This engaging video features a pivotal dialogue on the latest work of Dr. James Hansen, “Seeing the Forest for the Trees,” which consolidates two of his major recent studies. The panel, featuring Herb Simmens, Paul Beckwith and Dr. Peter Carter dissects Hansen’s critical findings—particularly his assertion that Earth’s climate sensitivity is much higher than what mainstream science and the IPCC have long suggested, making internationally agreed targets like Paris’s 1.5°C nearly impossible without drastic action.
This video was recorded on August 13th, 2025, and published on August 21st, 2025, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.
The conversation goes beyond just new numbers, highlighting Hansen’s pointed critique of established climate science institutions and models. The experts delve into the underestimated role of aerosols in cooling the planet, and how recent reductions in pollution may have unintentionally triggered a surge in global temperatures. They also examine the contentious debate within the scientific community, where Hansen’s warnings are both challenged and sometimes dismissed by other prominent climate scientists. The “Faustian bargain” of phasing out fossil fuel pollution—thereby unleashing masked warming—is explained as a central and troubling aspect of our current predicament.
Rounding out the perspective, the panel underscores just how far-reaching the stakes are: from the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) by 2050, to legal and diplomatic victories such as a recent international court ruling mandating real climate action. As the dialogue closes, viewers are urged to reflect on the path forward and join the Climate Emergency Forum community to stay informed and amplify the signal on climate urgency.
Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute
Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University
Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.
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