As in any debate involving unknowns, the first step is for each interested party to admit, "I don't have all the answers; I am willing to listen to cogent, rational arguments and to share my beliefs and my reasoning behind them respectfully and constructively."

First, what are (or should be) our objectives? Mine would be to preserve the natural environment, including a rich diversity of species in varied habitats, to lead a materially comfortable "first world" lifestyle, to protect and enhance my health and the mental, physical, and emotional health of those around me, and to try to leave the world a better place for my sons and their eventual progeny, for many generations to come.

Second, what do we know? We lack absolute proof, but we have very strong circumstantial evidence that anthropocentric global warming is real at some level, and we can present ample rational physio-chemical evidence.

Third, what should we do? As always, look for the win-win, such as an energy-and-materials efficient, conservation-oriented lifestyle. Specifically, avoid those short stop-and-go trips in the car when you can reasonably walk, jog, or ride your bike. Underheat and undercool your house. Install thermal and/or photovoltaic solar panels where it makes economic sense to do so. Buy a more fuel-efficient car, perhaps a hybrid, next time around. Switch to double-paned windows. Support nuclear energy research and development, fission for the short term and fusion for the long term, in addition to research in carbon sequestration.