A review of the writings of prominent scientists since the 1970s showed a reluctance to accept the realities of anthropogenic climate change until late in the first decade of the 21st Century. Sceptics, deniers, and vested interests used the indecision of the scientific community to delay action on preventing or even mitigating the effects of human-induced climate change. As a consequence, the changes needed in society are now too great to expect action in time to avoid catastrophic climate change and species extinction. It is evident that humans are not clever enough to prevent the collapse of global ecosystems or to understand the consequences of inaction on climate change. Scientists do understand, but have failed to communicate effectively with government, the general public, and the media. Too few have been advocates of action. In doing so, they haveabrogated their social responsibility and condemned the future to a poorer world.