I'd say the world does operate on reality, it's people that don't.
Posit: a rumor is started climate change isn't real.
Consequence: people begin to withdraw support for stopping climate change.
Result: the climate becomes inhospitable to the human species (amongst many others).
Conclusion: We're all screwed. The planet will recover. People are collectively stupid and act only on behalf of their own short-term interests.
I'd say the world does operate on reality, it's people that don't.
Posit: a rumor is started climate change isn't real. Consequence: people begin to withdraw support for stopping climate change. Result: the climate becomes inhospitable to the human species (amongst many others). Conclusion: We're all screwed. The planet will recover. People are collectively stupid and act only on behalf of their own short-term interests.