It is not only the academics, but also the general public, who are indifferent to the grander problems that face all of humanity on this planet. In the US, I recall Pres. Carter's address regarding the need for reduction in consumption and need for conservation. That speech cost him the election, resulting in US interference in Middle Eastern politics to this day.

The problem of global crisis, such as climate change, rampant pollution, ever decreasing usable water supply, etc. is the sad fact of wealthy nations being crippled by political instability of representative government. With the religious institutions, now but a vestige of their previous selves, and an appendage of political structure, only political solution can address our problems. Unfortunately, democracies and republics only have 2-4 year policy horizon and are unsuited to addressing longer-term issues of a nation-state, let alone the globe.