More worrying climate news and increasingly worried Americans in the week that climate action failure became the world's biggest risk. This week, a steady stream of expert reports painted a picture of the state of our planet. But, unfortunately, not one of them gave a reason for optimism. And I know you probably want to read The Planet because it is often - as one of you recently wrote - your "fresh dose of oxygen." But sadly, these reports are all about a fresh dose of CO2.The last eight years were the eight hottest since record-keeping began in 1880. Last year was the sixth-warmest year on record, according to data released by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA. There is a 99 percent chance that 2022 will join the top ten of the warmest years on record. Last year, there was cooling from La Niña in parts of the central Pacific that brings cold deep ocean water to the surface, and even with that cooling, 2021 still ended up in the top ten or warmest years.
Splendid article and each point is well made. Your broad knowledge and experience on climate is so valuable. Plus your insights on today’s political and leadership crises, especially in US where democracy is in critical danger, are perfectly defined. Very worrying times!
We all share the alarm and concern wisely reflected in Luna’s expression. She may need a bigger basket to accommodate the rest of us.
Thank you for excellent writing and great podcasts getting better with each one.
The former US President has encouraged his followers to deny our climate crisis, voting rights equality and more. More than ever, it’s essential we each speak up, stand up for what we believe. Every person can make a difference.
Yes, and they should all make a difference now, because just like climate change, democracy has tipping points too that you don't want to pass. For the first time ever, I see them now, and they get more clear the closer we get to them.
Thank you Alexander for your informed and inspiring commentary. Related, it seems along with responsible actions by legislative and corporate powers, an assessment of personal values by individuals is needed to help reverse the effect consumerism has had on global warming and climate change. I have to wonder what the difference of servicing human needs, versus out of control spending for personal needs, might be in helping to heal our planet. Let us protect all the 'Lunas' here on earth, cause 'its their home too'.
Thank you, Mary. Of course it is true that every bit helps, so any changes in our personal lives that help the planet should be applauded. However, that will never be enough. The change needs to be promoted, initiated, guided, and prioritised by those that are in the top positions in politics, business, and other segments of society. The best thing any individual can do is vote for the right leaders. The second best, and still very valuable thing, is making other individual choices like using less fossil fuels and drastically reduce meat consumption.
Appreciate your emphasizing crucial priorities. I vote and encourage others to also. I long to see attention afforded global warming & climate change equal to that seen in the worlds of entertainment & sports...to include monies spent; and that of the “dizzying drama”, in media’s telling, when a renowned sports figure is refused participation due to failure to observe covid protocol. We need to get our priorities right for the survival of future life on Earth. Native Americans, likely including other indigenous peoples, wisely think seven generations out.
About time that more Americans are alarmed. Thank you for this wonderful piece of writing. What a great summary. That 1976 was the only year that was cooler than normal in the past decades surprised me - not sure why. I was around, but have no active memories of 1976. Must mean I'm still young ;-)
Democracy is definitely under threat and I heard/read somewhere that Switzerland is now considered the oldest democracy - not sure we're quite there yet. Unfortunately, I can't remember the source.
I really enjoyed your podcast with Alister. I skimmed the report after. I like that graphic and that a lot of environmental risks are highlighted. Now we should have the same people that attend the WEF discuss the environment instead of economics and talk about how they could invest all their money in green solutions. I'd love to see that. It probably wouldn't be held in Switzerland - we're too focused on money and the economy.
Luna is just too cute and that's an excellent hiding spot. My grandpa used to make baskets just like that. Love the Luna picture and also Yale campus one. Thanks for sharing.
Glad to read you like the podcasts on Callin. Perhaps WEF should someday rename itself in World Environmental Forum? (and kick out a few participants to make that concept work...)
Splendid article and each point is well made. Your broad knowledge and experience on climate is so valuable. Plus your insights on today’s political and leadership crises, especially in US where democracy is in critical danger, are perfectly defined. Very worrying times!
We all share the alarm and concern wisely reflected in Luna’s expression. She may need a bigger basket to accommodate the rest of us.
Thank you for excellent writing and great podcasts getting better with each one.
Luna loves that basked as a hiding place
The former US President has encouraged his followers to deny our climate crisis, voting rights equality and more. More than ever, it’s essential we each speak up, stand up for what we believe. Every person can make a difference.
Yes, and they should all make a difference now, because just like climate change, democracy has tipping points too that you don't want to pass. For the first time ever, I see them now, and they get more clear the closer we get to them.
Tomorrow will be a critical and revealing vote. I appreciate your voice, Alex.
Thank you Alexander for your informed and inspiring commentary. Related, it seems along with responsible actions by legislative and corporate powers, an assessment of personal values by individuals is needed to help reverse the effect consumerism has had on global warming and climate change. I have to wonder what the difference of servicing human needs, versus out of control spending for personal needs, might be in helping to heal our planet. Let us protect all the 'Lunas' here on earth, cause 'its their home too'.
Thank you, Mary. Of course it is true that every bit helps, so any changes in our personal lives that help the planet should be applauded. However, that will never be enough. The change needs to be promoted, initiated, guided, and prioritised by those that are in the top positions in politics, business, and other segments of society. The best thing any individual can do is vote for the right leaders. The second best, and still very valuable thing, is making other individual choices like using less fossil fuels and drastically reduce meat consumption.
Appreciate your emphasizing crucial priorities. I vote and encourage others to also. I long to see attention afforded global warming & climate change equal to that seen in the worlds of entertainment & sports...to include monies spent; and that of the “dizzying drama”, in media’s telling, when a renowned sports figure is refused participation due to failure to observe covid protocol. We need to get our priorities right for the survival of future life on Earth. Native Americans, likely including other indigenous peoples, wisely think seven generations out.
About time that more Americans are alarmed. Thank you for this wonderful piece of writing. What a great summary. That 1976 was the only year that was cooler than normal in the past decades surprised me - not sure why. I was around, but have no active memories of 1976. Must mean I'm still young ;-)
Democracy is definitely under threat and I heard/read somewhere that Switzerland is now considered the oldest democracy - not sure we're quite there yet. Unfortunately, I can't remember the source.
I really enjoyed your podcast with Alister. I skimmed the report after. I like that graphic and that a lot of environmental risks are highlighted. Now we should have the same people that attend the WEF discuss the environment instead of economics and talk about how they could invest all their money in green solutions. I'd love to see that. It probably wouldn't be held in Switzerland - we're too focused on money and the economy.
Luna is just too cute and that's an excellent hiding spot. My grandpa used to make baskets just like that. Love the Luna picture and also Yale campus one. Thanks for sharing.
Glad to read you like the podcasts on Callin. Perhaps WEF should someday rename itself in World Environmental Forum? (and kick out a few participants to make that concept work...)