If the impact of the coal industry wasn't so gradual but was released in a sudden event every 10-20 years, we would outlaw coal mining, with prison times for anyone who burns it. But with the impact being diffuse in time and space, we don't really mind. It's the same effect as nobody caring that deaths from car crashes in the US increased by 3000 people between 2019 and 2020, but kill 3000 people at once and it's a tragedy that will be remembered for decades.
Our skewed perception of threats is maybe one of the most destructive psychological quirks of humanity. It makes fighting gradual events like climate change or disease outbreaks incredibly difficult.
Our skewed perception of threats is maybe one of the most destructive psychological quirks of humanity. It makes fighting gradual events like climate change or disease outbreaks incredibly difficult.