There's something I call the 'paradox of democracy.' That is, it's far easier to control and manipulate a group of people, than an individual; and the bigger the group the less effort is required, relative to a smaller group.
That powerful factions could steer and lead public opinion in a direction that's the opposite of the true interests of the public, has always been the Achilles Heel of democracy right the way back to ancient Athens.
This paradox applies to climate change too. We're being led off the endge of a cliff, as we dance and sing our days away. This is, seen objectively, very, very, odd indeed.