'The speed with which the storm is gathering leaves little time for complacency or half-hearted action if we are to retain a democratic future.' Our climate is changing, in ways that will have long-term impacts for us and for our children. Yet still we fail to take meaningful action. Why? And when will it be too late? Ralph Chapman argues that we have only 'a small and shrinking window of time' before the pressures from climate change become too great for us to address them coherently. This BWB Text is a practical call to arms for New Zealand citizens and policy-makers alike, identifying actions that are urgent and critical for the creation of a green economy and a sustainable future.