Climate Corner: This is the defining choice of our time

Can someone explain why the United States — supposedly a forward-thinking nation — is turning its back on planetary health and, in doing so, the future of energy, transportation, investment, jobs, and the profoundly wise goal of a thriving, clean, sustainable global circular economy?

Even if you momentarily forget that every living thing on Earth requires a livable planet to survive, it remains impossible to build a functioning global economy without accounting for the future of food, energy, mobility, waste and technology — including AI. Add to that the reality of increasingly volatile weather, a direct result of atmospheric heating, which will disrupt supply chains beyond anything we have previously experienced, drive massive human migration and trigger a cascade of catastrophic consequences that we are not prepared to manage.

So why would we choose a path that looks like Armageddon over one that looks extraordinary?

People often tell me it’s because the alternative “costs too much.” That logic is baffling. Climate-driven disasters cost exponentially more — not just financially, but in human lives. Disrupting Earth’s climate systems creates massive, known and unknown risks. If you care about business stability, then the ultimate “business-as-usual” safety net is keeping planetary greenhouse gas levels stable. Full stop.

I don’t believe most people in the U.S., or anywhere else, want to be trapped in the past, relying on outdated energy systems that lead directly toward dystopia. This isn’t about being conservative or liberal. It’s about fear of change. And the irony is staggering, because the fear should be focused on our rapidly changing atmosphere and the terrifying uncertainty that comes with ignoring it.

What is also being missed — entirely — is the opportunity.

Throughout history, major transitions have unlocked enormous gains in quality of life and economic prosperity. The shift to clean energy and a climate-stable world is no different. We are already seeing it: investments in solar, wind and energy storage are paying off, while the financial burden of reviving coal and oil is skyrocketing into the billions.

Kraftblock, a 2025 Keeling Curve Prize Laureate in the Energy category, captures surplus clean energy when high renewable output strains the grid, helping decarbonize industry and power systems.

People want these jobs. I see it firsthand. My nonprofit recently received more than 300 applications for a single analyst position — a part-time, modestly paid contractor role. While the position carries prestige, the applicant pool included full-time professors, senior professionals from firms like Goldman Sachs and leaders from globally recognized think tanks such as RMI. Our internship program received over 8,000 applications for roughly 50 spots this semester.

The demand is unmistakable.

What we need now is the courage to recognize it — to build clean energy systems and true circular economies for everything we produce and discard. We must value nature for its essential role in carbon balance, including the health of our soils. Because abundance is not more stuff; it’s more stability, more joy, more laughter and more shared wellbeing.

The choice is clear. We can be part of the solutions, or we can continue barreling toward dystopia.

One of those paths feels far better to live with.