Our Problem Politically: We No Longer Focus On The Greater Good - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica argues that a fundamental political problem in the US today is the lack of focus on the greater good, with society and government failing to provide appropriate oversight to address collective challenges like climate change. The author highlights the irony of insurance companies refusing to cover homes at climate risk while insuring fossil fuel projects, underscoring a broader societal failure to prioritize long-term communal welfare over short-term individual or corporate gain. The erosion of trust and effectiveness in government further hampers efforts to regulate and transition away from fossil fuels, as government itself has become a divisive and often distrusted institution. The piece reflects on how political discourse has shifted from collective action and shared sacrifice—seen in historical movements like WWII, Civil Rights, and women’s suffrage—to a more selfish, fear-driven narrative focused on personal gain, scapegoating, and division. The author laments that today’s politics rarely start from the question, “How do we help society as a whole?” Instead, the prevailing mindset is “What’s in it for me?” This shift toward individualism and greed has weakened societal cohesion and the ability to address pressing issues like climate collapse effectively. The article calls for a renewed emphasis on common ground and the greater good as the foundation for political and social progress.