by Megan Quinn Bachman from EcoWatch.
This article, like the one above here, illustrates the effects of mass denial. However, the author of this piece implies that the fault lies with ordinary people, and I take issue with this.
The capitalist class sees environmentalism as a threat to their system--and it is. While they may sense that capitalism's need for growth and consumption is at odds with any sensible policy of preserving the environment, their addiction to profits and the wealth and power that the system creates for them over-rides any responsible attitude toward environmental concerns. Hence they have engaged in disinformation campaigns from about 1980 onwards to at least cast doubts on any scientific findings that impinge upon business as usual.
You simply must read the recently published, outstanding book on this subject entitled, Merchants of Doubt by Oreskes and Conway for all the astounding details of the aggressive campaigns waged by corporate interests to impugn the motives and the findings of scientists on all the environmental concerns beginning with the unhealthy effects of cigarette smoking, and continuing with acid rain, ozone depletion, peak oil and global warming.