Most people I know are reasonably science-literate, but very few see a causal link between their own lifestyle and the rapid ramping-up of climate related weather disasters around the globe. Nobody is willing to take responsibility, to stop flying and minimise driving, let alone get political or fight for the rights of those in developing nations already suffering the consequences. And, above all, nobody is pondering what this will mean for the global economy and for their own kids’ future.
The collective response is one massive shrug – either look the other way altogether, or point the finger somewhere else - it's all China's fault ("Why don't you go there and protest?"); it's the fault of the military; it's the fault of white colonialists; it's the fault of greedy corporations; it's the fault of industrial agriculture; it's the fault of governments; it caused by overpopulation… anything to duck responsibility. It’s the tragedy of the commons writ large.
The commonest excuse I hear is: "there's nothing any one person can do". As a self-fulfilling prophesy, that take some beating. As an excuse for selfishness, it's contemptible.
In a way, I can understand that. It sometimes seems unbelievable that this is happening now, in our lifetime. That we, of all people, have ended up in this predicament. That I, an ordinary dude with no claim to fame should end up having to write a message this this. Personally, I love travel – were it not for climate disruption, I’d be on the next flight to Namibia, Uganda (I grew up there and have Ugandan friends), France or the UK. Or all of the above! Maybe it’s better just to party while we have time?
I disagree strongly, and it depresses and angers me that just about everyone is shrugging: planning road trips or overseas holidays, and often strenuously opposing the painful political moves we need to ensure our kids’ future.
We’re stuck in a vicious circle of political denial and public apathy feeding each other - all turbocharged by the commercial media ducking their responsibilities.
Let’s be clear: we either get active – personally and politically – or we watch the global economy go down in the next few decades amid mass migration and regional conflict.
What are the chances of success? We almost certainly have +2oC now locked in, probably by 2050. But if we sit around with a paper bag over our heads, we’ll hit +4oC or more. There’s nobody else going to fix this – it’s up to us. Now. Politicians won’t act unless public opinion pushes them.
I simply can’t understand why so few people give a damn. Can anyone enlighten me?
