Dr Vittorio Bufacchi: The myth of private responsibility laid bare by political philosophy

Both Covid-19 and Cop26 are dealing with great threats to our wellbeing and existence, and in both cases, governments around the world are trying to offload their obligations unto us citizens

How can Ireland be doing so poorly when over 90% of people are fully vaccinated? First, that number is misleading: it is over 90% of people over the age of 12. Lest we forget, children are people too, so if we include children the percentage of fully vaccinated people is much lower.

What do Covid-19 and Cop26 have in common? Both are dealing with great threats to our wellbeing and existence, and in both cases, governments around the world are trying to offload their obligations unto us citizens.

When it comes to fighting climate change, all individual citizens have a duty to make an effort, by using less plastic, eating less red meat, not lighting coal fires, and being aware of our carbon footprint. However, ultimately it is governments that must do the heavy lifting, even at the risk of
becoming unpopular with the electorate.