Planetary risk society: from ignored problems to fast solutions

This article compares the slow response time to the dangers posed by greenhouse gases to the swift move to phase-out ozone-depleting substances after the 1985 discovery of the ‘ozone hole’. I suggest both commercial and psychological factors account for the disparity in reactions, in particular the perceived ability to distance ourselves from the risks and uncertainties that our economic activities create. To prevent irreversible damage to the Earth System, I further argue it is crucial to minimise the time that elapses between recognising emerging problems and taking concrete action to address them. Finally, I outline the implications of these case studies for the global chemical industry, where the rapid introduction of novel entities requires a bold regulatory response to safeguard our planet.