burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming; this kind of energy production is not compatible with the Earth’s life system. The same is true for nuclear power – enormous risk potential and radioactive waste. The ‘medical prescription’ is clear: 100 per cent renewable energy and energy efficiency.
