What do you believe is the single most important factor driving up the cost of living in Nigeria?

Climate change can seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, if you look closely at its causes, you'll realize that history is filled with similar health and environmental threats that humanity has overcome.

The main cause of climate change—carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels—is really just another pollutant. And countries know how to reduce harmful pollutants. They did it with the pesticide DDT, lead paint and the power plant emissions that were causing acid rain, among many others.

In each of those cases, growing public outcry eventually led to policy changes, despite pushback from industry. Once pressured by laws and regulations, industries ramped up production of safer solutions.

I am an earth and environmental scientist, and my latest book, "Reclaiming Our Planet," explores history's lessons in overcoming seemingly insurmountable hazards. Here are a few examples:

Banning DDT despite industry pushback

• Read More