Democracy is a great idea, and elections every few years are also a good idea. But one problem with the way modern western democracies are set up is that it fosters short-termist thinking. Looking at climate change, even if we ignore the might and influence of the oil industry, the fact remains that fixing the climate involves sacrifices now in exchange for a reward in the future. Most governments - and particularly a Tory government - will shy away from implementing any policy that could make themselves look bad and their (unknown) successors look good. I assume at some point the climate issue will become so overwhelming that the spell might be broken and serious action might be taken, but by then a lot of damage will have been done. Governments will respond reactively (when they have to), rather than proactively (when they should). Sadly, it's a situation where this comic is relevant yet again.


https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/scientific_briefing.png