We are very vulnerable to the global thermostat. Global warming is a serious issue - and feigning ignorance is not an option. Now that this concern has entered the political sphere, folks around the globe are sitting up to pay greater attention to the Earth’s temperature.

So are we doomed? Global warming is set to cause a helluva lot of chaos. Sea level will rise, glaciers will melt and species face extinction. Sounds as if those scary New Testament stories are coming back. Are we entering a Messianic period?

While I doubt the religious significance of these times, I do attribute a lot of significance to the decisions we make today having an impact on tomorrow.

So - the question that matters - where do we start? There are no historical lessons to refer to and I don’t think electing the right political party or official can save us. There is no quick fix solution from a hero.

We need to consider this problem in a social context by asking ourselves not what we can do to solve the problem in our lifetime, but rather how can we evolve our behaviors to create a smaller global footprint? We can’t address global warming at a local or even national level. All members of every society around the globe need to consider their contribution and rethink their choices. Where can we look to find the tools and good practices needed to begin?

Global warming and the pollution of the planet is not going to go away. Right now the task at hand is damage control. No doubt humans are clever - but I don’t the solution lies with a new tech innovation, but rather change will grow from the tools already available. The web is definitely part of the equation.

Technology has allowed communities to connect in ways not previously thought possible. Communication knows no national borders, and through the web we have created focused groups that share information, harnessed the wisdom of crowds and created like-minded communities.

At least it’s a good start.