Why is life on Earth still taking second place to fossil fuel companies? | George Monbiot

Effective action against climate breakdown is near impossible while governments are vulnerable to lawsuits

The human tragedy is that there is no connection between what we know and what we do. Almost everyone is now at least vaguely aware that we face the greatest catastrophe our species has ever confronted. Yet scarcely anyone alters their behaviour in response: above all, their driving, flying and consumption of meat and dairy.

During the most serious of all crises, the UK elected the least serious of all governments. Both the Westminster government and local authorities continue to build roads and expand airports. An analysis by conservation charity WWF suggests that, while the last UK budget allocated 145m for environmental measures, it dedicated 40bn to policies that will increase emissions.