Joe Public versus the climate

Most scientists now agree that climate change is real, we are indeed causing it, and it is going to wreak havoc. But unfortunately, we aren't really doing anything about it. The kind of measures being enacted so far are a bit like trying to stop an avalanche with a woolly scarf. Trading licenses to limit the amount of CO2 emissions won't do it, nor will carbon offsetting.

In a democracy, you can only make the kind of sweeping changes that are needed if you can persuade Joe Public to support them. But Joe wants his car, and his cheap flight to the sun every year, and his patio heater, and will vote out anyone who dares to suggest that those things are not sustainable and must be taken away. If you can somehow persuade Joe Public not to demand those things, perhaps something could be done.

Good luck with persuading Joe, though.

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