The frogs.

‘Rivit’ say the 8.2 billion frogs in the cooking pot.

Most of the frogs rivit quietly getting on with their lives. But sensing the warming pot, some of the little frogs rivit a little louder saying there’s a problem. The big frogs come together and agree yes indeed it looks like there is a problem.

But after a while it dawns on some of the big frogs that stopping the pot from warming is going to be uncomfortable for them and that won’t do. They croak loudly, calling out the little frogs for scare mongering and assuring all the frogs in the pot there is nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile the flame underneath the cooking pot burns ever more fiercely. 

The push for collective action on climate change is often stymied by the way individualistic and profit-driven interests dominate, especially when a handful of powerful organizations and individuals hold such significant influence. Economic measures like carbon adjustment taxes and the development of circular economies are steps in the right direction—they aim to embed environmental responsibility into the economy. But there’s also a fundamental challenge: the transformation from an individualistic to a more collectivist mindset around environmental responsibility requires societal shifts that don’t happen overnight.

Interestingly, you see this tension reflected across many fronts, from government policies to individual behavior. Climate goals often get sidetracked by immediate economic pressures, which is why the power of large influencers in the corporate and political world becomes such a crucial point. These entities not only set an example but can either advance or hinder progress in unprecedented ways. True change might call for both top-down regulations that reshape the landscape (like policy-driven collective responsibility) and grassroots cultural shifts that make sustainability a shared value among people.

I do not think individual actions could make for a meaningful change unless there is a groundswell of people who can see beyond their own lifetimes. Making improving the environment is a life’s mission and something that one would likely be prepared to sacrifice it for. But sympathetic leadership from business people and politicians can make the path for others to follow. The path we have followed since the industrial revolution has been lead by business people and politicians.

So may be it is my imperative to seek out those leaders and politicians.