The Triangle of Inaction: Understanding the Barriers to Transition
Written by Tony Demeulemeester, Co-founder & COO @ Eli
January 21, 2026 · Updated January 23, 2026 · 9 min read
Ready to engage your teams?
Create custom challenges that connect employees to your mission and drive real behavioral change.
Faced with the urgency of climate change and the acceleration of global warming, a paradox remains: despite the multiplication of scientific warnings, natural disasters and calls for ecological transition, a large part of society remains in a form of collective inaction. Why this inertia? Why, when climate disruption threatens our ecosystems, our health and our societies, do we continue to do so little?
This situation is analysed through a key concept: the Triangle of Inaction, theorised by Pierre Peyretou. This framework highlights a mechanism of shifting responsibility between citizens, businesses and policymakers, each believing that it is up to the others to act first. The result is a systemic deadlock that slows down the reduction of our carbon footprint on a large scale.
At Eli, we refuse this tendency towards passivity. We offer concrete solutions to engage individuals, companies and local authorities in an active ecological transition process. It is time to move out of inaction, break this vicious circle, and reclaim our power to act — together.
The triangle of inaction: a collective dead end
The Triangle of Inaction, as its name suggests, is a model that describes how responsibility for inaction in the face of climate crises is constantly passed back and forth between different actors: businesses, policymakers, and citizens. Each “side” points the finger at the other two to justify its own inaction.
Let’s take a classic example: citizens accuse businesses of not adopting sustainable practices, while policymakers blame citizens for not getting involved. This constant passing of the buck creates a vicious circle in which no one takes concrete action, thereby reinforcing the climate deadlock. This model, now omnipresent in discussions about climate disruption, is a real crisis of collective responsibility.
How can we break the vicious circle of the triangle of inaction?
Mistake #1: Blaming others
In our daily lives, it is easy to give in to the temptation to say: "It’s not my fault, it’s the politicians’ or big companies’ fault!". This constant back-and-forth only reinforces the deadlock. Yet one of the first steps towards climate awareness is to stop blaming others and recognise that each of us has a share of responsibility.
It is true that large companies and governments must play a crucial role in the fight against climate change, but that should not stop us from acting. As citizens, we have the power to put pressure on these institutions while adopting more sustainable practices in our daily lives.
Mistake #2: Dodging responsibility
The climate crisis can seem insurmountable. Faced with the gravity of the situation, it is common to think that our individual actions will not make a difference. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. If everyone thinks their action is insignificant, we head straight for collective inaction. But when each person contributes to the effort, the sum of individual actions creates a major impact.
Take the example of the Climate Fresk, a collaborative workshop that helps people understand the mechanisms of climate disruption. This workshop shows that every individual action can contribute to a broader collective movement, whether it is reducing our energy consumption, adopting a more plant-based diet, or prioritising renewable energy.
Mistake #3: Collective inaction
One of the most common mistakes is waiting for others to act before we do. This waiting leads to a widespread backward step. Companies do not want to invest in sustainable solutions if they do not see demand from consumers, and governments hesitate to impose strict regulations for fear of unpopularity. This vicious circle must be broken, and that starts with individual and collective action right now.
By stopping the habit of pointing the finger at others, we can start acting together in every sphere of society: personal, professional and civic.
The climate emergency: Why do we need to act now?
The climate is in crisis. The figures speak for themselves: over the 20th century, the average temperature in France rose by +1°C. While this figure may seem small, it is in fact dramatic. The speed of current climate change is around 100 times faster than that observed during previous climate upheavals, such as the transition from the last ice age to today’s climate.
The consequences are multiple: melting glaciers, rising sea levels, disruption of the water cycle with more frequent and severe droughts, and the disappearance of ecosystems that are essential for biodiversity. Faced with this reality, it is crucial not to wait any longer and to take immediate action.
What practical solutions can reduce our carbon footprint?
The goal is clear: reduce the carbon footprint of both individuals and society as a whole. Each person in France needs to cut their emissions from 10 tonnes of CO2 to just 2 tonnes per year. To achieve this, several solutions exist:
Reduce energy consumption: by better insulating homes, adopting more energy-efficient technologies, and using renewable energy.
Change our eating habits: reduce meat consumption and prioritise local, seasonal products.
Favour low-carbon mobility: choose cycling, walking or public transport instead of individual car use.
Acting at every level: personal, professional and civic
In your personal life:
One of the first steps is to carry out a carbon footprint assessment. This tool measures the impact of our lifestyle on the climate and helps identify the most effective actions to reduce our emissions. Adopting eco-friendly habits in your daily life, such as reducing your energy consumption or moving towards a more plant-based lifestyle, can make a big difference.
In addition, raising awareness among your friends and family and encouraging them to adopt more sustainable practices is essential to spreading change on a larger scale. This can include discussions about climate disruption, practical steps to save water, or tips on waste management.
In your professional sphere:
Companies have a key role to play in the ecological transition. They must integrate climate issues into their strategy by promoting eco-responsible practices. Here are some concrete examples:
Develop low-carbon alternatives and review the LCA (life cycle assessment) of products to limit their impact.
Obtain environmental labels relevant to the business sector.
Reduce waste, promote the circular economy and adopt an ambitious carbon neutrality policy.
As an engaged citizen:
Citizens must not remain passive. They can get involved by voting for climate policies, taking part in cleanwalks, signing climate petitions, or joining local environmental protection associations.
Illustration of taking action at every level
CSR solutions to implement change right now
Eli’s solutions to support your actions: launch a CSR Challenge
To encourage companies to commit to the ecological transition, Eli offers environmental challenges for your teams. These challenges raise awareness and engage your employees around environmental issues while embedding CSR objectives into your organisation.
Train, raise awareness and share: knowledge to pass on
We live in an era where access to information is vast. There are many reliable resources to deepen your understanding of climate change: Bon Pote, Jancovici, or ADEME. In parallel, workshops such as the Climate Fresk or 2tonnes workshops are excellent initiatives to better understand the issues and move into action.
Acting collectively: Together we go further
As the saying goes: "Alone we go faster, but together we go further." Collective strength is a powerful lever for positively influencing our environment and driving concrete change. Joining projects and environmental associations amplifies the impact of your individual actions. By joining forces, we can create a movement that pushes economic and political actors to make bold decisions.
There are many environmental and social associations across France that are ready to welcome committed citizens. To take part in concrete initiatives, you can visit platforms such as jeveuxaider.gouv.fr or sign up for events such as World Cleanup Day France, where volunteers mobilise to clean up public spaces and raise awareness about protecting the planet.
Conclusion: overcoming inaction, forgetting the triangle and taking action!
To overcome inaction, it is crucial to adopt a proactive and committed approach. Ignoring the carbon footprint of companies, society and citizens, doing nothing or waiting for technological progress alone will only worsen the situation and undermine our collective efforts. It is imperative to move beyond the triangle of inaction — the tendency to underestimate, procrastinate or feel powerless — and shift to concrete, measurable actions. By taking steps now, you can not only reduce your environmental impact but also strengthen your company’s social responsibility.
Do not let the blame for inaction sideline you in this essential fight. By implementing suitable solutions such as Eli, you can effectively track and reduce your carbon footprint while actively contributing to a more sustainable future. Contact us to discover how Eli can turn your efforts into concrete, meaningful action. Together, we can build a society where sustainability is embedded in every aspect of what we do.
Illustration for “breaking the triangle of inaction”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Triangle of Inaction?
It is a concept developed by Pierre Peyretou that describes the constant shifting of responsibility between citizens, businesses and policymakers, which blocks any meaningful climate action.
Why is it so hard to act against climate change?
Because everyone waits for someone else to start. This passing of the buck creates collective paralysis.
Do individual actions really matter?
Yes. When multiplied across an entire society, they have a real impact. They also influence businesses and policymakers.
What can I do today?
Carry out a carbon footprint assessment, reduce your energy consumption, buy local products, change how you travel, and raise awareness around you.
What does Eli offer to support concrete action?
CSR challenges, collaborative workshops and tracking tools to support companies and individuals on their path to sustainable action.
How can I motivate my colleagues or loved ones to get involved?
Start by sharing your own actions, suggest workshops such as the Climate Fresk, and highlight collective achievements.
Where can I find reliable resources to better understand the climate?
Bon Pote, ADEME, Jean-Marc Jancovici, the Climate Fresk and the 2tonnes workshops are all excellent starting points.
Is acting alone enough?
It is an essential first step. But for real change, collective engagement is indispensable.