Flood Stage Carbon
The planet is being flooded with carbon gases; like water, they can support life or threaten it; they are now at flood stage—killing people, destroying crops, devastating habitats. And the level is rising everywhere.

But unlike rain and tide, the carbon flood can be eased at its source. Humans have caused it, and humans can slacken and tame it.

It is already a struggle, and it will take much more, because there are generations of accommodation and profit to be reworked. But the directions are clear, and the time is now.

(Others have suggested war as a guiding image. I think floods are closer to most Americans’ direct experience (I say this with humble acknowledgement of those who have served in combat zones), and also call more directly on Americans’ energies and generosity in responding to disasters.)