There is a danger that two things will happen following initial expressions of alarm and depondency about the threat of rapid changes in climate. First, once used to the idea, people will largely forget about it and even become bored with it. Furthermore, it is a long-term worry and we have our daily lives to lead. Secondly, whereas the initial concept of climate change may be easy to grasp, as scientists get to grips with the great complexity of the implications, the story that unfolds is full of uncertainty.