Climate change has negatively impacted millions of people worldwide and is an existential threat to humanity on the planet. The debate rages on whether climate change is anthropogenic but scientific research has proven beyond reasonable doubt that climate change is primarily artificial and controlling the human activities that cause it could significantly reduce it. The biggest culprit in climate change is the greenhouse phenomenon that emanates from greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. Sources of greenhouse gases include burning fossil fuels that fuel cars, coal plants that feed the electric grid, and factory farming that produces food for the nation. The question then emerges whether adjusting individual behavior can have a significant effect in curbing the climate crisis. The fact is that individuals are not the most critical contributors to the climate crisis, and while ditching the plastic straw might feel good on a personal level, it will not solve the situation.
It is not that individual behavior such as going vegan or buying electric cars is not a good gesture, but it probably does not go beyond just a gesture. Climate change is a political issue both in the US and at the geopolitical level. While the progressive might perform these virtuous acts, the average Republican is mocking them for believing in a hoax. To combat a global existential crisis requires a concerted effort on a worldwide scale. The entire globe would need to agree; until climate-change evangelists can convince everyone that the planet is on fire, switching to vegan burgers will not significantly reduce greenhouse gases. In addition, the climate change strategists need to concede the impracticality of some proposed measures. For example, some countries have switched off their nuclear facilities only to end up with energy deficits necessitating them to reopen their coal plants. The truth much energy is required to maintain the average lifestyle of a westerner, and until there are reliable energy sources, climate change will continue to be a polarizing issue.