Mr. Stix posits some intellectually honest questions regarding implementation of climate change policy.
How do we overcome our hard-wired tendency to “discount” the future: valuing what we have today more than what we might receive tomorrow?
I agree it’s hard-wired. So “overcoming” it is clearly the role of religion.
Would any institution be capable of instilling a permanent crisis mentality lasting decades, if not centuries?
Fear of going to hell has worked for many religions for centuries….
How do we create new institutions with enforcement powers way beyond the current mandate of the U.N.?
May I suggest “The Prince” – these power-consolidation problems have well known solutions…
Could we ensure against a malevolent dictator who might abuse the power of such organizations?
Please re-read “The Prince” (I’ll save you some time – the answer is “No”…)
Ned "The Head" Ryerson 
Nice: “I agree it’s hard-wired. So “overcoming” it is clearly the role of religion.”
In the long run, the climate will change AND we’ll all be dead. I think the best policy is overcoming death — then we’ll all care a lot more about future climate change.