The Current Situation: Most People in Developed Countries Aren't Willing to Pay More to Protect the Environment

According to numerous surveys, most Americans support government action to protect the environment, and most Americans feel the government is doing do little in this regard. Yet when it comes to their own bottom line, Americans aren’t that enthusiastic about paying for environmental protection themselves - a sentiment shared with many across the world:

Well, how the hell can governments do more to protect the environment if their primary funder - tax payers - refuse to pay for the service? Tread lightly and lay off guilt trips to get people to sacrifice their dreams for the greater good of the planet. Dreams like having a nice home with kids, a few pets, a decent backyard, good schools, and safe streets. Meet them half-way: you can have your house but on a smallish lot. And if we impose a carbon tax, you’ll get some of the revenue - by way of a thank you.