All of the people who deny climate change and the danger it poses put me in mind of a story.
Once upon a time there was a scientist who studied various cultures. He traveled far and wide in his studies, and one day took a journey on a ship that landed on a remote island.
Despite its remoteness, the civilization was fairly advanced. People lived comfortably, and there was enough food for everyone. However, the scientist noticed that there were very few trees on the island. Looking closer at the land, he saw many tree stumps, and realized that at one time the island was lush and green. But today, all the trees, except for a handful, had been cut down.
He saw that the islanders had no plans to save the few trees that were left, and if things continued in this way, the trees would all soon be gone.
The scientist sought out one of the leaders on the island and asked him about this. "I can see that your island was once lush and green, and covered with trees. You seem to have cut them all down, except for a very few. Soon you will have no trees at all. Why have you cut them all down?"
The man said, "Look around you! We have an advanced civilization. With our technology we have been able to make wonderful things for ourselves, and to live comfortably."
"Yes," the scientist said, "but what does that have to do with the trees?"
"My good friend," the man said patiently, "many centuries ago, we were a primitive people. We needed trees to provide shade from the sun and protection from the weather. But now that we are so advanced, we have comfortable homes, and have no need for the protection of trees."
"Ah," said the scientist, "I see. What do you build your beautiful homes out of?"
"Wood," the man said.