If you like dark comedies, you may have seen the hit 1980s movie "Gremlins." The weird-but-classic film features a man who receives a furry, troll-like pet as a Christmas present, which would behave as long as three simple rules were followed.
And it doesn't take a huge leap of faith to assume that chaos would ensue when the rules are soon broken.
But what does the "Gremlins" film have to do with protecting our planet? One environmental chemist, Dr. Dick Co, sees the movie as a strong analogy — if we follow some basic rules of chemistry and physics, we can avoid some serious chaos.
"There were very simple rules to follow," Dr. Co told Yale Climate Connections. "With climate change, the science is also simple."
In this case, the rules relate to limiting the amount of planet-overheating carbon pollution we emit. And the chaos avoided is Mother Nature's wrath, like extreme weather events, which have become increasingly common.
Dr. Co believes that we can and will stop the worst impacts of the overheating globe, and specifically wants us to:
Consume less while still living enriching and fun lives. We don't have to constantly be buying new and improved gadgets to be happy.
Be patient and plan for the long run. Rome wasn't built in a day, and cooling off our hot planet certainly won't happen in a day, either.
Focus on human beings. We cause environmental degradation and feel its effects, but we can and will fix it, too!
Dr. Co has emphasized the importance of not only being optimistic in the face of incredible man-made challenges, but also seeing dangers for what they are.
Like with the Gremlins, this obstacle can, too, be overcome, if we choose to follow some fundamental rules.
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