re: Predicting future consequences
It is wise for us to reduce greenhouse gass emissions in a serious effort, something we seem politically unable to do effectively. It's unwise to destabalize our economies in the process of doing so, an action that would inhibit our ability to deal with the real future emergencies, yet unperceived.
I agree. But I think that the creative, scientific and engineering genius of the US and other countries could come up with ways of both reducing emissions drastically while actually enhancing the economy - and ways that could be applied attractively to third world polluters as well.
If the political will was there.