All sections of society are failing

All sections of society should be working together to overcome the biggest threat ever to our civilisation. Instead, they are all failing in their duty.

There are widespread failures by
  • national governments and local administrations
  • scientists and other experts
  • the media
  • companies
  • campaigning and protest groups
  • citizens
All groups are failing. It is hard to say who is most culpable because the failures are so interlinked, but those who are in paid roles should attract the most criticism.

The obligations

There are obligations to cut greenhouse gas emissions, both according to international agreements, and according to the moral obligation to avoid causing harm to others. See document 36. But all sections of society are failing.

National governments and local administrations

It seems that there are many instances of the offence of Misconduct in Public Office [1].

Scientists and other experts


The media


Companies


Campaigning and protest groups


Citizens


Who is most responsible

It is hard to say who is most culpable because the failures are so interlinked, but those who are in paid roles should attract the most criticism.


References

[1]Cown Prosecution Service Misconduct in Public Office https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/misconduct-public-office
[2]Turning delusion into climate action - Prof Kevin Anderson, an interview (2020) Responsible Science https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/turning-delusion-climate-action-prof-kevin-anderson-interview


First published: 16 Jan 2022
Last updated: 18 May 2023