Would You Like to Join for Four Years on the "Trump Escape Cruise"?

Looking back at the news of week 8 of 2024 (February 19-25)

Sunset in The Hague, February 19, 2024 (all photos taken by me)

After Donald Trump's first presidential election, an exciting idea surfaced: a four-year cruise around the world for Americans seeking to escape the expected chaos during his presidency. The "Trump Escape Cruise" promised to visit 144 countries. While it was never more than a thought, it captured the desire of many disappointed voters to retreat from reality.

Eight years later, we are again bracing for the impact of another Trump presidency. To add my small voice from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean to the chorus of warners, I have focused more on American politics in the past months than I usually do in this newsletter. I realized how much was at stake, and these days, I regret seeing in the media that my earlier fears for what's about to be unleashed have only grown since November 5.

I don't have a cruise ship to offer the readers of The Planet newsletter. However, the online community around this newsletter temporarily escapes by diving into the past. It is a way to soften the blow and to find strength in our friendships.

Last week, when it was 52 days until the new year, we started a collective journey through time by revisiting the weeks of 2024 one by one. Today marks day 8 of this countdown, focusing on the week of February 19-25, 2024. Every day, I share some global news highlights, personal memories, and photographs. The contrast is striking: while the headlines from each week in February remind us of an unfolding political and ecological crisis, individual stories are often about moments of joy and natural beauty.

The community's growing participation in the chat suggests a need for connection in these troubled times and for receiving positive news. You're all welcome to join and share your memories or read those of the others. The link to the chat is also at the end of this newsletter.

Week 8 (February 19 - 25)

Monday, February 19, 2024

A study revealed that global insect populations have declined by 30% in the last decade due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

Early signs of spring

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Climate scientists warned that global temperatures surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time over a 12-month period.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The World Health Organization reported a significant decrease in global malaria cases, attributing the success to new prevention strategies.

Ponies in the dunes

Thursday, February 22, 2024

A massive reforestation project in Brazil's Atlantic Forest reached its goal of planting 73 million trees, restoring critical habitat.

The castle Westhove

Friday, February 23, 2024

A record-breaking heatwave hit South America, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in multiple countries.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

The world's largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank, began operations off the coast of England, powering millions of homes with renewable energy.

Sunday, February 25, 2024

A new study found that adopting a plant-based diet could reduce agricultural water use by up to 50% globally.

Since you wanted to see more of Luna…

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I won’t send out a separate invite for the chat; you can continue yesterday’s chat here: