I discovered science, and in the process I hope I became a better environmentalist.

At 1.24 am on 26 April 1986 Chernobyl’s Unit 4 reactor exploded after staff disabled safety systems and performed an ill-advised experiment to check – ironically enough – the reactor’s safety.

We humans, one species of animal amongst millions, have now become the de facto guardians of the planet's climate stability.

If we are to save humanity and the planet from the worst mass extinction of all time, worse even than that at the end of the Permian, we must stop at two degrees.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that climate change means we'll have to sacrifice our creature comforts. But it doesn't have to be that way.

This is like playing Russian roulette with a Luger rather than a revolver. One bullet, one chamber - and we're pulling the trigger.

Human releases of carbon dioxide are almost certainly happening faster than any natural carbon release since the beginning of life on Earth.

Our evolutionary psychology preconditions us not to respond to threats which can be postponed until later.

If substantial methyl hydrate melt begins to occur in the Arctic Ocean basin, then the (carbon) accelerator will be jammed, and there will be nothing we can do to cut the speed of climate change.

Once the 'portals of the future close - in Amazonia, Siberia or the Arctic - we will find ourselves powerless to affect the outcome of this dreadful tale.

Conventional economic theory... counts the depletion of resources as the accumulation of wealth.

It is critical to learn how to listen for what is not being said.

A controlling man, surely a mythical creature?

We've seen the weakest economic recovery since World War II, and massive levels of inequality and debt.

Legislation needs a better reason than that lawyers like it, and that America does it.

I gave no prescriptions, And those who have taken my moods for prophecies Mistake the matter.

The most direct and enduring way to reach the mind and imagination of the learner is through the mind, imagination and character of the outstanding teacher.

For he that feeds men serveth few; He serves all who dares be true.

Do you want to know the man against whom you have most reason to guard yourself? Your looking-glass will give you a very fair likeness of his face.

I unfortunately have never in my life been to a wild party.

We talked about politics constantly in my family growing up in North Carolina. There were always debates. Being of Greek background, it's in our blood to drink coffee and talk politics.