Print article Pointing out similarities between the coronavirus pandemic and the climate crisis has proven an irresistible theme for commentary writers over the past year. They’ve reminded us that, in both cases, we were warned by experts. Many in government leadership positions denied the existence of both problems, and some of the general public were drawn into dismissing the experts. Both threats have no regard for national borders, with the most vulnerable people everywhere being at highest risk. OK, fine, but what about finding solutions? Well, here’s another important similarity: Individual, voluntary actions by citizens aren’t enough. It takes policy actions by the federal government.