A sobering and insightful article. Instead of billionaires increasing our carbon footprint by sending people into space for a joyride perhaps they could use that money and influence to get nations’ leaders to act on climate change and the other problems this planet is facing. I can only hope these conferences will lead to action.
I believe these conferences are some of the best tools we have, which says a lot about the other tools available. Paris was a brilliant piece of diplomacy, but of course from an environmental perspective too little, too late, and without 'teeth'. This contrast says a lot about the immense difficulties we have to overcome between so many countries with such different interests. I normally would agree that those that have polluted most, and that are also the richest in the world, should start first. Unfortunately, we don't have that luxury of time anymore and anyone (country, business, individual) should do what is possible.
I read what you wrote, & know it to be true. Then I read that Build Back Better will be cutting the clean electrical program because Senator Joe Manchin is owned by coal & gas companies. The solution would be to elect more progressive Democrats to the Senate, so the Democratic Party has a true majority & can pass this bill which benefits everyone in the world, & our planet.
Thank you Jean, yes it is a shocking example of the influence of the fussil fuel industries in politics. And in general, the need to have money to succeed in American politics. That could never have been the idea when American democracy developed
In 2010, with the 5/4 decision in Citizens United, the Supreme Court enabled corporations and other outside groups to spend unlimited funds on elections. This has greatly expanded political corruption and influence. This ruling overturned over 100 years of campaign finance restrictions. You are correct when you say that the founders never envisioned such a ruling to be possible.
Thank you as usual for your wise council of our need to be mindful and act on climate change and global warming. Currently, through Monday, the summit www.fungiglobalsummit advises that remedial action will be through the 'heart' rather than the mind. It is quite impressive. Nature and its phenomenal healing powers are there for the planet if only recognized and called on.
China is one of the biggest problems imo. Coal-fired power stations are being built at a great rate there, in India too. It seems like only Western Europe is attempting to reduce CO2 emissions, recycle waste, clean up beaches….
Your treatment of this exponentially important subject is brilliant. Your storytelling skills are on full display in getting across our dire crisis. Using your deep background & insights gives breadth to this vital piece. Very well done!
These conferences are critical to our continuance as a livable planet but can only have value if approached with the deserved magnitude of significance by all countries & leaders.
I’m extremely hopeful but, like Greta Thunberg, my expectations suffer by what I see in my own country as my President’s climate goals are being dismantled by an entire party of deviant politicians & one of his own party who has sold out to fossil fuel criminals through his singular nefarious greed.
I read this similar chronological breakdown 10 and 20 years ago and nothing has changed. Somehow the corporate powers have to be personally affected by the climate breakdown before they realize the damage they helped create or care to do something about it. Can they be so careless as to commit suicide for profit? And also why are other world aliens always 'little' and 'green'? (Physics?)
"That flaw is most notable in their never-ending hunger for more consumption and growth. It is a lifestyle that doesn't fit within nature's capacity on this modestly-sized planet." This!
A sobering and insightful article. Instead of billionaires increasing our carbon footprint by sending people into space for a joyride perhaps they could use that money and influence to get nations’ leaders to act on climate change and the other problems this planet is facing. I can only hope these conferences will lead to action.
I believe these conferences are some of the best tools we have, which says a lot about the other tools available. Paris was a brilliant piece of diplomacy, but of course from an environmental perspective too little, too late, and without 'teeth'. This contrast says a lot about the immense difficulties we have to overcome between so many countries with such different interests. I normally would agree that those that have polluted most, and that are also the richest in the world, should start first. Unfortunately, we don't have that luxury of time anymore and anyone (country, business, individual) should do what is possible.
I read what you wrote, & know it to be true. Then I read that Build Back Better will be cutting the clean electrical program because Senator Joe Manchin is owned by coal & gas companies. The solution would be to elect more progressive Democrats to the Senate, so the Democratic Party has a true majority & can pass this bill which benefits everyone in the world, & our planet.
Thank you Jean, yes it is a shocking example of the influence of the fussil fuel industries in politics. And in general, the need to have money to succeed in American politics. That could never have been the idea when American democracy developed
In 2010, with the 5/4 decision in Citizens United, the Supreme Court enabled corporations and other outside groups to spend unlimited funds on elections. This has greatly expanded political corruption and influence. This ruling overturned over 100 years of campaign finance restrictions. You are correct when you say that the founders never envisioned such a ruling to be possible.
Thank you as usual for your wise council of our need to be mindful and act on climate change and global warming. Currently, through Monday, the summit www.fungiglobalsummit advises that remedial action will be through the 'heart' rather than the mind. It is quite impressive. Nature and its phenomenal healing powers are there for the planet if only recognized and called on.
Metta
Thank you Metta!
China is one of the biggest problems imo. Coal-fired power stations are being built at a great rate there, in India too. It seems like only Western Europe is attempting to reduce CO2 emissions, recycle waste, clean up beaches….
Hi Dorothy, thank you. See also what I just replied to Lilly.
Your treatment of this exponentially important subject is brilliant. Your storytelling skills are on full display in getting across our dire crisis. Using your deep background & insights gives breadth to this vital piece. Very well done!
These conferences are critical to our continuance as a livable planet but can only have value if approached with the deserved magnitude of significance by all countries & leaders.
I’m extremely hopeful but, like Greta Thunberg, my expectations suffer by what I see in my own country as my President’s climate goals are being dismantled by an entire party of deviant politicians & one of his own party who has sold out to fossil fuel criminals through his singular nefarious greed.
Troubling times, anxious but hopeful.
I read this similar chronological breakdown 10 and 20 years ago and nothing has changed. Somehow the corporate powers have to be personally affected by the climate breakdown before they realize the damage they helped create or care to do something about it. Can they be so careless as to commit suicide for profit? And also why are other world aliens always 'little' and 'green'? (Physics?)
Thank you Alexander - a brilliant addition to The Planet which I intend to share.
You're welcome Mike, and thanks for sharing!
Great story! Contributing to awareness. Super-needed.
Thank you, Heico.
"That flaw is most notable in their never-ending hunger for more consumption and growth. It is a lifestyle that doesn't fit within nature's capacity on this modestly-sized planet." This!
Per/cap CO2 emissions line up with lifestyle choices - https://www.worldometers.info/co2-emissions/co2-emissions-per-capita/, which doesn't necessarily line up with wealth or comfort/amenities level - https://www.visualcapitalist.com/countries-wealth-per-capita/. We don't have to live like cavemen, we just need to be smarter about what we spend on, what resources we use.