I agree that the pressure has to come from the bottom, too, but in a strategic, coordinated way. That’s the only way we can even begin to tackle the systemic issues that are purposely and strategically being perpetuated. The broader point that we have to understand is that there are many industry interest groups that want to keep the focus on individual consumers so that they can proceed with business as usual. Unless individuals understand the massive efforts that go on behind the scenes to influence the public’s perception about who’s accountable (for the continued need for fossil fuels, for example), we won’t be able to make the changes that we need today.

Also, consumer choice at the individual level have real limits, i.e. individual choice doesn’t drive the construction of a renewables grid. We need government provided incentives that enables new technology to be built and scaled so that it’s a viable, competitive choice in the marketplace.

I highly recommend you read Michael Mann’s book, The New Climate Wars to better understand why individual action (like voting with our wallets) is simply not enough.