A 2300 map of New York shows the state mostly under water.

Although humans were aware of the impending climate crisis, they failed to act, largely because of widespread reliance on “positivism and market fundamentalism.” Positivism, often attributed to the philosopher Auguste Comte, holds that knowledge is achieved through observation; it is similar to “Baconianism,” a philosophy that states that knowledge and empowerment can be gained through observation, experience, and experimentation.

Knowledge, however, does not result in power, as demonstrated through the widespread knowledge of climate change and the failure to act to prevent it. Rather, power remained within social institutions that supported the fossil fuel industry—a system referred to as the “carbon-combustion complex.” Organizations within this system spread disinformation that was reported alongside climate facts, giving the illusion that the disinformation supplied valid counterarguments when, instead, it supported the continuation of the carbon-combustion complex. While some scientists attempted to push back, many in Western society favored emotionally charged politics and market fundamentalism while rejecting science.

Market fundamentalism is an ideology that a free or unregulated market is the most efficient method of meeting social needs. The so-called “invisible hand” of the market would inherently mitigate supply and demand, balancing power distribution while promoting personal freedom.