I think we could, theoretically, take very drastic action. Currently there are more than enough resources in the world to accommodate for everyone and also enough brainpower to reorganise the production and distribution of these resources to stop being dependent on climate destroying practices reasonably quickly. After all, we survived quite well before the advent of fossil fuels, and you have to remember that a big share of all the resources produced went to the richest class.

It is just that all our resources and development potential all lead to the richening of the rich, because that’s just what our economic and political system is hard-wired to do. I would argue that that’s pretty analogous to the experience of Greg – sure, he could theoretically stop drinking entirely very quickly and survive (with some withdrawal symptoms), but his brain; his governing system is hard-wired to continue because of his addiction.