One of the biggest climate change threats -- Rain

[sculptor]

So, should the government and we, as individuals ...do nothing?

no
absolutely not
We should engage in some critical thinking, assume some personal responsibility and do what we can to mitigate the effects of our culture on the environment and,(of course) do our own research into the claims of others.
Climate ain't what has happened in the last 10 years, 100 years, 1000 years, nor 10000 years though that last # pretty much encompases our current interglacial.
The gestalt is much much more than the sum of these parts..........but knowing these parts well may lead to a greater understanding of something which we do not understand. Can we really understand the forest ecosystem or its micro-biom based on the first 1000 trees which we encounter?

 

[billvon]

Can we really understand the forest ecosystem or its micro-biom based on the first 1000 trees which we encounter?

Nope. But after being able to see most of the trees in the world for decades, and studying a great many of those biomes up close - then we get a better understanding.

 

[billvon]

So, should the government and we, as individuals ...do nothing?

That is the most profitable position for much of the money in government, so - absolutely, that's what they want you to do.

 

[Quantum Quack]

So, should the government and we, as individuals ...do nothing?

What would happen if say the Government put into law that for every 100ltrs of gas 10 trees must be planted. Evidence, including photos etc. must be provided that the trees have indeed been planted by the Driver of the car in person.
No evidence = no petrol

How long do you think it would take for vehicular traffic to lessen?
Generally people simply wont make the sacrifice needed until it is actually needed. They will throw money at the problem, but if they actually have to devote their leisure time to it, by having to get on their knees and plant trees for gas they generally wont.

So blaming Government inaction is not really the only solution.
Until people are demonstrably prepared to make significant sacrifices to lifestyle and quality of life, the governments of the world can do very little.

 

[iceaura]

Until people are demonstrably prepared to make significant sacrifices to lifestyle and quality of life, the governments of the world can do very little.

bs.
Governments can do a lot, and do it in such a way that sacrifices in lifestyle are insignificant - possibly even net benefits.

Quite a bit of AGW is a consequence of carbon emissions that most people would have found objectionable and avoided if given a choice - coal fired electrical power plants, for example. They do significant damage to "lifestyle" and "quality of life", nobody wants them around, and better alternatives are ready to hand - people just think they have no choice if they want the benefits of electrical power.

Other examples: diesel powered school and city buses; feedlot pollution from industrial agriculture; oil field flaring and waste; deep water drilling; traffic jams of internal combustion engines; etc.

So blaming Government inaction is not really the only solution.

Blaming Republican Party crippling of necessary government action is part of any workable solution in the US.