Unfortunately at an individual level effecting change, I feel the boat has long since sailed.

It's pretty obvious that in western democracies, it's not so much the politicians who control the scene, but the corporates that sponsor their election campaigns in return for industry specific kickbacks.

While we have vested interests such as coal, oil and gas producers sponsoring your only valid political choices, you're going to end up voting for parties that are only there due to those companies. I don't see that changing any time soon.

I think it's best to just prepare for the most realistic current scenario, which is an average temperature rise in the area of 1 - 1.5 degrees C. Not so much dooms day preparation, but maybe don't be that little pig who builds his house out of straw.