Our problem is not one of awareness, but one of recalcitrance. On the one hand we have unabated demand for products which create harmful emissions (from high-polluting cars to excessive beef and dairy consumption) by consumers to self-absorbed to believe that even their role as a single individual is contributing to the problem. On the other hand we have suppliers of said products who either refuse to contemplate reducing their profits (as carmakers do) or refuse to learn a new trade or skill (as in dairy and beef farmers). The result is the inevitable need for regulation, and increasing elimination of the problem through legal means. Sadly, for all the complaining the Heartland does about candidates not doing enough for them, the supply problem begins there. Equally sad is the fact that for all the complaining that the Coasts engage in about the assault on the Middle Class, the demand problem begins there.

Unless the government requires farmers to switch to organic farming, carmakers to have better fuel economy standards, and Americans make it a point not only to use less energy, but drive less, and stay away from beef and dairy, we are doomed to failure.

It's a very sad age indeed...