Years of education, protest, and lobbying seem to be finally having an effect on U.S. environmental policies, though not without constant Republican resistance and Democratic vacillation—and so far, neither fast enough or strong enough for the change we need. The oil and coal companies relentless drive for profits and their political power represent the great obstacle to lowering CO2 emissions and saving the planet and the human race from climate change’s devasting effects. But beyond that, the entire culture’s emphasis on growth—companies, unions, or consumers—represents a barrier to change.