I have little evidence to support—but find it hard to think otherwise—that the people behind the process of industrialization that led to the deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions that are credited with climate change had any idea their work would have a global effect.
Fifty years ago was hardly the start of industrialization; by the 1970s, the effects of industrialization upon the world were knowable, if not widely known. I’m more referring to the decisions and processes that began in the 18th and 19th century when I say that those people had no idea they could change the course of the planet’s climate.
Bit of evidence against your point: it seems that Exxon accurately predicted climate change more than 50 years ago.
(I remember this because it was cited in an xkcd, but I am unable to find the strip).
Fifty years ago was hardly the start of industrialization; by the 1970s, the effects of industrialization upon the world were knowable, if not widely known. I’m more referring to the decisions and processes that began in the 18th and 19th century when I say that those people had no idea they could change the course of the planet’s climate.