The power of nature - Gamble put in context

THE Mexican Gulf Coast oil disaster and ash from the Icelandic volcano have reminded us of something we may have forgotten.

In the face of angry and disruptive nature we are all, in physical terms at least, no more than flotsam and jetsam mottling the universe, staggering along at the absolute mercy of wind and tide.

These two minor interruptions have had a huge impact on human endeavours. The oil spill will have a huge and destructive impact on wildlife too. These are minor events compared to those forecast by those who believe our climate is on a path of irreversible change.

Our powerlessness in the face of these events represents a real challenge to climate change sceptics. They ask us if we can afford to gamble that they are right.