I think inevitable change has a lot to do with it, the 1%'s of this world are divided between denying the reality of climate change and paying lip service to it while practically doing very little because responding to this unique threat requires checking unchecked growth. "Laissez faire" capitalism and "free trade" are the only solutions they'll allow even though they are pouring petrol on the fires.
These people know that major structural shifts are coming because of interconnected factors like climate change, the rise of nationalist populism and the slow disintegration of nation-states on the fringes. Their response to that is to do what they always do, circle the wagons and protect themselves. Give more draconian powers to law enforcement and usher in more authoritarian governments that will shield them from criticism, judgement and responsibility.