Who will stand up for nature?

The recent environmental reports on global warming and the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has put things back into perspective. True, it's nothing new - but it should be a harsh reminder that all is not right and we can not keep ignoring the fact that planet earth is slowly by surely degenerating under the strain of human growth. We are, without a doubt, on the path to self-destruction. The days when the ice-caps will melt and cover the cities with water is not far off. A single degree increase in world temperature will trigger worldwide climate changes never seen before and millions of human lives will be lost.

It's just a matter of time. People have stopped talking about how to stop global warming, but how to cope with it. It is, in essence, unstoppable.

What can we as individuals do? To be honest - as individuals, we can do nothing. What can a single person taking public transportation or using his legs accomplish when the other cars go whizzing by on the highway? Even if I recycle my trash, all my neighbours don't. Can a single person make a difference - no, absolutely not.

Humans are not driven (at least it seems) by the collective good. They are driven by personal gain. It's always me first and then, if time permits, the rest. In a capitalist way, the market decides. You make it attractive to me to save the environment and I'll do it - else, I'll just go for the cheapest alternative. It's sad but true - what makes you think I will care about nature when nobody else does?

Who will stand up for nature?