It is an oversimplification to suggest that environmental groups have distanced themselves from the ordinary people whose interests they seek to serve (Column, Nature 465, 287; 2010). Environmental groups continue to work as hard as ever, but face an increasing challenge because environmental problems are beyond the scale of direct perception by individuals.

Fault, if any, lies mainly with the industrial groups. Although they ameliorate the most visible effects of their systematic global activities, they continue broadly with their unsustainable practices. Fundamental reform is needed.

Environmental advocacy groups are no more to blame for failing to resolve environmental problems than are the researchers who expose the problems. Neither group is to blame for public complacency. Nonetheless, both need to work at every level, from engaging those at the grass roots to informing those at the highest levels of policy and debate.