The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change defines a tipping point as a critical threshold in a complex system that when exceeded can lead to change that is irreversible. We know that all our planetary tipping points are related to rising temperatures. The challenging factor is that we do not fully…
In the last few weeks as the hoopla of an election year has taken focus, we have seen the stark contrast of two distinct versions of the future presented by our two major parties. Not only does the viability of our democracy hang in the balance but the livability of…
It is hot and it will only get hotter. “July 21, 2024, was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth. The historic day comes on the heels of 13 straight months of unprecedented temperatures and the hottest year scientists have seen,” reported Sarah Kaplan recently in the Washington Post. Temperatures…
Don’t tell me what kind of meat to eat. There is yet another cultural war going on in this country. As recently reported in Inside Climate News and other publications, red state lawmakers are trying to restrict the sale of protein cultured from animal cells, better known as lab grown…
I will begin with the premise that we all would do what we can to prevent the devastating effects of global warming, that is, if it seems reasonable. But what is reasonable? For many people anything that requires a significant change in behavior is not reasonable. The Guardian, in an…
Earth Day 2024 has come and gone and in the last year there were some accomplishments. At COP28 in Dubai a deal was finally reached to globally transition from fossil fuels, which will require rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse emissions. Key participants agreed to the goal of tripling renewables…
It is spring, and my attention has returned to my neglected compost pile. It’s a 4-by-4 foot rather unsightly area in my background where I toss things like coffee grounds and vegetable scraps and wait for it to miraculously turn into wonderful fresh smelling compost. The last time I looked…
Plastic recycling is, for many of us, a guilt provoking topic. I try to be careful of what I toss into my recycling bin, even so, I do not believe that all of it is recycled. Contrary to what the waste management websites say, I know there is no recycling…
In some ways, the state of Maine and the state of New Mexico are similar. They both have a population of about 2 million. The median household income for Maine is $68,251 — higher than New Mexico’s at $58,251. But households in Maine are going to be able to access…
What is happening with EVs? There has been a lot of negative commentary about EVs lately — some of it filled with misinformation. Be wary of those who call themselves “independent consultants.” It is well understood that most fossil fuel emissions are caused by the cars we drive and the…
