WE are scared. The government and the media are beholden to corporate interests that benefit from keeping us docile. It doesn’t help that some of the biggest polluters spend vast amounts on disinformation campaigns in an attempt to deflect blame.
Not “forcing”, no. Nobody has shown up at my home with a gun, and demanded that I buy a new car. It’s “only” strongly encouraged by the consumerism that corporate interests have made sure is prevalent in society.
Corporations could have invested more in fuel efficiency, alternate fuels, and electric vehicles, but haven’t. They could stop lobbying in favor of policies that are against the public interest. The government could take a much tougher stance on this, but it’s too corrupt.
Maybe they haven’t “forced” us. They’ve just gone out of their way to reduce our choices.
I think you can have cultures, cities and places built to encourage non car use. We have a lot more of it here in the UK, especially with public transport. It doesn't seem quite so simple with the sheer distances in a lot of America.
We do need to build lives that are compatible with a healthy environment and life.