There is a growing global consensus about the threat posed by climate change. The disagreement is on how to go about altering human activities that unleash greenhouse gases. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed by 189 countries (including India), set the goal of stopping dangerous human interference with the climate system. Under the subsequent Kyoto Protocol, most industrialised countries committed themselves to legally binding cuts in their total greenhouse gas emissions. However, the United States, which emits much greater quantities of greenhouse gases than any other country, and Australia have refused to ratify the Protocol. India, China, and other developing countries have argued they cannot accept binding cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions without being provided suitable technology and adequate financial help. But doing nothing cannot be an option for developing countries, which according to one study will be putting out more greenhouse gases than the wealthy nations by 2020. India can do much more by way of establishing good public transport in all important cities and towns — making the railways the preferred mode for long-distance transport of goods and encouraging the development and adoption of cleaner technologies as well as of renewable energy. This process of change must receive wholehearted support from the public and the political system.