Scientists and journalists are worried about the condition of the planet for their own children and grandchildren , writes David Ray Griffin . The threat to civilization comes primarily from the increase of the level of carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) in the atmosphere , he says . Griffin : In the opinion of many scientists and the World Bank , this could happen as early as the 2060s . The burning of coal , oil , and natural gas has made the planet warmer than it had been since the rise of civilization 10,000 years ago . This warming is causing sea levels to rise, which will cause more flooding along coastal areas as well as increasing storm surges that could damage buildings and infrastructure.
Scientists and journalists are worried about the condition of the planet for their own children and grandchildren , writes David Ray Griffin . The threat to civilization comes primarily from the increase of the level of carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) in the atmosphere , he says . Griffin : The burning of coal , oil , and natural gas has made the planet warmer than it had been since the rise of civilization 10,000 years ago . This warming is causing sea levels to rise, which will cause more flooding along coastal areas as well as increasing storm surges that could damage buildings and infrastructure.