Greenhouse gas levels higher than ever - is procrastination a problem for the whole of humanity?

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the concentration of climate-damaging greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a new record in 2022. The Paris climate targets are receding ever further into the distance and we are heading for disaster - how can this be, given the current state of knowledge? Are we putting the issue off like tax returns?

In my case, I only ever act when my hat is on fire - in my private life, professionally (I hope my boss isn't reading this), and probably also in terms of my health. Is this a global human phenomenon? I know countless people who do the same - even though they are not proud of it and would rather be different.

What's wrong with us?

"Despite decades of warnings from the scientific community, despite thousands of pages of reports and dozens of climate conferences, we are still moving in the wrong direction," said WMO chief Petteri Taalas.

The last time CO2 concentrations were as high as they are now was three to five million years ago, writes the UN weather organization. With average temperatures two to three degrees higher, sea levels were 10 to 20 meters higher back then.

20 meters?

After a year full of temperature records, we should start to see that things are serious. It's actually no longer five to twelve - more like ten past.

Procrastination is the name given to the pathological postponement of unpleasant tasks that has only recently been researched in humans.

Procrastination as a diagnosis for all of humanity?

We know it's serious. We have a rough idea of the consequences and, most importantly, we have the means to change it - but we don't.

Why? How can profit and convenience still be more important than the quality of life of our children?

We probably won't believe it until the whole situation blows up in our faces.

Or we treat ourselves, because procrastination is treatable. It is tedious, interferes with daily routines and requires a rethink and clear recognition of the pattern, but it is possible.