A decision of historical significance is at risk of not being noticed in a world besieged by so many problems and so many other great changes.

This is the decision of General Motors (GM) to stop producing any type of gasoline-powered car by 2035.

GM, the country's largest automaker, will invest $27 billion over the next five years towards its goal.

Its decision will of course affect competing companies, such as Ford and Toyota.

In addition, its effects will have an impact on the entire economy, accelerating its transition to the wider use of renewable energy. (An event that can work miracles in the Greek economy, if the country takes advantage of the great sunshine it has).

GM's decision cannot be underestimated. It is a decision of literally seismic significance. This company fought tooth and nail for years against safety innovations like seat belts, despite the indisputable evidence that they save lives.

And for decades it fought with the same passion against regulations to reduce air pollution.

Until last year, GM was opposed to using technology that would allow cars to be more fuel efficient – yielding more miles per gallon of gasoline.

It goes without saying that huge interests are at stake. The political left used to say ‘the 7 Sisters’ – the then-leading oil companies – ruled the world.

GM's decision will therefore be met with a strong reaction from oil-producing countries and oil companies.

However, the world has reached its limits, the time has come for change.

Countries – or at least their elites – that have lived lavishly for decades of oil sales will see their revenues evaporate.

Some, seeing the future realistically, are already taking steps to replace their oil industry with other economic activities.

The same will happen with oil companies themselves, which will move to take the lead with other forms of energy. It's the job they know.

Look: we have now reached the point where we cannot hide the environmental crisis.

In order for man to continue living on Earth, he must reduce all kinds of environmental pollution, and very quickly. From plastics to oil.

The issue has wrongly taken on a political dimension. It is not political. It is science. It is universal. The future of humanity – and of thousands of other organisms, on land and at sea – depends on how we deal with it.

GM acted on the basis of its long-term interest. And for the interest of all of us.