CLIMATE CHANGE–WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!!

• The summer season of 2024 continues to show the inevitable. For 540 consecutive months the earth has recorded higher temperatures than the average for the entire 20th century. This can no longer be accepted as a short term effect. Two days were actually the hottest days EVER recorded on earth. Noticeable changes are being reported from all corners of the globe. The ice field and glacier melts continue and ocean levels rise. The earth’s tilt has changed by 4 to 5 degrees producing major drought and temp alterations–some of which impact growing seasons and output. The Florida orange crop production this season was 80% lower than in the past; you’ve probably noticed the big price increase at the supermarket. Europe experienced the hottest summer on record by averaging more than 3 degrees over century-long averages.

• FYI, the US is living up to its commitments to the Paris Climate Accord but many other countries are not. Candidate Harris has announced that she will continue to promote a climate policy to save the planet. Candidate Trump is unwilling to admit there is a problem here. He reportedly met with oil company executives and tried to elicit a campaign contribution from them in exchange for a promise to protect their interests (fossil fuel). When that effort failed, he ran over to Elon Musk, the largest electric vehicle maker in the US, and offered him something in exchange for his support. You’ll remember that Trump-while president–withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Accord. That is clearly a step in the wrong direction.

BOTTOM LINE: WE ARE PAINTING OURSELVES INTO A CORNER. THERE COULD COME A TIME WHERE ALL FIXES ARE INADEQUATE AND SURVIVAL WILL BE MARGINALIZED. YES, WE REALIZE THAT IS AN EXTREME STATEMENT. BUT, IF YOU CONSIDER THE DIRECTION OF TEMPS, RAIN FALL AMOUNTS, ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME FREQUENCY EVENTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON HUMAN LIFE….THE PICTURE IS BLEAK. LET’S HOPE WE DON’T BECOME OUR OWN WORST ENEMY. WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY TO BACK AWAY FROM THE EDGE BUT WE MUST MAKE USING THOSE TECHNOLOGIES INTO A PRIORITY.