Thus a guest commentary by the British secretary of state for energy and climate change, Ed Davey, in Der Spiegel today. “Can the world’s climate still be saved?” he asks. “Many have given up hope due to the steadily climbing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses,” he continues, “but the battle has not yet been lost, and there are reasons for optimism.” Pray, what are the reasons? “First,” he says, “if we act, we can still avert climate change’s worst impact.” Yes, but we cannot act. Remember, we are only human. “Second,” he says, “the international process may be slow, but it is delivering.” Gibberish. “Third,” he says, “we have seen serious action by many countries, including some of the big emitters.” Gibberish. “Fourth,” he says, “this action is underpinned by important changes in the real economy—global investment in renewables outstripped fossil fuels for the first time last year.” With rapid rise in the world’s population, though, new technologies are far from enough. Perhaps the only good news is that the global economic crisis has reduced emissions, but the British secretary of state is mum on this merry subject. As far as I am concerned, the global depression is the only plausible reason for hope on climate change. Well, add World War III as the second possible reason. After all, these are real reasons for optimism!