This year could be one of the hottest on record, with heat waves, wildfires and calamitous storms and floods ravaging multiple continents. Billion dollar disasters are becoming the norm. The world is burning, and while climate scientists and advocates sound the alarm, others remain defiant and misinformed, even those who may hold the keys to our salvation.

While more politicians are talking about climate change, others are keeping their mouths shut for fear of voter reactions. With unprecedented weather events around the world, we should communicate the climate facts to businesses, citizens and policy makers. Instead, many are keeping their heads down to avoid the disapproval of far-right politicians and their “drill, baby, drill” followers who prefer to maintain their devotion to coal and oil rather than explore solar, wind and other renewable alternatives.