This page provides information from external sources, information that I believe is important to the understanding of the issues of global warming. Color Code: green = web links; red = my comments; black = direct quotes from sources.
Added 20200415
Scientists Probe How Coronavirus Might Travel Through The Air (20200403)
A good article on the spread of coronavirus, via droplet or aerosol — unfortunately the science is not clear. WHO is still recommending 6 feet, until the science is more clear. For my part, if I go into a large grocery store with 50-70 other people, I still wonder if I am safe — of course, I wondered that before this article.
Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission (20200403)
A CDC link expressing mounting concern about how coronavirus is spread, especially in hot spots, and includes a short video of how to make a simple face mask from home materials. My guess is that it would stop much droplet transmission from the wearer and diminish output/intake of aerosol to a lesser degree.
Answers to your DIY face mask questions, including what material you should use (20200407)
Another good article on homemade face masks.
Why Did The World Shut Down For COVID-19 But Not Ebola, SARS Or Swine Flu? (20200414)
A good article as to what is different about Covid-19 as to result in a pandemic.
A Comic Strip Tour Of The Wild World Of Pandemic Modeling (20204013)
A visual presentation of the complexity of modelling — quite good although I am not a public health specialist.
Added 20200330
Truth and Fiction: Gregg Braden (likely 202003)
Overall an excellent presentation of what we currently know about covid-19.
What’s Next For CoViD-19: Some Wild Guesses (How To Save The World) (20200329)
Another post from Dave Pollard, one of my favorite bloggers — I find him to be markedly perceptive of events in our culture (even though I disagree with his basic philosophic ontology). Here, he discusses “flattening the curve” (see the next two links, copied from his blog), as well as many aspects of how the pandemic will potentially persist for an extended period of time.
Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve” (20200314)
An article referenced by Dave Pollard above, one that I think needs to stand on its own in its importance. Using visual simulations, it clearly demonstrates the impact of social distancing.
Pandemics: History & Prevention (20200327)
Pollard also presents this link to a video on the history of pandemics, produced approximately 2010 but very pertinent to our current situation. We need to stop factory farming of birds and mammals.
Idle some more: a novel climate solution (20200318)
Another link denoting the need for our culture to slow down.
Jack Kornfield — Pandemic Resources
Many resources for reducing stress in this stress-filled time.
Margolin: After Coronavirus Response, Older Generations Must Step Up for Youth (20200329)
This post correctly identifies two components of our current civilization. First, we are capable of responding to emergency measures — we demonstrate this with CoViD-19. Second, in our response and recovery, this is an opportunity to restructure our civilization. The difficulty with this second component is that, as a species (a la Steven Covey), we are very good at responding to the urgent and important, but typically we then next move to the urgent and unimportant! We have yet as a species to move from the urgent and important to the important and non-urgent as our second choice!
COVID-19 lockdown is already affecting some greenhouse gas emissions (20200320)
The first part notes that one of the significant impacts of the social distancing of Covid-19 is a major reduction in locally produced greenhouse gases! A potential reflection of how we need to act in the future.
On Laughter (TEDx) (20150113)
On the lighter side (and unrelated to the pandemic), one of the funniest presentations I have ever encountered. Partly in response to this, I have set up an email system “Stories I find hilarious” in which once a day I send out a humorous anecdote as a way to add a bit of lightness to the day. If you would like to be part of this, send me an email asking for same — make the subject line “Request: Stories I find hilarious” and send to dave.macq@icloud.com. I will put you on a Bcc list for the latest one.
Added 20200318
BC Covid-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
This sell-assessment process looks very reasonable, but is specific to the recommendations of British Columbia (which overall are quite appropriate).
New England Journal of Medicine: Corona Virus (free)
The New England Journal Of Medicine is one of the most prestigious medical journals of American medicine. It is offering free access to clinical reports, and is likely one of the most up-to-date resources available on the medical status. As with all medical resources, beware: a little knowledge is sometimes worse than no knowledge.
Coronavirus Sanity Guide (free)
Looks like an interesting site, with many resources.
The Sober Math Everyone Must Understand about the Pandemic (20200316)
I believe this article to be fairly reliable. The author is not a virologist or scientist, but he is a respected journalist who has won a number of major awards. As to the math, his assumptions are sensible, perhaps a bit extreme, but as I say, sensible. Even if he is pushing the numbers a bit, the overall approach is still likely to be quite accurate. As you will note by the social restrictions that are being imposed (closing libraries, community centers, bars, restaurants other than take-out, et etc here), these are all measures to flatten the curve. I suggest the major change will occur when a vaccine becomes available (4-12 months). A long period!
After the harvest — learning to leave the planet gracefully (20140614)
One of the best articles I have read on the worst case scenario: thoughtful, compassionate, honest, brilliant.
Deep Adaptation: A Map for Navigating Climate Tragedy (20180727)
A pdf document that gives a detailed discussion of the consequences if we as a culture are unable to prevent the massive collapse of our civilization. The original paper was rejected as “not to dishearten readers with the claim of ‘inevitable near-term social collapse,’” a form of censorship that prevents us from coming to grips with the despair that is hopefully a transient part of any grief process
Scientists’ Warning at Foresight Group, EU Commission (20190119)
A good video that looks at the possibility of social collapse.
Jem Bendell – Deep Adaptation (20190127)
A further discussion of the possibility of social collapse.
Why it’s so hard to find affordable mental health care (20200110)
As a physician-psychotherapist in Ontario, I had the advantage of being able to offer therapy to my ‘patients’ without personal expense. Very quickly my waiting list for individual therapy became such that I would tell patients I would be able to work with them in two years. This was for me a very vivid reminder of how underfunded was the process of emotional health, let alone so-called mental health (that concept would be a long rant in its own right).
This waiting list was unacceptable to me, and was one of the major factors of my switch to group practice. My anger management weekend became the entry point and, if clients then wanted to work with me, I was able to immediately place them in a group.
However it did not work very well. The vast majority of clients want individual therapy. My guess is that this is related to the ongoing shame factor associated with “mental health” — we are supposed to be able to “do it” ourselves without outside help, and we need to hide the fact that we are not able to do so (there are many stories I would be able to tell about these shame issues if space allowed).
It is all part of the craziness of our society, the individualistic model that is part of modern culture, perhaps intrinsic to neo-liberalism.
The Oakland women who took over a vacant lot to house the homeless (20200107)
Amongst other ways to contribute, I spend time each week in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Canada’s poorest postal code and an incredible ecosystem of poverty, crime, drug addiction, sex trade, and surprising community. Metaphorically I have described is as ‘stepping blind-folded onto a three dimensional game of Snakes and Ladders.’ It is the flip-side of our individualistic model, representing those who for many reasons have not been able to live into the consumerism of our society. This link is one of many that emphasize the profound community that can develop.
Alberta’s “war room” is an attack on democracy (20200212)
One of the major areas of conflict polarization in our present culture, specifically that between British Columbia and Alberta, relates to how to handle the cultural dependence on fossil fuel, and the need for down-grading. This article is David Suzuki’s thoughtful response.
Added 20200116
We owe Greta and the youth more than a Nobel Prize (20191016)
Greta Thunberg represents a tipping point, perhaps. As readers of this blog know, I repeatedly ask what will it take for us to mobilize effectively. It is not yet clear.
Forming bonds in times of crisis (20191113)
In contrast, David Suzuki offers “Change isn’t easy, but when people come together for the good of humanity and Earth, we can accomplish great things.”
Navigating difficult climate conversations (20121211)
A David Suzuki article emphasizing the need for building relationship rather than arguing ‘facts.’
Failure to address climate crisis puts children at risk (20191128)
A brief but fairly good summary of the current impact of global warming.
A 2020 vision for climate action (20201008)
More David Suzuki commentary on our failing systems and how to respond.
What Would Net Zero Emissions by 2025 Look Like? (20191115)
The Extinction Rebellion (XR) social cause asks/demands net zero emissions by 2025. As usual, Dave Pollard presents a detailed thoughtful analysis of what this would really require. Worth reading to get a sense of how difficult this will/would be.
Collective Intelligence to Make Sense of Complexity (20200106)
Here, Dave Pollard offers very clear thinking as to the problems inherent in all complex difficulties.
Revolutionary recycling? A new technology turns everyday trash into plastic treasure. (20191118)
Still under investigation and shrouded in commercial secrecy, this could be a major step forward in the management of our accumulating garbage, as well as a replacement process to manage plastic.
Added 20191107
A very interesting site with many resources. They name themselves as “Providing support to those working to address the intractable conflict problem, as well as those struggling with the many tractable, but still troublesome, disputes that characterize everyday life.” and note that “Destructive Conflict is the Most Serious Threat to Our Common Future. It ruins personal lives, prevents us from solving common problems, and underlies dystopian trends toward authoritarianism, chaos, and large-scale violence.”
What is Extinction Rebellion and what are its demands? (20191008)
A brief description of a movement that is making a difference in challenging for government action — British based originally, it affiliates with The Climate Mobilization group in the States.
Yes, the Climate Crisis May Wipe out Six Billion People (20190918)
This is an extreme yet entirely feasible scenario of our future.
XR and the Defence of Necessity (20191019)
An excellent analysis of the legal difficulties that will underlie civil disobedience, especially when associated with any degree of violence/violation.
No Accounting (20191009)
As with the previous link, this is another from Dave Pollard’s blog, this time on advertising and the media. As mentioned on other occasions, I do not subscribe to Dave’s fundamental philosophy (which I find nihilistic), I continue to value his depth of thinking about issues related to global collapse.
An interesting and important response. Although small in the overall need, every intelligent response is important.
Added 20190928
Greta Thunberg was right: There is an alternative to ‘eternal economic growth’: Don Pittis (20190926)
Greta Thunberg has been a tipping point in mobilizing young people — after all, they are the people who will need to live the ensuing culture. The issue is not knowledge — we know what to do, or at least we are gradually finding the models and resources to change the culture. The issue is willingness to do the work.
Managing Without Growth: Slower by Design, Not Disaster (20130415)
From the same source, an economic growth model that we could adapt.
Flooded cities, vanishing sea life forecast in new UN-backed report (20190927)
As many know, the IPCC is a scientific think tank based on consensus, thus sensitive to presenting comments to which all essentially agree. Thus, its predictions are generally on the low side. Gradually their assessments are becoming more dire yet need to be read as the minimal risk of what may occur.
Tackling climate change means purging privilege from politics (20190925)
We must find ways to eliminate, or at least markedly reduce, the discrepancies that keep our society equitable.
Make debate great again: How bad political argument is undermining democracy (20190926
As I hope is obvious, a major part of my work is that of presenting skills to diminish polarization in conflict. Here, two philosophers comment on the mechanisms whereby our democracy is failing.
Added 20190911
How To Transform Apocalypse Fatigue Into Action On Global Warming (201709)
Practical ways of transforming how to shift our defense mechanisms into more productive responses to climate disruption.
Carbon capture: What you need to know about catching CO2 to fight climate change (20190902)
A good summary of the pros and cons of carbon capture. My major reservation is that it is another tool for maintaining our current culture without addressing the need for system change.
7,000 Colleges and Universities Declare Climate Emergency, With a Plan to Fight It (20190711)
Gradually society mobilizes with regard to climate disruption; I only hope for action rather than words. On note, of the 7000 institutions, there is this comment on who is engaged: “The individual institutions that have joined the declaration include five in the continental U.S” — a paltry five from the country which likely has the greatest influence!
Let the children vote? (20190828)
The suggestion is to lower the voting age to eight. Given that many children have significant wisdom, and that they will need to deal with the inefficiencies of the adults of our current society, it may well be a good suggestion.
Great Books: Jim Garrison, PhD on Plutarch’s Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans Part 1 (20190723)
Great Books Webinar Jim Garrison, PhD on Plutarch’s Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans Part 2 (20190828)
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. (Santayana, 1905)” Jim Garrison is President of Ubiquity University and a brilliant historian as well as public speaker. In these two videos, he compares our present culture as reflected in the Presidency of Donald Trump with the lives of Alcibiades (Greek) and Sulla (Roman), two individuals who respectfully precipitated the ending of Athenian democracy and the Roman Republic though their hubris and aggressiveness.
Added 20190815
Greta Thunberg speech in Assemblée Nationale (20190723)
An excellent talk by Greta Thunberg! Complete honesty, brevity, and a very good command of the relevant facts from the IPCC report, 2018.
Climate change: 12 years to save the planet? Make that 18 months (20190724)
Another recognition that we only have a very limited time to establish the appropriate polity for safety of our species and many others.
Deniers deflated as climate reality hits home (20190807)
Progress is slow and the world is gradually coming to recover from the disinformation issues. In time? Who knows?
In order to understand the brutality of American capitalism, you have to start on the plantation. (20190814)
A detailed and disturbing account of how the brutality of modern (American) capitalism is a direct outcome of the processes that began with the accounting systems of slavery in the 17th and 18th centuries. Sad. Essential reading, very disturbing. What narrative will allow us to value ecology over economics; what narrative will allow us to value the intrinsic richness of what God (by any name) offers. I have no idea!
From dumpster to diesel: How a pilot project in Whitby is turning plastic waste into fuel (20190813)
On the lighter side, more positive. An interesting use of plastic waste by converting it to diesel fuel and gasoline. The article also names that the reduction of plastic usage and/or the complete conversion to recyclable plastics is essential to our future. Certainly something needs to be done with the incredible accumulation of plastics. I have two major reservations with the current process: first, how much energy (i.e., other fossil fuels) is used in the conversion, and second, usage of the newly converted fuel simply goes into the environment as any other fossil fuel usage. A more ecologically appropriate means of plastic usage is needed.
Added 20190810
Dancing with Grief, Dahr Jamail, 20190715
I have the greatest respect for Jamail as one of the most authentic writers of the issues of climate disruption. For me, this essay is one of his best.
Turning Toward Each Other, Meghan Kallman, 20190716
The need for community is our highest need, yet we are so poor at cooperation in this culture. We have a long way to go.
The Disabled Planet, Taylor Brorby, 20190717
An excellent comparison between individual health-disability and planetary health-disability, our need to recognize the huge inequalities inherent in modern capitalism.
The Seventh Fire, Winona LaDuke, 20190718
There is a huge need to access indigenous knowledge and skills, but for me, the risk is that they will simply become part of the capitalist system.
Responding to Collapse: Uncertain Future Forum’s First Week, Daniel Lerch, 20190719
The bottom line: collaborate with others, be in community, tend to yourself.
On Listening to the Earth, Dahr Jamail, 20190722
How do we list for truth, our own truth of how to respond to the coming crisis?
Three Practices for a Time of Crisis, Meghan Kallman, 20190723
We need new practices: the practice of grieving so as to make space within, the practice of holding painful paradox, the practice of effective hope (somewhere between idealism and pragmatism where what we do might matter).
Biting the Hand That’s Fed Me, Taylor Brorby, 20190724
It is time to stop the insanity that has been so beneficial to us.
Find Your Mettle, Winona LaDuke, 20190725
Courage is needed.
Responding to Collapse: Uncertain Future Forum Wrap-Up, Asher Miller, 20170926
We have an obligation!
Added 20190801
We don’t have 12 years to save the climate. We have 14 months. (20170726)
Leadership from the United States is required if the crisis of climate disruption is to be challenged — and this depends on the political state of the next presidential election, with all its consequences of dissension. What a mess!
We’re Failing Our Kids – Climate Emergency, 20190521
Asher Miller, Post-Carbon Institute Executive Director, presents a deeply vulnerable presentation of his fears for his children, together with the need for collaboration.
Do Americans Know How Much Trouble They’re In? (20190604)
An excellent article on the survival of democracy: a leader above the law, the abrogation of political access, the development of a pariah state all point to a potential tipping point in the continuing existence of political freedom for all.
Austerity and inequality fueling mental illness, says top UN envoy (20190624)
An excellent article — if we are to heal as a species, we must begin to address the overwhelming discordances created by capitalism, especially neoliberalism. Amongst other issues, the inequity of poverty fuels the many problems related to mental health.
The varied responses to the impact of climate disruption on the world’s largest barrier reef point to the complexity needed in our response to this crisis.
Seeing Isn’t Believing: The Fact Checker’s Guide To Manipulated Video (20190625)
An interesting attempt by the Washington Post to identify and categorize the sophistication of modern misinformation. Technically I find the article difficult to follow (I would need much more detail and time) but I applaud the intention to clarify the many ways of distortion.
Fighting climate change may be cheaper and more beneficial than we think (20190710)
CBC News in Canada is gradually identifying features of climate disruption, often with a positive spin. There is certainly some benefit to this. However I have been deeply influenced by what I call The Force Field of Change, wherein change takes into account both positive features that move us toward a vision and negative forces that stop us. Unfortunately, until we deal with the negatives (our profound fear of climate disruption and our unwillingness to identify it), the impact of the negatives generally blocks the effect of the positives. I also believe that it is truly disrespectful of the vast majority of human beings to “protect” them from the painful truth that is climate disruption, on the assumption that it will overwhelm them — we need to deal with our grief!
Added 20190622
Extract of an email from The Climate Mobilization received 20190621:
The grassroots Climate Emergency Movement in Canada has been a global leader, with 404 governments adopting climate emergency resolutions at the local level. However, shortly after its House of Commons took up and passed a weak national climate emergency declaration, they failed to make it count.
The non-binding resolution was tied to an old, gradualist timeline rather than moving at emergency speed. It recommitted Canada to their commitments under the Paris climate accord without even on additional goal or legally binding commitment. Then, two days later, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government approved the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline project, which is intended to vastly accelerate the extraction of Alberta tar sands oil, nearly tripling the capacity of the existing pipeline and locking in billions of dollars in investment in fossil fuel infrastructure and untold megatons of carbon emissions from the extracted oil.
The hypocrisy of these two parliamentary decisions demonstrates the gap between the will of the people and the power of the fossil fuel industry in the industrialized world. Declarations of Climate Emergency are a start — these declarations can unify the shared commitment of the movement, clarify the truth of the situation, and put lawmakers on record. But they are not enough — only a sustained global movement focused on winning power, launching a mobilization, and bringing the fossil fuel industry to heel, will give us a chance at survival.
The Trans Mountain Pipeline will negatively impact the entire globe, but it most seriously threatens the land rights of numerous Indigenous communities in its path. After the pipeline announcement, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) reaffirmed the commitment of leaders from across British Columbia, stating that they “remain staunchly opposed” to pipeline expansion, and “have vowed that it will never get built.” You can support the UBCIC’s efforts here.
Climate Change: Why is it So Often “Sooner than Predicted”? (20190619)
A reasonable article listing the many factors within the predictions. My personal experience is consistent with this: every major report I have seen has indicated the previous report was such that global warming is worse than previously reported.
Consistent with “Sooner Than . . .” I would never have expected this in my lifetime, in spite of the fact that I had briefly lived and practiced in the Arctic when I was a general practitioner. Given that the northern coast of Canada is the Arctic Ocean, high temperatures here likely have a major influence on the climate in North America (in more ways than geographic).
My Thoughts On The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (20190617)
Although in a sense limited to British Columbia, this is a well-thought-out exposition of the complexity of organizing in response to climate disruption. Unfortunately, as the article delineates, the overall political discussion is one of dissention rather than cooperation; this is one of the main reasons I have joined the Suzuki Elders and put my effort into a Salon entitled “Climate Change Conversations: Unpacking The Problem Of Conflict.”
What Would 3 Degrees Mean? (20100901)
An old link but one that is still pertinent. We are easily on a path to 3°C warming, and the outcome will not be pretty. My guess is that we are almost certain to reach 2°C even with massive effort.
Is Humanity Dying? (20190617)
The question is at some level meaningless — we either will or will not survive the coming apocalypse. Yet the sooner we start to take effective action, the less catastrophic will be the consequences. In any event, the world of my grand-children will be very different from the current one.
Added 20190613
Leading the Public into Emergency Mode: Introducing the Emergency Climate Movement (201905)
A well-written statement of what needs to happen for our civilization to survive the coming apocalypse. As evidenced by the Extinction Rebellion success in the UK and the increasing number of cities throughout the world who are at least espousing a climate emergency, we are gradually moving in this direction.
Scared About City Chemicals? Don’t Be. She Did Every Test in the Book. (20190528)
An excellent article on the complexity of our exposure to toxic chemicals within our environment. The title unfortunately belies the seriousness of the issue; in particular, the article names our cultural ignorance of a) at what level do we consider chemicals to be toxic as well as b) our even greater ignorance of synergistic interaction between toxins.
The Wealth Detective Who Finds the Hidden Money of the Super Rich (20190523)
A fascinating description of how much money is hidden, and how it is hidden, by the world’s wealthy. As of 2016, the top 0.1% hold 20% of American wealth and the top 1% hold 39%, surging (more than doubling) after the economic decisions of the 1980s. For me, these are staggering figures, and an indictment of the ills of capitalism.
Added 20190527
Nature is in its worst shape in human history, UN report says (20190506)
We are in the middle of the sixth great extinction crisis, but we don’t call it this because we are not yet at the level of 75% species loss. What insanity!
We must reverse biodiversity loss to save ourselves (20190515)
The title speaks for itself — I totally agree with its conceptualization. Nature is an incredibly complex interrelated whole such that our attention to saving individual species is not likely to be effective. I am reminded of a book I read a few years ago questioning “of the many issues we need to address, which is most important, most urgent?” The fundamental answer: “All of them!”
What Will It Take? (20190509)
Dave Pollard’s blog post of 20190509 to how to save the world, this time on Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) is one with which I strongly agree — it is not at all likely that the dominator powers of our world will stop until massive NVDA resistance occurs, such that “the economic viability of the destructive activity falls apart.” Yet it is also very likely that the final outcome will not change. And the falling apart of the economic models of capitalism and neoliberalism will not be pretty. Sad! I hope otherwise, and I act into the possibility of significant maturation of our species.
A Plague (20190525)
Another of Dave’s posts is intriguing as it draws parallels between the occurrence of plagues (“a destructively numerous influx or multiplication of a noxious animal; an epidemic disease causing a high rate of mortality”) and the activities of the human species. Although I do not subscribe to Dave’s pessimism, I find he writes thoughtfully and well.
Added 20190507
UK Parliament declares climate change emergency (20190501)
Slowly the world is waking to the need to respond. Hopefully the waking is associated with definitive action.
Don’t say ‘climate emergency’ in vain! (target setting in the climate emergency) (20190505)
An excellent summary of the confusion that can arise when we are not clear as to what we mean by ‘climate emergency.’ And it truly is an emergency!
The battle against climate change by Paul Kingsnorth (20190426)
Worth watching. Simply one intelligent man attempting to cope, he having been a major activist in his youth. The whole basis of my PhD dissertation was that climate disruption is not a technological issue; it is a psycho-spiritual issue. I am heartened to see it identified as such in this video.
Climate Crisis Forces Us to Ask: To What Do We Devote Ourselves? (20190506)
A journalist whom I respect asks “From this moment on, knowing what is happening to the planet, to what do I devote my life? A moment by moment issue!
Added 20190423
The Intercept: A Message From The Future With Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (20190417)
A simple animated video that could be the banner of hope for our civilization.
Added 20190318
A Look at Past and Future Climate Change in Less Than a Minute (20190218)
Two graphics that illustrate the changes in average temperature over the 20th and 21st centuries. Simple, impressive.
re: Generation (20190218)
An excellent article regarding our failure as a generation to respond to the existential crisis of climate disruption — we need now to support our youth as they stand up to our acedia. Hopefully they will manage better than we have done.
Rethink Activism in the Face of Catastrophic Biological Collapse (20190304)
The second in a series (the first is also online). Both express the vulnerability needed to come to terms with the possibility of our collapse as a species.
The strongmen strike back (20190314)
An excellent article on the rise of authoritarianism throughout the world. I am currently in a small group exploring issues of Power & Privilege; what I recognize from this article is that I am currently only exploring the tip of the iceberg.
The Gentrification of Payments (20190317)
The complexity of the issues whereby power infiltrates systems astounds me.
Here’s Why America Is Dumping Its Trash in Poorer Countries (20190309)
I assume it is also likely true of Canada. The denial of garbage is another illustration of the complexity we must overcome if we are to survive, let alone thrive, as a species.
Deep Earth: A Subterranean Galapagos Expands The Tree Of Life (20190203)
An amazing description of life existing in places where I would not have thought possible. The resiliency of life astounds me such that I imagine that even if we destroy ourselves, life will persist. Who knows — maybe in another billion years archeologists will wonder who we were.
Added 20190215
The Transformative Power of Climate Truth (20190204)
An excellent summary of the power of speaking the truth, especially in the nature of climate disruption. As readers of this blog will know, I am an advocate of The Climate Mobilization, and note that momentum for this organization and its partners is evolving.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal Is a Product of Youth Uprising (20190208)
The need for major overhaul of the political situation is being recognized. Perhaps it is the beginning of transformation of capitalism and neoliberalism. Perhaps. Will we do so in time to avert disaster?
When Europeans Colonized the Americas, They Killed So Many That the Earth’s Climate Cooled (20190203)
A fascinating interplay between colonialism and global warming. Sad.
There’s a Big Hole in the World’s Most Important Glacier. Yes, It’s a Problem. (20190205)
As usual, things are worse than we thought.
The World Is on the Brink of Widespread Water Wars (20190211)
Another way in which things are worse. We are so close to collapse — as noted above, will we create a new cultural process in time to make a difference?
Plummeting insect numbers ‘threaten collapse of nature’ (20190211)
Yet another. What else can I say?
How the greenwashing campaign works (20190212)
How can we measure the climate risk of methane gas emissions- (20190212)
What the methane industry doesn’t want you—or lawmakers—to know (20190212)
This series of articles on methane, the principle component of natural gas, speaks to the complexity of assessing data as well as the interpretation of data, some of which is almost certainly disinformation.
Added 20190204
As the Climate Collapses, We Ask: “How Then Shall We Live? (20190204), the first of a series by Dahr Jamail, a journalist for whom I have a great deal of trust.
The End Of Ice: Bearing Witness and Finding Meaning in the Path of Climate Disruption (20190122) by Dahr Jamail
Climate Disruption Dispatches, an ongoing series by Dahr Jamail, all of which are excellent.
Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed To Reverse Global Warming (2017) Edited by Paul Hawken
Tomorrow (2015), directed by Cyril Dion and Melanie Laurent
The most dangerous climate feedback loop is speeding up (20190117) by Joe Rohm, another journalist for whom I have great trust.
And on the flip side: Opinion: Our house is on fire, and many Albertans want more lighters (20181229)
Added 2081201
Julia Dhar: How to disagree productively and find common ground (TED 201810)
An excellent talk on the skill of debating; I offer a more simple process in the post of 20181201 Finding Common Ground.
Added 20181124
How Extreme Weather Is Shrinking The Planet (20181126)
An excellent report by Bill McKibben (350.org) regarding the current state of global warming as well as the complexity of human relations over the past 60 years.
Finding Hope in Hopelessness (20181123)
Margaret Wheatley reflects on loss of hope, and yet finding her own stance to contribute within hopelessness.
I’d rather die than feel this. (20180608, reprinted from 2014)
An excellent article on why some choose suicide as a resolution of their pain. It reminds me of the spate of celebrity suicides (Robin Williams and Anthony Bourdain as examples) as well as the numerous deaths within the Fentanyl crisis.
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and the Legacy Museum
I’ve currently finished a brief workshop on White Supremacy Culture, part of a presentation within the Unitarian Church I attend. I hate the term White Supremacy and yet I recognize that the destructiveness of the immense power and privilege issues that have dominated European culture (and thus world culture) for the past 500 years (or more, perhaps as long ago as the origin of what we call civilization). Somehow we need to do much more in the nature of multi-cultural restoration.
The Fortune-Teller (20181105)
“how to save the world” is a blog written by a local BC resident, often regarding his chronicle of civilization’s collapse. Overall I find it well-written with interesting reflections (although from the perspective of a staunch materialist — not my preferred ontology). I especially like his present comment: “Lemonade is everywhere. Wisdom is scarce.”
The Role Harassment Plays in Climate Change Denial (20181102)
We are becoming more and more divisive as a culture, especially in the United States but also Canada. I assume it is simply a harbinger of the stresses of our current world, but it does not bode well for resolution of issues. I have long maintained that cultural anger is the canary in the coalmine of our demise.
Is Civility A Sham? (201810 TED Salon)
Why It’s Worth Listening To People We Disagree With (201804 TED2018)
How To Have Better Political Conversations (201609 TEDx Marin)
Three brief videos that look at the difficulty of conversation in divisive areas. They stress the need for basic civility and meeting the other in their worldview, all important points in coming to common ground. They all seem to operate from the presupposition that if the other person/people feel respected and acknowledged, then the other will want to find common ground — likely true in many cases.
What is missing for me is what to do when the other has no interest in finding common ground — this is the central breakdown point for me, especially when the other has powerful influence on the outcome (corporations, the fossil fuel industry, et cetera). Our culture usually operates from the seeking of consensus — and the weakness of consensus is that terrorists are not interested in consensus.
In this regard, I am currently reading Deep Green Resistance, a book which delimits the need for resistance beyond the attempt to achieve consensus. It is quite a dense read, and likely I will eventually describe it in greater detail in this blog. For now, I recommend it as an important study in the complexity of change.
Added 20180709
From Climate to Caribou: How Manufactured Uncertainty is Impacting Wildlife Management (20180626)
The terrible impact of deliberately dishonest information.
Added 20180523
The Third Industrial Revolution (20180316)
A fairly long video by Jeremy Rifkin via UBC Connects, and a quick summary is available as The Zero Marginal Cost Society.
Climate change: An ‘existential threat’ to humanity, UN chief warns global summit (20180515)
“Everyday, I am faced with the challenges of our troubled and complex world. But none of them loom so large as climate change. If we fail to meet the challenge, all our other challenges will just become greater and threaten to swallow us. Climate change is, quite simply, an existential threat for most life on the planet — including, and especially, the life of humankind.”
Degree sparks necessary debate (20180517)
David Suzuki is often blunt in his critique of the societal issues of climate change, something I appreciate. Yet, as he notes, his bluntness often is subject to ad hominem attacks, rather than depth of dialogue — unfortunate, and part of the distortion that occurs in transfer of information to meaning.
Climate Reality Check (2016)
The Uninhabitable Earth (20170709)
Two good descriptions of the likely impacts of global warming. Painful to explore.
The Climate Mobilization Living In Climate Truth Guidebook
A draft document — one with much suggestion as to how to manage the despair of anyone who attempts to confront the issues of global warming.
Added 20180520
What attracts us? What is interesting?
a form of trauma, leading to overwhelm and apathy
Dave Meslin on TED describing the overwhelm of modern communication difficulties.
The father of Public Relations (i.e., propaganda).
attendee at a recent Flat Earth Convention
Wow! How ideas persist, and how power controls communication.
Exploring the influence of Bernays on advertizing.
Another TED talk, this one exploring the impact of information selection by major search engines, deciding for me what information is appropriate. Scarey!
Added 20180509
A Big Tent with Even Bigger Dreams(20180506)
A playful yet profound commentary on community as viewed by a minister within the Unitarian-Universalist Church.
Added 20180503
Climate Change In The American Mind, March 2018 (201804)
The graphs says it all. And if more than half of Americans are certain global warming is a major concern, what is it going to take for action? I imagine the data for other countries is similar. Action, not just talk, is needed.
Global warming has changed the Great Barrier Reef ‘forever,’ scientists say (20180418)
I love snorkeling, having been to the Virgin Islands many times, yet I no longer do so; I have been so dishearted by the devastation I have seen in my lifetime. One of my ambitions used to be to go to the Great Barrier Reef — another dream I have let go. Sad!
The entire island of Puerto Rico just lost power again (20180418)
A preview of what will happen, especially in those areas and countries with limited resources.
Kinder Morgan pipeline controversy proves need to shift course (20180419)
The insanity of politics.
A Smorgasbord of Solutions for Global Warming (20180425)
A discussion of the many great solutions that are emerging, summarized by Paul Hawken’s Project Drawdown.
Paul Gilding discusses “The Big Picture” with Margaret Klein Salamon (20180427)
An excellent video discussion of the many issues of global warming, and how they might come together in effective resolution. Worth watching in its entirety (66 minutes). I am a strong advocate of the work of The Climate Mobilization organization.
Added 20180413
Lessons from Cape Town’s water crisis (20180315)
Cape Town is the harbinger of what may happen to many modern cities, the issues being “related to climate change, population growth, waste and mismanagement. Depleted supply is only one result” (see also What You Need to Know About the World’s Water Wars)
We’re drowning in seas of plastic (20180329)
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is estimated to be sixteen times larger than previously assessed.
The Great Lakes Are Filling Up With Giant Green Blobs (20180403)
Harmful algae blooms occur mainly because of nutrient run-off from land usage (fertilizer), resulting in toxic water as well as high methane production (a major greenhouse gas).
Can the Paris Agreement save us from a climate catastrophe? (201804)
An editorial in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet does not say much, but the title in itself is significant of questioning what we are doing as a culture.
Audit exposes Canadian climate failures (20180405)
As someone living in the British Columbia Lower Mainland, I am very aware of the duplicity of the Canadian government, especially in its support of the tar sands and the Kinder-Morgan expansion.
The oceans’ circulation hasn’t been this sluggish in 1,000 years. That’s bad news. (20180411)
A good article on the nature of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and its possible implications.
Reports emphasize urgent need to reverse biodiversity decline (20180412)
Yet more warning of how serious the issues are!
Added 20180302
Cape Town water supply near ‘point of no return’ as reservoirs run dry (20180118)
A number of articles within this link point to the impact of global warming. Cape Town (South Africa) is considering mandatory limitation of water usage. China is refusing to be the dumping ground for plastic waste, especially plastic bottles, thereby forcing other countries to deal with their recycling products.
Who is Guilty of Climate Crimes? (20180216)
The basis answer is that we are all guilty. However, some aspects stand out: the extreme right, the fossil fuel industry, the media, and the major industrial countries (Canada, my country, included).
Arctic temperatures soar 45 degrees above normal, flooded by extremely mild air on all sides (20180222)
The highest weather station in the world, about 400 miles for the North Pole, has warmed to 43°F in the dead of winter! In addition to feedback loops that further increase Arctic warming (and loss of more ice), thus impacting the entire weather system of the northern hemisphere (the jet-stream impact), there is also the massive release of methane from permafrost and seabed melting, the rise of sea level (as the Greenland ice field melts), and the slowdown of the global ocean conveyor belt effect. These are just some of the effects; we simply do not know what tipping points will be reached and when.
Coral reefs will transition to net dissolving before end of century (20180223)
Another factor in loss of both beauty and a basic food chain component — in addition to warming being destructive of coral, the acidification also is weakening the underlying sedimentary structure of the reefs. Our world food supply is thus at risk.
Climate science deniers’ credibility tested (20180301)
This is the greatest crime — the controversy created by the massive disinformation processes we have unleashed in the past 50 years!
Added 20180116
The article is for me a good summary of the similarities and differences amongst various presidencies. To quote the article, “The expectation of integrity has given way to a cynical acceptance of deceit. As much as anything Mueller uncovers, this is the scandal of our time.”
Consumer society no longer serves our needs (20180111)
As usual, David Suzuki presents a reasoned argument, in this case, “How can we have serious discussions about the ecological costs and limits to growth or the need to degrow economies when consumption is seen as the very reason the economy and society exist?”
How Do I Reassure My Children About the Future When the Future Is Terrifying? (20180113)
An excellent summary of the fears of a parent, reflecting my own fears for my grand-children, and the many children of this planet. I am currently working part-time in a homeless shelter, and thereby see the cost of what we have already created on our planet — the coming costs will be immensely greater.
Added 20171202
The Emerging Church: Weekly Summary (20171126-20171201)
Added 20171126
Guy Standing on an Economy that Works for Everyone (20161126)
It is a long article, and well worth reading.
Added 20171122
We’re not even close to being prepared for the rising waters (20171110)
For years now, I have been aware that almost every new estimate of the consequences of global warming indicates that our current assessment is inadequate and that the dangers are worse than previously thought. This is another in this series. Our choices are immediate wartime mobilization (as advocated by The Climate Mobilization) or adapt to irreversible changes (with high cost). Rationally we could do the first; politically we are stumbling to the second. Good luck!
More than 15,000 scientists from 184 countries issue ‘warning to humanity’ (20171114)
What will it take? When will we listen?
Humans cause growing heat wave danger (20171112)
The likelihood of death as a direct consequence of heat is increasing; interestingly (at least to me as a physician) is the elucidation of 27 different physiological mechanisms whereby life is threatened.
Security Breach and Spilled Secrets Have Shaken the N.S.A. to Its Core (20171112)
The world of technology at its core! One of my favorite expressions is “technology is wonderful, when it works!” When it does not, it is dehumanizing and deeply destructive of what I value of the greatness of our species.
Added 20171112
The Transformative Power of Climate Truth (201710)
A comprehensive and important document from the only organization (to my knowledge) truly committed to cooperative mobilization on the scale necessary to resolve the issues of global warming.
U.S. climate report leaves little room for doubt (20171109)
As David Suzuki points out, the report did not receive much attention — presumably, simply another report as to the state of the disaster — a non-issue in the current political scene. Sad.
America is facing an epistemic crisis (20171002)
Initially this article is confusing, but it then presents a fascinating study of the question: “What if Mueller proves his case, and it doesn’t matter?” Another suggestion in support of the theme that civilization is about power, and who wields it.
100% renewable electricity in reach by 2050 (20171108)
We are capable of resolving the issues. Will we?
Paleo Politics (20171101)
An interesting link supporting the contention that “civilization” is fundamentally an issue of power dynamics, something I have written about in other posts.
Added 20171102
Dahr Jamail – Scientists Warn of “Ecological Armageddon” Amid Waves of Heat and Climate Refugees (20171030)
Jamail is a very reliable source, and here provides a summary of the current status of our planet. It is not good news.
New science suggests the ocean could rise more — and faster — than we thought (20171026)
Three new studies that indicate the dangers of continued fossil fuel usage, more and faster if we continue our present course. As usual, each report portrays more and more danger as we get better and better data.
Global warming is having major impact now, as well as in the future.
Trump to auction off a vast swath of the Gulf of Mexico to oil companies (20171024)
Continuing our present course, and a reminder of the BP disaster.
The Daily 202: 10 takeaways from Mueller’s shock-and-awe gambit (20171031)
A comprehensive summary of the revolving issues as of 20171031. Overall, I find the issues difficult to follow, but this is fairly good in keeping me up to date.
Manafort and the Dominoes: Here’s Why Donald Trump Is Losing Sleep (20171031)
Fascinating the ways of shifting evidence and the intricacies of investigation.
Rabbi Sacks on Leonard Cohen and parsha Vayera (20161118)
Fascinating description of the last song by Leonard Cohen, and the search for love and peace.
The Improbable Origins of PowerPoint (20171031)
A fascinating history. I was very surprised to learn that PowerPoint was originally an Apple product.
A Very Old Man for a Wolf (20171030)
The complex story of mankind and wolves; sadly the wolves usually lose.
Added 20171026
Sarah Polley: The Men You Meet Making Movies (20171014)
Another reflection on the immaturity of our species, especially the sexual arrogance of many men in our culture, as well as the huge issues of powerlessness. Worth reading. I’ll have more to say on men in our culture in my next post.
Racist, Violent, Unpunished: A White Hate Group’s Campaign of Menace (20171020)
A detailed description of aspects of the development of the militant white supremacist movement, again reflecting a statement I took years ago from Isaac Asimov: “Violence is the last resort of the incompetent,” or more accurately those who feel completely disillusioned and dis-empowered by the system, those who are now mobilizing with a sense of permissiveness (of arrogance and violation) in the current political chaos of our world.
The Daily 202: Obama and Bush deliver calls to action against Trumpism (20171020)
Interesting to have two former presidents of the US speaking out against the current political scene, something with which they are likely very familiar.
The Founding Fathers designed impeachment for someone exactly like Donald Trump (20171015)
An excellent summary of the purpose of impeachment, and its initiation.
Warming soils bad for atmosphere (20171018)
More bad news for carbon sequestration.
Pollution kills 9 million people each year, new study finds (20171019)
Not surprising!
It’s time to nix neonics (20171012)
I know at some level that shifts in government regulations is slow, given the conservative nature of the systems involved. However, like all major environmental issues, there appears to be a further resistance due to hidden economics, the 1% who basically control the economy. It “should” not be this way, but it is; and until we make the necessary choices of maturity as a species, we will continue on our path to destruction.
Faith And Science: Open To Change (20171023)
I find Richard Rohr to be incredibly mature in his spiritual views. In this post, he reflects on the characteristics of good science as being much more in keeping with enriching spirituality as compared with most religious dogma. What is needed is an integration of good science with mature religion.
Added 20171008
Scientists mapping Greenland have produced some surprising – and worrying – results (20171004)
Even more risk of sea level rise!
Federal government failing to put climate plan into action, environmental watchdog finds (20171003)
The Canadian government this time. Trudeau (like Obama) offered such hope, and such disappointment. I wonder what it will take for governments to do more than talk.
As Overdose Deaths Pile Up, a Medical Examiner Quits the Morgue (20171007)
Fentanyl overdose is so common now, and like all addictions and overdoses represents the attempt to get away from the pain of living. And Fentanyl is so appealing! As a retired anesthetist, I was very aware of its potency, but it was not until I had an anesthetic myself that I appreciated its appeal. I was given Fentanyl as part of the induction and had about a minute of pure bliss before being unconscious — if I were to become addicted to anything, I would certainly choose Fentanyl.
Added 20171003
Two Dark American Truths From Las Vegas (20171002)
Gun violence in America, explained in 17 maps and charts (20171002)
These two links discuss the ineffectiveness of modern attempts to limit the use of power, both in preventing individual tragedies and in developing just resolutions to such forces that underlie these tragedies.
U.S. Climate Change Policy: Made in California (20170927)
An interesting example of how the interplay of legality and power work in our culture. To quote the lead-in: “A peculiar confluence of history, legal precedent and defiance has set the stage for a regulatory mutiny in California that would reverberate throughout the country.” Legally, California can regulate independently of national concerns, and controls at least a third of the auto industry, with a sizable impact on how industry must react. I am reminded of a statement that our culture has a legal system, perhaps sometimes a justice system.
Added 20170930
Heartless world watches while Rohingya nightmare continues (20170928)
An example of the inability of our species to deal with power.
Trump doesn’t get it on Puerto Rico. He just proved it by lashing out at San Juan’s mayor. (20170930)
I am suggesting this link, not as a critique of Trump (which it is), but as an indication of the need for definitive action in stopping this kind of tribalism, a stance that likely results in major deterioration of justice and viability. The current system is not healthy.
Homeland Security to monitor social media accounts of immigrants and citizens (20170926)
Where does surveillance stop? When is it effective? Here we seem to be moving to a police state, again with a major deterioration of justice and vitality.
Even This Data Guru Is Creeped Out By What Anonymous Location Data Reveals About Us (20170926)
So easy, and with enough computer power, likely also easy to cross-map details of how groups of people interact. Truly, Big Brother is watching.
Added 20170926
North Korea accuses Trump of declaring war (20170925)
The escalation of rhetoric is a sad reflection of our immaturity as a species, and in that immaturity, the risk of irreversible consequences is high. My fear is that even if only one side believes their rhetoric, we are in grave danger.
New climate change calculations could buy the Earth some time — if they’re right (20170918)
Potentially good news (if correct), but so different from other models that it will require careful study to determine how well these calculations fit experience. The danger is that a) a more generous margin of safety may be used to justify additional delay, and b) the changing landscape will be used to discount the clarity of scientific consensus (especially as to the significance of man’s technology). Science is never able to prove anything; it can only test for the best and simplest explanation of experience.
This Is the Hurricane Season Scientists Tried to Warn Us About (20170921)
To quote: “Hurricanes are built to convert heat energy into wind energy, and seawater’s available energy rises exponentially as it warms.” This says it all — the more energy, the more damage when released.
Could lab-grown fish and meat feed the world – without killing a single animal? (20170920)
If we persist in moving to 10 billion people, we need technology like this. The quality is improving markedly. Now the cost needs to go down, and the acceptance go up.
Added 20170917
Are We F–ked? Decoding the resistance to climate change (20170907)
Paul Kennedy, a highly respected Canadian broadcaster, speaks to the resistence to discussion of global warming. Gradually the conversation evolves. This particular conversation is not nice; it is however necessary. This link references Part One of a podcast as follows; Part Two aired on September 14th.
Ideas: Are We F–ked? Decoding the resistance to climate change (20170907)
The program as aired.
Decoding the resistance to climate change: Are we doomed? (20170914)
Part Two of this program.
Can emissions shrink while the economy grows? (20170914)
The absurdity of politics (Canadian this time), promising that we can have everything.
Pope says humanity will ‘go down’ if it does not address climate change (20170911)
Another fascinating individual speaking to the insanity of our species.
“A Duty to Warn” and the Dangerous Case of Donald Trump (20170915)
In general, psychiatrists and other mental health issues do not comment on the mental health of those whom they have not directly examined, especially public figures. However, in The Dangerous Case Of Donald Trump (in publication), 27 leading individuals have chosen to do so, given that they have concluded that he presents a clear and present danger to society.
RT, Sputnik and Russia’s New Theory of War (20170913)
Long and detailed, this is an interesting study of the age of dysinformation. If accurate, it contributes in a major way to the difficulty of managing global warming. particularly how internectine conflict distracts from effective action.
An Introduction to the Spiritual Disciplines (20170904)
Two links that discuss the need for discipline, and its impacts.
The Way of the Monastic Warrior: Lessons from Major Dick Winters (201506005)
An interesting model of an individual being highly disciplined, perhaps in too serious a fashion; I wonder to what extent he was playful. For me, playfulness is a major component of maturity.
The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura (20170916)
In contrast, another spiritual discipline, one of great beauty.
This Tiny Country Feeds The World (20109)
Amazing use of technology by the Netherlands has allowed them to be the second largest exporter of food in the world, second only to the USA (the US having a land mass 270 times greater than the Netherlands!).
Added 20170907
Harvey Didn’t Come Out of the Blue. Now is the Time to Talk About Climate Change. (20170829)
Naomi Klein, as usual, speaks clearly concerning the issues that become hidden when we are in high anxiety mode responding to catastrophe. The usual stall is “We’ll talk about it later; right now, there is too much pain.” But amidst the next source of anxiety, later never seems to come.
Video: How to Resist Trump’s Shock Doctrine (20170613)
Some very good ideas on the politics of catastrophe, and of how to respond, but as a populus, we are not yet ready. I wonder when and how … (In the light of recent events in Korea, I also find it fascinating that she even names the possibility of war as a pretext for societal injustice, our current dilemma.)
Disturbing New Evidence of How the Trump Era Is Boosting Misinformation and Propaganda (20170907)
We must also come to terms with the age of disinformation.
Dolores Huerta is done being edited out of her own history (20170905)
A more classic way in which disinformation has functioned — ignore the contributions of minorities and women.
Added 20170903
Miscellaneous
apparent police violations of the right of individuals
the significance of Hurricane Harvey to climate change
anxiety regarding the development of Hurricane Irma
Nuclear War
The nature of Kim Jong Un seems to be that of wanting to wave a big stick, but I doubt if he is really wanting nuclear war, especially one that would lead to total destruction of his country (even if he did manage to damage the USA). However, he is butting heads with someone whose ego is sensitive to confrontation, and who has essentially unlimited discretion to initiate agamemnon. Not a pretty scene.
Donald Trump asked whether he’d attack North Korea, says: ‘We’ll see’ (20170903)
Such posturing is frightening.
In latest test, North Korea detonates its most powerful nuclear device yet (20170903)
The rapidity of scientific development is impressive, even if the posturing is frightening.
Don’t be surprised by North Korea’s missiles. Kim Jong Un is doing what he said he would. (20170831)
Another link as to North Korea’s potential.
Kim Jong Un’s rockets are getting an important boost — from China (20170413)
Money talks, and unfortunately, is the face of power. Despite years of diplomacy and major sanctions imposed at the UN level, money still talks, and generates ways to by-pass sanctions.
Those Who Support Trump
The basic theme appears to be that Trump’s advocates can seletively find a piece (or peace) within the multiple messages generated. After all, Trump’s most important skill has been that of being a salesman.
Two top Trump advisers were asked why they don’t quit. Their answers speak volumes. (20170902)
They seem to think that they can work their own political agendas within the confusion, and some kind of blind acceptance of the authority of the “office of the President.”
Why most evangelicals don’t condemn Trump (20170901)
Trump lives into the belief systems that they value: conservativism, challenge to science, “a fellow sinner willing to fight the forces of the establishment on their behalf.”
On The Lighter Side
Humor: The Clown Chakra (20131217)
Amidst the insanity, I fall back on an important maxim:
There is extensive evidence that life is painful;
there is no evidence that it is serious.
As such, I remind myself frequently that I am powerless to impact the larger picture; I only have the power to influence myself, and that which I can touch. This may be enough (or not) — ripple effects can have immense influence.
Added 20170826
When times get dark, we must shine brighter (20170824)
A good message, but lacking definition as to who and how. Unfortunately, it is simply an admonition of what we should be doing. And readers of this blog likely know how I feel about shoulds. We must come together for something other than more of the same ills of our civilization (my admonition).
The message is also based on the assumption that the alt-right is a last-ditch effort, and will die out soon: “the last desperate efforts of a minority of small-minded people to hold onto ideas and perspectives that history has proven wrong many times.“ I wonder. Our civilization has become so complicated and so dis-empowering that the alt-right may well represent a significant gap in the character of our civilization without a clear alternative. The following links are in keeping with this.
A black man went undercover online as a white supremacist. This is what he learned. (20170824)
An excellent investigation into the milieu of the far-right culture, reflecting with compassion on the struggles that have led individuals into these stances. for me, he recognizes that compassion does not mean acceptance; it means emotional acknowledgment as the beginning of resolution.
He also identifies the very real issue of the moderate message that we are all in this together, “and if only you people (the alt-right, for example) will get that, we will all be fine.” We must limit the violations (as unacceptable), and still include the validity of the needs of all parties (meeting in compassion).
A black man undercover in the alt-right | Theo E.J. Wilson | TEDxMileHigh (20170814)
An excellent TED talk by the same individual, emphasizing the need for human connection. Humorous at times, and very succinct as to need. Unfortunately, my usual concern is that we are on the knife edge of danger, and must resolve immense issues simultaneously and with only limited time — the usual super-wicked difficulty of our species.
Roger Stone promises a violent response if Trump is impeached (20170824)
On the flip side of healing, given the increasing appearance of the alt-right, is the risk of major escalation, entirely possible in that the situation is so polarized. It is so difficult to make sense of the confusion, … and life will be what it will be.
I was not around during the rise of Hitler in pre-war Germany, but I imagine such threats were common in that situation also. Potentially we are moving to dark times; it will not be fun.
Trump doesn’t seem to like being president. So why not quit? (20170818)
An interesting commentary of the skills required of a president, and the current mismatch. What it does not disclose is what would be required for him to quit by choice, rather than by threatened impeachment.
The Trump administration just disbanded a federal advisory committee on climate change (20170820)
A major set-back in American policy, easily lost amongst the hype and anxiety created by the emotional turmoil of the Trump administration. It may well be that such turmoil is deliberate to defuse responsiveness to more important issues such as this.
What Exxon Mobil Didn’t Say About Climate Change (20170822)
The duplicity of Exxon Mobil is now well-documented. I wonder if the consequences will be more than a slap on the wrist.
Added 20170818
Time for Truth and Reconciliation (201708)
As usual, Jack Kornfield speaks from compassion and wisdom; such is needed in our culture (internationally) at this time. If we are to survive as a species, we must learn compassion and cooperation.
This Technology Could Stop the World’s Deadliest Animal (20170814)
Modern technology astounds me at times — this is an example, the management of the mosquito. As well, the article details the attempt of the scientific community to act into a cooperative ethical stance — I applaud this.
Wildfires are a climate change wake-up call (20170817)
Definitely a call to action in British Columbia (where I live), and it should be a call internationally since fire knows no political boundaries. Greenland is an example.
There’s an Unprecedented Wildfire in Greenland. That’s Bad News for the Arctic. (20170811)
Yes, Greenland. I’ve been to Greenland; I’ve never thought of it as having forests, let alone forest fires! Nor had the scientific community to any great extent. Such is one of the unexpected outcomes of global warming.
Trump’s embrace of white supremacists eclipses his blow to U.S. climate resilience (20180818)
A fairly good review of the current climate situation, especially in geopolitical terms.
The other terrible thing Donald Trump did yesterday, you know, plus the neo-Nazi stuff (20170816)
Beneath the angst and conflict is the reality of how destructive our political environment has become. We humans care about the angst, but the science of global warming does not!
Interactive Timeline: Everything We Know About Russia and President Trump (20170807)
A detailed look at the complex issues (for those who want to track them)
A Guide to Russia’s High Tech Tool Box for Subverting US Democracy (20170813)
Again for those interested, this seems to be a good review of the current complexity in Russian international politics.
Added 20170811
Are we on the brink of nuclear war with North Korea? Probably not. (20170811)
Interesting statements from many knowledgeable sources, the major danger being misinterpretation of posturing, certainly be possible given the emotional maturity of the principal actors.
If Trump wants a nuclear attack against North Korea, his military advisers have few other options (20170810)
Such power in the hands of one man reflects the immaturity of culture and the posturing of the individual tribes (read ‘nations’) as well as the potential consequences of the system that must deal with such tribes.
Does Donald Trump Believe Nuclear War Is Inevitable? (20161208)
An older article outlining the media releases of Donald Trump prior to becoming president. I hope he is less fatalistic now that he is in power, but the adage is “power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
White House as crime scene: how Robert Mueller is closing in on Trump (20170805)
This is a fairly clear description of the current situation in Washington, a situation which will have great impact on our world regardless of the final outcome. “The wheels of justice grind finely and slow but this is a wood chipper, and all these various items and [sic] going to get fed into it.”
As Mueller closes in, Trump prepares his base for the worst (20170807)
A fairly good summary of how the Trump administration is doing, and what they are doing, “a volatile, combustible combination.”
Sorry, but I don’t care how you felt on election night. Not anymore. (20170803)
A very good review of the heavy emotions, and lack of concrete resolutions in this new world in which we live. The author stresses that doubt and reflection time can be powerful tools into the future, and that certainty (especially self-righteous certainty) will be the path to societal doom.
Very scary that if Trump were to bypass US democratic rule, “half of Republicans” would support him.
We only have a 5 percent chance of avoiding ‘dangerous’ global warming, a study finds (20170731)
It is difficult to know what to say about this. The study recognizes that new technology, as yet unknown, may occur. At the same time, I see no indication that the study takes into account “tipping points” that may worsen the scenarios. To quote a link in the article, [These experts say we have three years to get climate change under control. And they’re the optimists]. Fundamentally, if we are to survive, we need drastic (and decisive) action, not fatalism, not denial.
This Controversial Beer Ad Is Going Viral And It’ll Leave You Questioning Everything! (20170428?)
Phenomenal ad. If all advertising was like this, I would actually be engaged in seeking the products offered.
Added 20170805
A Chilling Theory on Trump’s Nonstop Lies (20170803)
The title is misleading; the article is actually a fairly good description of how human beings are overwhelmed by too much noise, unable to separate the signal from the background. If deliberate, it is a powerful tool to confuse.
The Troubling Return of Al Gore (20170724)
Again, a misleading title. The title again does not do justice to the significance of this article — the divisiveness within the climate movement.
Environmental Protection Act review could strengthen human rights (20170803)
In our modern world, government standards as to the protection of the environment are definitely needed. This article pertains to Canada; I had not realized previously that “The Toronto Public Library collected more late-book fines in one year than the government [of Canada] has collected from fines imposed through the [currently existing] act in 20 years!.”
Vancouver has worse air quality than Hong Kong right now(20170803)
Another consequence of global warming. Given I live in West Vancouver, I am able to look outside my apartment window and see the sun partially hidden by haze, the smoky residue of the humdreds of forest fires currently raging in British Columbia (apparently this is a comparatively low-count year in terms of numbers).
Study predicts worsening killer heat waves in Europe (20170805)
Another article of similar consequences. My objection to this article is that it does not place it in the context of the many warnings of the past few years, nor does it seem to acknowledge the possible tipping points that will emerge such that the actual numbers mentioned are only the “tip of the iceberg.” (To my knowledge, the concept of “tipping point” refers to the point at which an iceberg actually tips — when the lower portion, the hidden portion, melts faster than the visible portion above the surface of the water. Once an iceberg tips, it establishes a new equilibrium in a more stable fashion. As far as climate is concerned, this new tip point will be at a stable highertemperature.)
Added 20170730
Why Russia Revelations Never Seem To Change Anything (20170725)
A fairly good article on the complexity surrounding the lack of effective responsiveness within American politics.
Tomgram: Michael Klare, Spreading the Cult of Carbon (20170730)
My source, someone whose astuteness I trust, regards Michael Klare as “one of the world’s experts on international energy politics, peace studies, and [the] American politics of both of those.”
Scientists consider ways to dim sunlight, suck up carbon dioxide to cool planet (20170727)
Given the gross lack of effective response to global warming, it is highly likely that carbon-removal processes and other machinations will occur. This is the beginning of such. Unfortunately it may well be ineffective for three major reasons:
-
- it is basically unexplored technology, and given our historic relation with technology, there are always hidden and deleterious consequences around the corner
- it does not address the basic inefficiency of the system, the immaturity of our species such that we have created the problem in the first place
- it is not being applied as a consensus response of our culture, and thus there will be those who impose their “solutions” upon the rest of the populus, a common difficulty of our species.
5 Productivity Tips That’ll Make You Rethink Your Day (20170720)
Productivity tips are common, but this one seems well organized, and links to a detailed free description. As usual, the limitation is the willingness of the individual to be disciplined.
Added 20170723
The Planet Is Warming. And It’s Okay to Be Afraid (20170717)
Last week, I listed The Unhabitable Earth, an article that discussed the worst case scenario of what we face, indicating how close it comes to doom-mongering (worst case scenarios are usually very challenging). This link (The Planet Is Warming . . .) is an excellent response to the concern re doom-mongering in regards to global warming — unfortunately, if we are to respond effectively, we each need to deal with our despair. Not fun, but necessary.
A Brief History of the Straw (20141023)
Plastic straws suck (20170720)
Two interesting links to the impact of plastic straws, the first on our creativity, the second on our ecology. Apparently we discard 180,000,000,000 straws a year (1,400,000 kilograms a year, 500,000,000 a day) to landfill and other forms of discard. I deliberately changed the data from 180 billion to 180,000,000,000 to emphasize the impact. And that is just drinking straws!
Added 20170718
A landmark climate lawsuit against Trump is scheduled for trial next year. Here’s what to expect. (20170705)
A clearly written description of the legal process involved in challenging the US federal government. If successful, the results for individual politicians would be such they might face significant consequences (removal from office to inprisonment). Clmate denial by the US government would likely have to stop, and appropriate actions taken. Perhaps such judgment would spill over to Canadian law also. Unfortunately, even if successful by the plaintiffs, the institution of resolutions may take so long that global warming will be irreversible by the time of their implimentations.
Because of better sampling tools, it appears that most vertebrate species are in major difficulty. A total of 27600 species were examined, 177 in great detail; of the 177 species, more than 40% had species range loss (thus diminished population) of greater than 80%. Not good (by any stretch of the imagination)!
The Uninhabitable Earth (20170709)
A detailed article bordering on doom-mongering, but even if the details are inaccurate, the themes are not — they emphasize the types of outcomes that will occur if we do not respond effectively to global warming. The side articles, referenced in the main article, are also worth reading.
Are We as Doomed as That New York Magazine Article Says? (20170710)
A much more moderate tone, responding to The Uninhabitable Earth (above), but also noting the importance of knowing the worst case scenarios. “If you don’t know where you are , you cannot get to where you say you want to be!”
Our Approach to Climate Change Isn’t Working. Let’s Try Something Else. (20170710)
A sensible article on what we need to do.
Massive iceberg breaks away from Antarctica (20170712)
An iceberg the volume of Lake Erie, the size of the state of Connecticut (5800 square kilometers). What can I say?
These animals can survive until the end of the Earth, astrophysicists say (20170714)
The good news is that life is likely to survive. Some contraversy as usual in the scientific research, but with multiple ecological niches, still a good chance that life will persist, and evetually florish (after a few million years).
Added 20170708
‘TED’ Sparks Paradigm War (20130413)
Dear TED, Is It ‘Bad Science’ or a ‘Game of Thrones’? (20130618)
The fundamentalism of scientism is often hidden, yet very powerful.
Added 20170704
And Now the Trump Presidency Begins to Fail for Real (20170629)
Amongst the usual hype that surrounds American politics, this comes from a very reliable source. As usual, time will tell, but I cannot imagine it being totally off.
Germany’s Merkel Just Declared War On Trump In Defiant Speech (20170629)
More fallout from Trump’s international stances. Necessary, but pushing a bully has consequences. I wonder where and how it will end.
Warning: The following three videos scare me. I suggest you do not (and do) watch them
NRA Declares War on Half of America (20170629)
Marcus Luttrell – ‘I Cower To No One’ – National Rifle Association commercial (20150910)
NRA Charlie Daniels Commercial (20160523)
These terrify me — presumably they represent a significant portion of US citizens, those who actively support the National Rifle Association.
Scientific principles cannot be ignored; we can pretend we have lots of time yet, but the science disagrees. Two degrees (or more realistically, 1.5°C) does not seem much to fuss about, but irreversible tipping points are likely above this level. Imagine driving your car at high speed while having a strong possibility of the brakes being defective! Consequences!
What’s new on Amazon’s Plan to Take Over the World (20170628)
Wow. The commercial world amazes me sometimes with its machinations.
Eugene Richards Is the Photographer America Needs Now (20170626)
Photos of our culture as it is! not how we like to think it is.
A Swedish Billionaire Will Award $5 Million For Reimagining Global Governance (20161220)
A step in the right direction — our civilization desperately needs new models of governance, models which lead to the valuing of human activity in ways that provide guaranteed incomes, health benefits, and ongoing education.
Alberta is greenest it’s ever been under the NDP and that will be tough to undo (20170703)
Canada’s progress is slow, but overall steady. My basic concern is that it is not enough.
‘Love Thy Neighbor?’ (20170701)
Well worth reading. The story of a Muslim physician with a US mid-West practice.
Added 20170628
THE CLIMATE MOBILIZATION BEGINS IN L.A. (20170621)
As previously indicated, I am an advocate of The Climate Mobilization — I believe it is the only way in which our species will be able to survive, let alone thrive. As part of the rebound effect created by Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord, California has now recognized the need for such massive mobilization concerning global warming.
A valedictorian went rogue in his final speech. His school tried to shut him down. (20170620)
A story of courage and the structure of much of our modern society — those who speak out usually get punished in some way. Reminds me of how the society represented by Nineteen Eighty-four (George Orwell, 1949) would have been initiated.
Global Capitalism: Reflections on a Brave New World (201706)
A dense but readable article on Transnationalism and the Transnational Capitalist Class, in which market forces created by a small group of people determine much of the fate of the world. Such is not consistent with true democracy, and not an easy system to oppose.
The Post’s new findings in Russia’s bold campaign to influence the U.S. election (20170623)
Obama’s secret struggle to punish Russia for Putin’s election assault (20170623)
Two links for those who attempt to follow the Trump-Russia morase; I find the entire issue to be incredibly complex and difficult to follow. It must be equally difficult for those who are tasked to deliver conclusive reports, especially since the issues represent the depth of deceptiveness and collusion within our so-called democracy. Such clandestine affairs; probably they have always been part of the struggle for power and domination, but are so much more sophisticated today.
This is what foreign spies think when they read President Trump’s tweets (20170623)
Interesting commentary on how information is gathered in today’s high tech world, as well as the risks imposed by Trump’s tweeting.
Bicycling never gets old! (20170622)
A good description of the history of bicycling, and an emphasis on the benefits of bicycling. I used to enjoy it, although I have not yet taken up the modern aspects of long distance cycling nor the hype on new (expensive) technology.
Added 20170619
Mr. Mueller Is Following the Money (20170615)
A rather crude article, but it hits all the sore points of this insanity of politics.
Comey’s testimony was a media disaster for Trump. These headlines prove it. (20170609)
The responses to the testimony.
Cashing in on the Rise of the Alt-Right (20170616)
The destruction of political norms started decades ago. Here’s how it happened. (20170618)
The strange nature of our society, as it becomes more polarized.
WTF is going on in the UK? (20170609)
Strange politics is also part of other areas of the world.
Scientists stunned by Antarctic rainfall and a melt area bigger than Texas (20170615)
A potential harbringer of the future.
New Solar Milestone Has Big Consequences (20170606)
Progress is slow, but ongoing.
Defiance of Trump spawns international workarounds with U.S. states, cities (20170609)
A good summary of Trump issues.
How to Fight Trump’s Paris withdrawal by taking climate justice into our own hands (20170613)
A good article on local action regarding the off-loading of consumer costs, and the possibility of legal challenge — a slow, but necessary, step in a more mature process.
Protecting oceans is paying off (20170608)
Fascinating research.
Accepting One’s Quirky Personality (2017)
Jack Kornfield often has brief but intersting comments of living with the insanity. My own stance is that we need much greater emphasis and availability of teaching on how to do this work. Otherwise such articles simply become another ‘should’ of how we should live.
Added 20170607
World promises to stand and deliver after Trump’s ‘train wreck’ climate decision (20170602)
A good summary of the multiple reactions to Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord.
We may be surprised at how things play out… (20170603)
I’ve previoiusly noted the possibility that Trump’s exit from the Paris Accord may have surprising outcomes — this article also supports that.
Added 20170601
Why Orwell’s ‘1984’ matters so much now (20170125)
Turns out the Trump era isn’t ‘1984.’ It’s ‘King Lear.’ (20170528)
Likely an accurate metaphor for the Trump era.
President Trump’s Epic Fail on Paris (20170601)
The deed is done; now we see the blowback.
Oil and plastic are choking the planet (20170525).
Excellent article on renewable alternatives.
Mark Zuckerberg joins Silicon Valley bigwigs in calling for government to give everybody free money (20170525)
What is Universal Basic Income? A brief history. (20170525).
Having attended a TED talk on the advantages of Guaranteed Income, I have become a strong advocate. It potentially have major benefits in eliminating poverty, and promoting much better health and education as well as significant reduction of crime.
Ancestry.com is a scary thing (20170517.
Like many aspects of modern technology, the dark side is significant. There are many legal ramifactions, especially in the use of gene pools for further technological advances.
Added 20170523
Increased awareness is key to resolving the climate crisis (20170518)
Thanks to global warming, Antarctica is beginning to turn green (20170518)
Scientists say the pace of sea level rise has nearly tripled since 1990 (20170522)
Global warming continuing to worsen. (Are you surprized?)
It’s tougher than it should be to impeach Donald Trump (20170517)
There’s No Way Republicans Will Truly Confront Trump on His Scandals. It Would Destroy Their Party. (20170518)
The Disappearing Data Project (20170522)
The continuing dangers associated with American politics.
Added 20170515
Richest 62 people as wealthy as half of world’s population, says Oxfam (20160118)
An astounding statistic!
The Long, Twisted, and Bizarre History of the Trump-Russia Scandal (20170324, with ongoing updates)
Why Trump’s Firing of Comey Should Be Investigated (20170510)
American politics is incredible, and determines much of the fate of the world.
‘We all knew this was coming’: Alaska’s thawing soils are now pouring carbon dioxide into the air (20170508)
Trump’s staff reportedly feeding him Internet hoaxes on climate (20170515)
Global warming issues as presented by reliable reporters.
Millions of Americans Are Drinking Contaminated Water—and Don’t Even Know It (20170503)
Trump’s EPA Greenlights a Nasty Chemical. A Month Later, It Poisons a Bunch of Farmworkers. (20170515)
More environmental catastrophes!
To Understand the Cost of the War on Women, Look to Mississippi (20170505).
If we ever decide to resolve our cultural difficulties, it is women who will lead.
Added 20170507
Central and Eastern Canada face heavy flooding
Blueprint For A Climate Emergency Movement
The Top 10 Resistance Victories in Trump’s First 100 Days
‘It can’t just be a march. It has to be a movement.’ What’s next for climate activists?
WATCH: Populism’s ‘backhanded service’
Research sheds light on dark corner of B.C.’s oil and gas industry
Comments on global warming, especially the current politics.
Why we need to slow down our lives
Most of us are overwhelmed with data, and we have a huge need to take a break from technology.
Added 20170423
‘It scares me’: Permafrost thaw in Canadian Arctic sign of global trend
As coral reefs die, huge swaths of the seafloor are deteriorating along with them
Climate Change As Genocide: Inaction Equals Annihilation
The Broken Mirror, a Fractured Movement and the 2016 Elections (2016 November 6)
A Future to Fight For: A Conversation with Frederick Douglass in the Shadow of Trump (2017 April 21)
We live in such a complex culture, currently in painful decline. Unfortunately it will get worse before it gets better (if at all).
Added 20170418/20170419
He Quit His Corporate Job To Help His City’s Needy
Love Your Enemies. What Does It Mean? Can It Be Done?
Examples of greatness within the unraveling of our culture.
The denial of the unraveling.
Added 20170326
Word of the Year 2016 Is . . .
Post-truth — how complex the world is becoming!
Added 20170228
All the ways in which we distort information to bring our desired meaning.
Added 20170226
The Untold History of the United States
The complexity/duplicity of politics depends on how it is viewed.
Added 20170122
even a major sceptic Richard Mueller converted
the complexity of the disinformation processes
Added 20170122
Exploring the multitude of factors surrounding our inability to resolve global warming
Added 20171117
the intelligence report jointly released
US Congressman John Lewis has recently stated
Another example is this blog post from Jim Garrison
The insanity of current US politics
Added 20170114
First, some fascinating technological innovations
A way to turn our carbon emissions into rock
Your Breakfast Is About to Take a Weird Turn
Second, some commentary on civil disobedience.
several individuals who are engaged in civil disobedience
an open letter to former President Obama
Added 20170109
Climate Disruption Dispatches with Dahr Jamail
The best source I know for reliable information regarding our current climate
Added 20170106
Two excellent articles on reconquest consciousness — rare examples as to what human beings are capable.
20161112
Shocked, Grieving, And All In For All Life
Trump, climate and us: A letter to those who won’t give up
The United States Is Not About to Spiral Into Fascism and Tyranny
Selected responses to the election of Donald Trump as future President of the USA
Added 20161111
State of the climate and oceans Nov 2016
Dr. Reese Halter, The Climate In Crisis: Epitaph Earth?
YouTube videos with up-to-date information regarding global warming
Here’s Everything Donald Trump Has Promised to Do on His First Day as President
An example of what may come, and its consequences
Added 20161005
The Climate Emergency and the Election: A Pathway to WWII-Scale Mobilization
Ezra Silk’s commentary on our social dilemma.
Canada releases plans for a nationwide carbon tax
The inadequacy of Canada’s response
Added 20160921
Metro Vancouver: competing visions fight for the city’s soul
Expansion of the Kinder-Morgan pipeline
Port approves changes that will see coal ships loaded on Fraser River
Tilbury LNG Facility Expansion Project
B.C. split on Kinder-Morgan pipeline, but local MP says Burnaby is ‘off-the-charts opposed’
Assessing the risks of Kinder Morgan’s proposed new Trans Mountain pipeline
Sources of information in my attempts to understand the energy issues in the Vancouver area.
Added 20160911
I encountered the book Cosmic Consciousness in 1975 when I was six months into the spontaneous occurrence of it in my life. The book validated my experience, and in particular the description from page 72 to 75 was totally accurate of an encounter with mystery that totally transformed my life.
Added 20160910
The simple-minded nature of human super predators (20160906)
David Suzuki’s notes that humans are the dominant predator of the world, yet our common characteristic is that we degrade ecological systems. Healthy predator-prey relationships improve system resilience, and thus we fail abysmally as predators, further evidence of how unhealthy we are as a species.
Added 20160909
The Court That Rules The World (20160829)
Consistent with the adage “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” there is much in the modern legal system that does not reflect justice, but merely legal maneuvering — a sad state of affairs with respect to the possibility of a mature culture.
Added 20160816
A World At War (20160815)
McKibben: Time To Declare A War … (20160815)
Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, indicates “We’re under attack from climate change — and our only hope is to mobilize like we did in WWII.”
Added 20160813
The Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi – The Four Noble Truths … Climate Crisis (20150514)
An excellent presentation detailing the many factors involved in global warming.
Added 20160811
Past presents warning on greater warming (20160715)
Scientists have found a perfect illustration of how the climate is spiraling ‘out of control’ (20160728)
Climate Change is Here and Now, Dire NOAA Report Warns (20160802)
Seas aren’t just rising, scientists say — it’s worse than that. They’re speeding up. (20160810)
A Murdoch-Owned TV Channel Will Air A Landmark Climate Series Before The Election
Recent documents that allude to the worsening of our climate, such that we are very close to the edge, if not already starting to fall.
Added 20160807
Recent research suggests that 54% of people … acknowledge high risk
A huge number of people are aware of the dangers of global warming; they need somehow to be mobilized (I will do a future post to look at this).
I also know from Hannah Arendt’s work on the banality of evil and Milgram’s work on obedience to authority, that the possibility of evil is a fundamental human characteristic.
There have been a variety of investigations of the nature of evil, but it is not a topic that is easy to explore.
Added 20160805
read the key documents on The Climate Mobilization site
Long, detailed, but very good.
the older Keynesian economics and how they were replaced by neoliberalism
Far too complex for me to understand. I would need to get a degree in Economics (to add to my collection).
I have therefore joined the Climate Mobilization in its pledge of action.
Worth reading.
Added 20160731
Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History presents interesting commentary how people function, in this case the threshold of anxiety that prevents change.
Margaret Klein Salamon’s writings describe the many ways in which people ignore the reality of global warming.
Added 20160730
The average temperature for the first quarter of 2016 is 1.48°C, at the temperature level of the non-binding Paris COP21 agreement. The fact that our culture is NOT in emergency response is insanity!
see here for excellent visual representations
Dramatic visual presentations of what is happening. Scary!
It is likely that, by 2°C, we will have irreversible changes
Even more scary!
The scientific community is in agreement (at least 97% consensus)
But the political morass wages on!
A good talk on the numerous ways in which the difficulties of modern life wear us down.
The Climate Mobilization (previously referenced 20160728)
Added 20160728
For me, The Climate Mobilization organization is an effective stance for challenging the issues of global warming. I have taken their Pledge to promote discussion of and political challenge to our current dilemma.
Added 20160718
A brief video showing the potential changes that can be made to modern cities.
An artistic presentation of a possible future city. The work has been donated to the University of Cincinnati Foundation for use in architecture, design and urban planning. Prior to the death of the artist, I had his verbal permission to use his work.
Added 20160717
Gaian Democracies (previously referenced 20160629)
Added 20160714
The appointment of Barry Johnson as UK Foreign Secretary has stirred widespread concern of the risks to our culture of falling into greater pain. We live in such interesting times!
Added 20160711
Warning from the past: Future global warming could be even warmer
Mass extinction forecast with 6°C temperature rise
A degree by degree explanation of what will happen when the earth warms
More information on how dire our status is as we approach the edge of destruction.
Added 20160705
EU supporters march in London, denouncing Brexit vote
David Cameron’s dumb referendum
There is a huge need for maturity in the leadership of a mature culture. Recent events in Britain are not good examples.
20160704
Barry Johnson’s work on polarity management as a way of understanding difficulties is an important addition to my understanding.
Added 20160629
Roy Madron and John Jopling present a detailed study of how democracy would function in a mature culture.
A modern process that may make for much more effective organizational functioning.
Gradually in our culture, there are emerging groups that offer deepening of community processes. Tamarack in Kitchener Ontario seems to be one of these organizations.
Added 20160627
Scientific materialism is the philosophic ontology (perspective on the nature of being) which dominates modern life; it assumes that only physicality exists. Especially it assumes that consciousness is physically based in the brain, and that when we have explored the neurosciences enough, we will understand the nature of mind. It is not a perspective to which I ascribe.
Neoliberalism is the ideology (a comprehensive normative collation of beliefs which define the individual) which underlies modern consumerism, and its ills. It assumes that only the marketplace is of importance, and that competition is the defining characteristic of human relations. I recommend the book The Parable of the Tribes as a study of the nature of power as the underlying key to civilization and its ills.
Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations, 20160621
On the importance of unconditional and conditional love.
Added 20160715
Boris Johnson is foreign secretary: The world reacts
The reactions expressed in this BBC article suggest to me a man of emotional immaturity, someone at high risk of self-righteousness, and therefore highly unlikely to be committed to cooperation, let alone his own personal growth.
Added 20160711
Warning from the past: Future global warming could be even warmer
2016 predictions on potential temperature rise
Mass extinction forecast with 6°C temperature rise
2013 predictions of the impact on species
CO2 Earth: Are We Stabilizing Yet?
A good site for current information on global warming, including the daily levels of CO2, with comparisons of past data.
A degree by degree explanation of what will happen when the earth warms
A very good summary of the impact of global warming, from one degree centigrade to six degrees.
Added 20160625
Diablo Shutdown Marks End of Atomic Era
(The news sometimes sounds good, but . . . . Fortunately one of my sources often highlights important details.) The article includes: But … then listen to the rest of the news . . ., and then indicates many issues whereby the promises are potentially invalidated.
Added 20160621
Unconditional and Conditional Love.
(I subscribe to the blog of Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation (cac.org). I find him to be one of the most spiritually mature individuals that I have encountered. His reflections offer much for those seeking personal and cultural maturity.) Eric Fromm, in his classic book The Art of Loving, states that the healthiest people he has known are those who received from their two parents and early authority figures a combination of unconditional love and conditional love.
Added 20160615
The Most Powerful Medical Association In The U.S. Gears Up To Fight Congress Over Guns
I am not against guns; I am against the insanity that allows private massacres such as are common in our current society. As a physician myself (albeit Canadian), I am almost ashamed that they (the American Medical Association) have not pushed hard for public research prior to this.
Added 20160614
Confessions of a former covert CIA agent – Amaryllis Fox.
She delineates the absolute need to know your “enemy” — he/she is human too.
Added 20160611
Iceland Carbon Dioxide Storage Project Locks Away Gas, and Fast
We are approaching a time when the technological issues of climate change will be resolved. Other indicators are: David Suzuki’s summary of feed-in tariffs. and ThinkProgress’s summary on lithium-ion battery technology.
Added 20160609
The Stanford Rape Victim Controlled The Public Narrative Without Giving Up Her Privacy
The status of this woman can be corroborated (it is in the public record of the legal system) — but it is not in the public record of the media blitz that is so invasive. For me, it is essential to maintain both discussion and privacy.
Added 2014 July 18
The Tragedy of the Risk-Perception Commons: Culture Conflict, Rationality Conflict, and Climate Change (preliminary draft)
(Illustrating the difficulty of changing behaviours by rational information) greater scientific literacy and numeracy were associated with greater cultural polarization: respondents predisposed by their values to dismiss climate change evidence became more dismissive, and those predisposed by their values to credit such evidence more concerned, as science literacy and numeracy increased
The Science of Why We Don’t Believe Science
(Illustrating the difficulty of changing behaviours by rational information) a large number of psychological studies have shown that people respond to scientific or technical evidence in ways that justify their preexisting beliefs.
(a vital distinction in creating a vision) we all have blinders in some situations. The question then becomes: What can be done to counteract human nature itself? . . . paradoxically, you don’t lead with the facts in order to convince. You lead with the values—so as to give the facts a fighting chance.
Added 2014 July 15
David Suzuki: An elder’s vision for our sustainable future
David Suzuki is both an entertaining speaker as well as an internationally acclaimed environmental activist.
For First Time, California Gets Ready For Mandatory Water Restrictions (from 20140714 Thinkprogress.Org)
(Illustrating our cultural acedia) Californians have been looking to the sky all year for signs of rain, and in January Gov. Jerry brown declared a drought emergency and asked for voluntary cuts by residents of 20 percent. A board survey recently found that statewide water use had declined by just five percent since then.
The Human Side of Global Warming 
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