Some argue that the main threat to the ecosystem on Earth is climate-changing processes. I think that the danger of such a phenomenon is overrated, and there is the more significant threat to humankind in a form of global conflicts.
Global warming and other climate changes are slow enough to be manageable. Put simply, it is possible to stop or at least to adapt to them by means of state laws and new technologies. Factories may be forced to use more environmentally friendly machines by law, and development in the field of green energetics will allow us to stop using fossil fuels. For example, photovoltaics is one of the most rapidly growing areas of scientific studies right now, which has already taken a noticeable part of the energy sources market.
However, big military conflicts between developed nations may appear as a much more important threat. Wars leave behind hundreds and thousands of dead human bodies and polluted lands. Tension between powerful countries has been growing for the last decades, and they continue increasing the amount of weaponry they own, while military technologies become more and more deadly and destructive. For instance, even a tenth part of the combined USA’s and Russia’s nuclear arsenal is enough to leave our planet lifeless and sterile.
In conclusion, while climate change should be recognized as a problem, I believe that this challenge could be overcome. On the other hand, the potential conflict between world leaders may lead to a catastrophe in mere years or even days.