The debate on global warming is burdened with unfortunate misconceptions that inhibit progress in moving forward (see "Planning for a Climate-Changed World").

One misconception is that "draconian measures" would be required to mitigate global warming. This is ­simply not so, if we implement a prudent program right away. Such a program would include four major strategies: increased energy efficiency (in buildings, autos, and appliances), coal mitigation (which includes increased use of solar, wind, geothermal, and perhaps nuclear power, as well as carbon capture and sequestration for coal-fired power plants), the development of new biofuels (such as cellulosic ethanol), and reversal of deforestation. These strategies can stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases at acceptable levels and for acceptable economic costs.

Another misconception is that it would be better to wait to take action until technology provides new options. In fact, we need to start reducing emissions right away. If we delay, the world will face a dreadful dilemma: the choice between adopting draconian measures and passing the "tipping point beyond which it will be impossible to avoid climate change with far-ranging undesirable consequences," as the NASA climate scientist James Hansen puts it.