Ever since people started using fire fuels have created problems, but industrialisation based on fossil fuels from under the earth started in the nineteenth century. This brought prosperity and higher standards of living, as well as new kinds of misery and exploitation, and dangerous pollution. Population and industry increased rapidly.
By the 1970's it was clear that fossil fuels were harmful and would run out, and alternatives existed. After a brief energy crisis in 1973 energy prices rose, but nothing was done for the next three decades and unsustainable development continued. Why? Are people animals who overbreed until they destroy their environment, or did selfish companies persuade people to behave badly by continuing buying their harmful products, or did politicians prevent change? Will those responsible be put on trial in the twenty first century? They all blame each other, but who can force you to go on holiday or fly or drive or buy things you do not need? You are the question and the answer.
The human mind is always restless and seeks stimulus, and for many that means distraction with material goods and consumption that they do not need. The earth is finite but human desires are infinite. You will never be satisfied because it is your nature to want more, and understanding that is the beginning of change.
Why do governments in rich countries do nothing about global warming? Politicians say they can only do what people want, so are they saying people in rich countries want to kill the world's poor by flying? The first victims of global warming are in poor countries and especially Africa, so are rich countries preparing a consumer-led genocide backed up by nuclear weapons?
So go green, or go red with the blood of the genocide you drive.
