Final answer:
The statement in question is an appeal to fear, which is a sort of logical fallacy that suggests dire consequences without proof that suggested actions will prevent them. It calls for humility and risk management in environmental challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fallacy presented in the statement, "The planet is going to change a lot more in your lifetime. Things could get really bad. Or, if we take action now, we could avoid the worst effects," does not easily fall into common logical fallacies such as hasty generalizations or circular arguments.
Instead, this statement may be seen as a form of appeal to fear, in which it suggests a negative outcome if action is not taken, without necessarily providing evidence that the action proposed will prevent the outcome.
Logical fallacies can weaken arguments by diverting from evidence-based reasoning. In the context of environmental issues, risk management strategies are paramount, and acknowledging various outcomes, as done by the book, helps to prepare for a range of future scenarios.
The text urges readers to approach the future with humility and an open mind, recognizing potential disasters while taking preventive actions in the face of uncertainty without falling prey to optimism bias or magical thinking.