For nearly 200 years, scientists have been sounding the alarm about how human activities impact the climate. Early in the 19th century, researchers began to understand that burning fossil fuels like coal and oil could alter the Earth's atmosphere. Despite growing scientific knowledge and repeated warnings, greenhouse gas emissions—the primary drivers of climate change—have continued to rise. This raises an important question: why have societies continued to produce such large amounts of emissions, even when the risks have been known for so long? To explore this question, filmmaker Jean-Robert Viallet and historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz have delved into the historical context of climate change. Their work examines how the idea of a warming planet was not only predicted but also widely understood by scientists long before it became a mainstream topic of public concern. They look at the timeline of scientific discoveries, policy decisions, and industrial growth that shaped the modern world's relationship with energy and the environment. One key factor in the continued rise of emissions is the deep integration of fossil fuels into global economies. For much of the 20th century, coal, oil, and gas powered industries, transportation, and electricity grids. Transitioning away from these energy sources required not only technological innovation but also significant political and economic will—resources that were often lacking or slow to develop. As a result, despite early warnings, the scale of emissions continued to grow. Viallet and Fressoz also highlight the role of public perception and media in shaping responses to climate change. While scientists have long been aware of the risks, the broader public and policymakers often lagged behind in understanding and acting on these warnings. Their analysis offers a broader perspective on how societies have responded—or failed to respond—to a crisis that was, in many ways, foreseen.