There is no doubt that CO2 levels are mounting, temperatures are increasing and sea levels are rising. But if we look at these variables from a wider perspective the picture happens to be dramatically different. In this respect the ancient past can tell us a lot about what is happening now. For example, temperature changes follow cycles of approximately 100,000 years glacial and 10,000 years warm interglacial periods. The warm period in which we are living started 12,000 years ago and we are now at the end of it. We are entering the next ice age. Will humanity survive or will it be wiped out?