It is a world of extremes, which can be characterised most clearly in terms of exclusion. That means political exclusion, whereby the rights of citizens are marginalised by the interests of big business: George W Bush's environmental policy, for example, is clearly formulated in the interests of U.S. energy companies.

In this quote, Noreena Hertz speaks about the world of extremes where issues of exclusion—particularly political exclusion—are prominent. She argues that political systems often prioritize the interests of big business over the rights and well-being of citizens. By referring to George W. Bush's environmental policy, Hertz highlights a real-world example of how government policies can be shaped in a way that marginalizes the needs of the public in favor of corporate interests.

Hertz’s criticism centers around the idea that when the policies of a government, like Bush's, are crafted to favor energy companies, they often undermine the rights of ordinary citizens. This leads to a situation where decisions that affect the environment, public health, and the economy are made with little regard for the well-being of the broader population. The quote underscores the idea that power and influence in politics often come from corporations and lobbyists, not the citizens they are supposed to represent.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Hertz’s academic work on globalization, economic inequality, and political power. As an expert on international economics and global political issues, she frequently explores how large corporations and powerful political figures shape policy in ways that disproportionately benefit the wealthy and leave marginalized groups further excluded from decision-making processes.

Ultimately, Hertz’s quote highlights the dangers of a political system in which corporate power has more influence than the citizens it is meant to serve. It serves as a critique of how exclusion—especially in terms of political and environmental decision-making—creates divisions in society, allowing the interests of the few to overshadow the needs of the many.