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Abstract

Climate change represents an unprecedented challenge in the history of humankind. It requires not only a transformation of the present fossil-fuelled global economic system to a sustainable system based on renewable energy, but, equally important, a reorientation of the relations between nations from the present system of individual competition to a global cooperative network of interdependent entities striving to preserve a common habitable planet. Science can facilitate these transitions by analysing the conflicts of interest and inherent rigidity of perceptions that are presently hindering progress in both areas of transformation. But scientists should investigate not only the difficulties, but should also identify and highlight the most promising paths for overcoming the analysed hindrances. This is an essential pre-condition for creating the necessary incentives for effective social, economic and political actions