A Lack of True Grit?

Politics is said to be the 'art of the possible'. A number of US environmental activists were heartened by the incoming president appearing to follow through on his campaign promises, committing the US to strict climate goals and a 'greener' future. These same people now feel that things are falling apart (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/22/biden-climate-change-plan-environment). Firstly, there was a debatable court ruling that the president does not have authority to unilaterally pause oil and gas lease sales across the USA. There is, apparently, little sign the government will challenge that ruling. Secondly, it appears probable that congressional bargaining over the president's climate and infrastructure bill, will result in greatly slimmed down spending. The environmental activists believe there must be more fight (well, they would wouldn't they, or they wouldn't be activists?). Getting meaningful action can't be easy in a highly polarised and bipartisan system. Having said that, time is short. The climate crisis isn't going to go away, with half measures. The US also isn't going to be able to set an example to the rest of the world on environmental issues, if it can't get its own house in order. Talking the talk, without walking the walk, impresses nobody. It's getting harder to believe we humans actually have the capacity, to do what is necessary, to maintain a liveable planet.