If we do get accelerating rates of decline in our current lifestyle, will people look to the core causes or just the symptoms? The usual western world view is to address the symptom. The best long-term solution is usually to address the cause. I think Leanan may be right - people will continue to think that we just need some policy change and elect the right people (or some equally cosmetic change) and all will get better...

I suspect a few will look to core causes, but most of the people will be "lead" to look at symptoms and find a quick and easy way of "blaming others." As the example of the current banking crises has revealed, very few people are in to being accountable for their actions these days. John