Dear Daily Disaster Diary, Sept. 12th 2024

 Victories that are easy are cheap. Those only are worth having which come as the result of hard fighting.

- Henry Ward Beecher

The recent debate in Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s most crucial swing states, offered Vice President Kamala Harris an opportunity to go beyond the expected political platitudes. 

Instead of simply acknowledging her support for fracking, she should have seized the moment to make an impassioned case for ending our dependence on fossil fuels. 

After all, the future of our planet hinges on transitioning toward clean energy, a reality Donald Trump and his enablers in the GOP have chosen to deny.

While Trump peddled his dangerous lies and false promises, Harris should have stood strong, advocating for the Biden administration’s bold vision—the very vision laid out in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, designed to usher in a clean-energy future. 

Electric vehicles, renewable energy, infrastructure modernization—these aren’t just political talking points. They are the path forward for this country, for job creation, and for reversing the climate crisis Trump and his acolytes choose to ignore.

Likewise, when confronted with Trump's vicious and xenophobic lies about immigrants, Harris should have done more than simply defend. 

She should have reminded us all that, aside from Native Americans, this nation is immigrants. We are a tapestry of people from all walks of life, whose work, innovation, and culture have powered this country from its very founding. 

The constant scapegoating of immigrants to stoke fear and division is the same tired playbook that Trump and his cult followers cling to—but Harris should’ve forcefully exposed it for what it is: a desperate distraction.

To get to the heart of this, we need more than just words. Imagine using AI for real-time fact-checking during these debates—like subtitles flashing up each time Trump spins another of his 30,500 lies since taking office. 

How different would these debates look if there were a buzzer every time a candidate dodged a question? The truth is, debates shouldn’t just be performances. They should be moments of clarity, where voters see who has a plan for the future, and who is selling them a false past.

So, who lost that debate? Sure, the clueless cult leader peddling fear and denial. But Harris didn’t fully win, either. The audience lost out, too, because instead of a vision for progress, we got a defensive response, when we need leadership. 

Harris should be the voice of policy continuity, pushing for the real, necessary reforms that have been laid out but are far from complete.

Make no mistake—those reforms are vital to America’s future. And they’re also good for business. Clean energy, electric vehicles, and the independent power industry all stand to gain from a government that takes climate change seriously. 

The fossil fuel era is ending, and as a nation, we should be leading that transition, not getting left behind. But leadership requires more than just defending what’s already been done—it requires boldness, vision, and a willingness to take on the lies head-on.

So, Kamala, let’s hear how you’re going to get it done. 

You want to watch the planet die a slow death? Vote CONservative. You want to build a future worth living in? Vote Democrat—and push for the policies that will save lives and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Dear Daily Disaster Diary, Sept. 9 2024

The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be.

-  Paul Valery 

For those of you just waking up from a coma, let me break it to you: Trump did it. He and his army of lawyers have managed to push his court date beyond Election Day. 

The real question now is, how far will Trump go to stay out of jail? With nothing left to lose, the stakes are higher than ever. 

Would he burn America before facing justice?

YES.....

Remember, in both 2016 and 2020, Trump repeatedly claimed the election would be rigged against him. Back in 2016, it was just his ego on the line. Sure, he won the Electoral College, but that wasn’t enough. Trump’s vanity was so bruised that he insisted he hadn’t lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton. 

He even launched a pointless investigation to prove there was electoral fraud. Because in Trump’s world, he never loses—not an election, not a court case, nothing. 

And somehow, a free society continues to reward him for it.

But let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t just a Trump problem. Many countries have handed power to leaders who followed the same playbook. 

Look at Italy’s late Silvio Berlusconi, who spent decades bouncing between election victories and courtrooms. Or Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, who’s trying to crush Israel’s independent judiciary to avoid facing justice. 

Then there’s Venezuela’s president, who launched a campaign of repression against his own people, mirroring the tactics of his idol, Hugo Chávez.

These figures aren’t about ideology; they’re about survival. They build cults of personality, conflating their personal persecution with the broader victimhood of their supporters. 

That’s why, with each indictment, Trump’s support among Republicans only grows. The more he’s attacked, the more they believe he’s the only one who can save them.

Sure, it’s easy to blame Trump for misleading the public. But at the end of the day, it’s the voters who are at fault. 

They can’t seem to separate rhetoric from reality, facts from fantasy. 

It’s becoming clearer why the Founding Fathers initially only gave voting rights to property owners—they feared the masses wouldn’t be capable of making wise decisions. 

And honestly, looking at today’s landscape, who could blame them? Social media has turned into the primary “news” source, replacing facts with a flood of fake news.

Modern U.S. elections start with a roughly 50/50 split, but thanks to the quirks of the Electoral College, Trump only needs around 47% of the vote to be back in the White House. That’s his get-out-of-jail-free card—and it could be America’s funeral.

If you’re not worried yet, you should be. The future of the nation hangs in the balance, and it’s time to wake up, sorry get out of Dodge......

Sincerely,

A.G.

Dear Daily Disaster Diary, Sept. 4th 2024

 Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.

- Josh Billings

Dear Daily Disaster Diary,

Are you ready for the next COP/Circus show in Azerbaijan? The rallying cry, "The 1.5-degree limit must be upheld!" has echoed from climate activists for years. 

This goal, enshrined in the Paris Agreement, represents the world's ambition to limit global temperature rise. The "1.5 degrees" has become shorthand for preventing the worst impacts of climate change. 

Beyond this threshold, we face devastating floods, storms, extreme heatwaves, rampant hunger, and the spread of diseases. However, the 1.5-degree slogan inadequately conveys these dangers. 

It offers a single number to describe climate change and assumes a level of understanding about climate dynamics that most people lack. A 1.5-degree increase in Norway is far different from 1.5 degrees in Namibia. 

In short, this number fails to communicate the vastness of the problem and obscures how rapidly our window of opportunity is closing. 

We need a more tangible, less abstract target for climate action that people can rally around. Sea level rise would be just that; we should set a firm upper limit on its increase. 

This is a far more visible indicator of climate change than any temperature metric. It paints a vivid picture: abandoned cities, eroded coastlines, contaminated drinking water, sewage backups, destroyed habitats, and skyrocketing insurance claims. 

The limit would be around half a meter (19,68 inches), roughly corresponding to the 1.5-degree target. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that even if temperatures stay at or below 1.5 degrees, global sea levels will rise between 30(11,81 inch) and 70(27,55 inch) centimeters by 2100. 

If emissions remain unchecked, we could see up to two meters (78,74 inch) of rise. 

This increase will intensify the risk of storm surges, push water further inland, and inundate communities that have never experienced flooding before. 

Roads will become impassable, power and sewage plants will be submerged, communication systems will fail, and healthcare systems will collapse. 

Over 10% of the global population lives in low-lying coastal areas vulnerable to sea-level rise. Major global cities like Miami, Mumbai, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo are at high risk. 

In the United States, a study found that nearly half of coastal communities have failed to make any preparations. The result? Higher costs for taxpayers. 

Retrofitting with levees, new bridges, or other flood control systems is typically far more expensive than building resilient infrastructure in the first place. A clear upper limit on sea-level rise would help the public visualize the looming losses. 

Rising seas provide stark images of the threat: before-and-after photos of coastal erosion, flooding during fair weather, economic damages in coastal areas, or maps showing the expanding reach of storm surges—including the encroachment of the sea into inhabited areas. 

Around the globe, nations have failed to adequately account for the long-term risks of climate change. This failure has led to behaviors that ignore the dangers of a higher waterline, such as continuing to develop flood-prone areas. 

An official limit would encourage more informed decisions by identifying coastal infrastructure as immediately at risk. 

Nations should take the lead in pushing for a cap on sea-level rise. Not least, adopting such a limit at this year’s climate conference would emphasize that the existential threat to small island states and thousands of coastal communities is being taken seriously.

We live in hope.

Sincerely,

A.G.

Dear Daily Disaster Diary, September 3rd, 2024

 The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.

- Charles F. Kettering

We might not be spiraling into chaos overnight, but let’s not kid ourselves—the risks of climate change are undeniably growing. 

Yes, the science is clear, but now there's something else creeping into the picture: a deep sense of overwhelm that only worsens as crisis after crisis hits. 

Sure, it's tempting to sugarcoat things with uplifting stories about climate action. And yes, that's important—because hysteria paralyzes. But let's be real: nice stories alone won't cut it.

What we really need is a combination of new mindsets, financial support distributed fairly, and, most crucially, a collective will. Right now, we’re witnessing an epic battle between different factions—those clinging to outdated notions of security and those pushing for urgent transformation. 

And guess what? This tug-of-war keeps getting bogged down by narrow-minded focus on their respective “clients” or interests.

Here’s the deal: Climate protection isn’t just a chore—it’s an opportunity, both technologically and economically. And yes, success stories and positive examples can help open people’s eyes. 

But let’s not fool ourselves. The harsh realities of the climate crisis won’t just disappear with a smile and a wave. Every single opportunity that brings us closer to stability needs to be seized.

Here’s a concrete win: In January 2016, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania saw the closure of the Shenango Coke Works Facility—one of the largest coal processing plants. The result? 

An immediate drop in air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and arsenic. And here’s the kicker—a significant reduction in hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases followed. 

A study in Environmental Health Research found that from 2016 to 2018, hospital stays due to heart disease dropped compared to the three years prior. Right after the plant closed, emergency visits for other causes saw no significant change.

Now, while these results don’t prove causality, there’s a strong statistical link between the plant’s closure and the improved health of the surrounding community. That’s not just a story—that’s a call to action!

So, let's stop dithering and start making bold moves. The bitter truth of this crisis is here, and we can’t ignore it. 

Every step towards the stability we crave counts. Let’s get it done!

Your Weekly Navigator,

 The improvement of understanding is for two ends: first, our own increase of knowledge; secondly, to enable us to deliver that knowledge to others.

- John Locke

Turbulence and Climate Change: What You Need to Know

Overview: Recently, long-haul flights have increasingly encountered turbulence, sometimes leading to emergency situations. Studies suggest that climate change plays a significant role in this trend. Turbulence, particularly Clear Air Turbulence (CAT), is becoming more common, which poses challenges for airlines and passengers alike.

What is Clear Air Turbulence (CAT)?

• Definition: CAT occurs in clear skies without any visible warning signs like clouds or storms. It can suddenly jolt an aircraft, causing discomfort or even injuries.
• Recent Incidents:
  • May 26: A Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced severe turbulence over Turkey, injuring 12 passengers.
  • March: Lufthansa Flight LH 469 encountered turbulence so severe that the Airbus A330-300 had to make an emergency landing in Washington. Seven passengers were hospitalized.

Impact of Climate Change on Turbulence:

• Jet Stream Changes: Climate change is causing the jet streams—fast-flowing air currents in the atmosphere—to shift and become more unstable. This increases the likelihood of aircraft encountering turbulence, particularly over the North Atlantic.
• Increased Turbulence Hours: Studies show a 17% increase in turbulence over the North Atlantic from 1979 to 2020. This rise correlates with climate change as jet streams meander more due to altered weather patterns.
• Economic Impact: Airlines face increasing costs due to turbulence, with estimates ranging from $150 million to $500 million annually in the U.S. alone. Additional turbulence-related delays and wear on aircraft further drive up these costs.

Measuring Turbulence:

• EDR (Eddy Dissipation Rate): This unit measures the intensity of turbulence. As climate change progresses, scientists expect to use EDR more frequently to quantify turbulence events.

Tips for Passengers:

• Always Wear Your Seatbelt: Even when the seatbelt sign is off, it’s advisable to keep your seatbelt fastened during the flight. Just as you would wear a seatbelt in a car for safety, it’s crucial on a plane, too.
• Check Turbulence Forecasts: Websites like turbli.com offer turbulence forecasts up to 36 hours before your flight, allowing you to be more prepared.
• Choose Daytime Flights: If possible, opt for daytime flights. Night flights can be more stressful due to fatigue, making turbulence feel worse.

Easing Your Mind:

• Turbulence is Normal: Turbulence is a natural part of flying, similar to waves in the ocean. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand even severe turbulence, so your plane is safe.
• Rare Severe Turbulence: Although turbulence might feel intense, severe incidents that cause significant injuries are rare.

Solutions for Airlines:

• Turbulence-forecasting Technology: Airlines can use advanced forecasting tools, like those developed by the University of Reading, to avoid turbulence and choose smoother flight paths. This not only improves passenger comfort but also reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Conclusion: While turbulence may be becoming more common due to climate change, there are ways to minimize its impact. Passengers can take simple precautions, like wearing seatbelts, while airlines can adopt new technologies to avoid rough air. Remember, turbulence is a normal part of flying, and with proper measures, it’s nothing to fear.

Dear Daily Disaster Diary,

 "At this point, only Putin can save us by threatening the West with nuclear strikes if they don’t go net zero soon! They jumped for every other threat..."

- ADAPTATION-GUIDE







Ten years ago, President Obama embarked on a monumental task: convincing Americans that climate change wasn't just another distant problem but a looming catastrophe that required immediate action. 

He might as well have been trying to convince a cat to take a bath.

In 2014, a Pew Research Center survey revealed that only 40% of Americans saw climate change as a major threat. Compare that to more than 70% of Japanese citizens who got it. Even Europeans were far more concerned, with majorities in countries like Italy, Spain, France, and Germany acknowledging the risks. 

Meanwhile, Americans were more worried about Islamic extremism, financial instability, and—of course—nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea. But the environment? Meh, it barely registered.

Fast forward to 2024, and not much has changed. Despite overwhelming evidence that our planet is heating up faster than a teenager’s TikTok feed, Americans remain stubbornly indifferent. 

Climate change is still not at the top of the list of concerns. Why? Is it ignorance? Is it denial? Or is it something more deeply rooted in our biology?

Enter the book "Minding the Climate: How Neuroscience Can Help Solve Our Environmental Crisis," which sheds light on this very issue. It turns out that our brains are hardwired for short-term survival, not long-term planning. 

Our ancestors didn’t need to worry about rising sea levels; they were too busy not getting eaten by saber-toothed tigers. So, our decision-making evolved around immediate, tangible rewards. Hunt, gather, eat, repeat.

Now, let's talk climate change—something so complex and distant that it’s like asking our brains to solve a Rubik’s cube while juggling flaming swords. 

We can’t see CO2 levels rising in the atmosphere. We can't feel the planet warming (until it's too late). And when we drive our gas-guzzling SUVs or fly off on a jet for a vacation, the rewards are immediate and visible—comfort, convenience, and maybe a few Instagram-worthy photos. 

But the consequences? Invisible, far-off, and seemingly unrelated to our daily lives.

The real kicker is that the very things causing climate change—fossil fuels—are also deeply embedded in our economic and social systems. They’ve made life easier, and they’ve made some people incredibly wealthy. Trying to convince those in power to dismantle the very system that’s filled their coffers? Good luck with that.

Education isn’t helping either. While climate science is more accessible than ever, putting a price tag on education has created a society more focused on short-term financial gains than long-term sustainability. And don’t even get me started on book banning—because, apparently, knowledge is dangerous now.

The media, CEOs, shareholders, and conservative politicians haven’t exactly been cheerleaders for climate action. Instead of training our brains for the necessary change, they’ve been busy sowing doubt, protecting profits, and deflecting responsibility.

So here we are, 2024, with a planet in crisis and a public still mostly indifferent. As Vice President Harris and Governor Walz step into leadership roles, they face a Herculean task. They must somehow rewire our collective brain to prioritize the future of our planet over the comforts of today.

But let’s be honest—until we figure out how to make the fight against climate change as rewarding as scrolling through social media or buying the latest gadget, we’re in for a rough ride.

Good luck, Harris and Walz. You’re going to need it.

Happy Labor Day

Famous Last Words, August 2024

 Man makes a great fuss about this planet which is only a ball-bearing in the hub of the universe.

- Christopher Morley

BERNIE: THE PODCAST EPISODE 9 - BILL MCKIBBEN

The Earth Has Already Used Up Its Resources for 2024: What Does This Mean?

According to the Global Footprint Network, Earth reached its ecological limits for 2024 on August 1st. This date marks what is known as Earth Overshoot Day, the day when humanity has consumed all the natural resources that the planet can renew in a year. 

From now on, we are essentially living on credit. The planet’s ecosystems can no longer keep up with the consumption that occurred in the first seven months of the year. This means that humanity is living as if it had 1.7 Earths at its disposal. Disturbingly, this day is a day earlier than last year’s.

The Global Footprint Network calculates Earth Overshoot Day every year. According to their analysis, it takes a full year for nature to regenerate the resources that humanity consumes from January 1st to August 1st. The calculation compares two key figures: the available productive land and the land needed to sustain current consumption levels, which includes the area required to absorb carbon dioxide emissions through new forests. 

This complex calculation method has faced criticism, with some questioning its accuracy and transparency.

For instance, the Cologne Institute for Economic Research noted in 2021 that combining renewable resources and emissions in the calculation is problematic, as they are not easily comparable. 

The issue of global warming is not primarily about land overuse; it’s mainly about the overproduction of carbon dioxide. This makes the required land area in the calculation appear larger than it might actually be, which should be clarified, according to the institute.

Even environmental organizations like the WWF have criticized the focus on land use. The Earth Overshoot Day for Germany alone fell on May 2nd this year—two days earlier than last year. 

If everyone on the planet lived and consumed like the average German, the world would have exhausted its annual budget for sustainable resources and environmentally friendly emissions by that date. In this case, humanity would need three Earths to sustain itself. 

But it's not just Germany that's struggling; many other countries are too. For example, Qatar and Luxembourg reached their Earth Overshoot Day in February, while Canada, the United States, and Belgium hit theirs in March.

If everyone lived like the average person in China, we would need 2.4 Earths. For the United States, it would be a staggering 5.1 Earths. On the other hand, countries like Jamaica (November 12th), Iraq (November 15th), and Ecuador (November 24th) manage to stretch their resources further.

Historically, humanity's resource consumption was more sustainable. In 1961, we were only using 0.73 Earths, meaning there were still reserves. 

However, since the first official Earth Overshoot Day on December 29th, 1970, the date has steadily moved earlier each year. In the last decade, it has settled around similar dates, except for one anomaly: the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020. 

Compared to 2019, when Earth Overshoot Day fell on July 29th, it moved to August 22nd in 2020. This shift was due to reduced wood consumption and lower carbon emissions during the lockdowns. However, this effect was short-lived, and by 2021, Earth Overshoot Day returned to July 29th.

According to the WWF, Earth Overshoot Day could be pushed back by seven days if half of the global meat consumption were replaced with plant-based alternatives. 

A staggering 13 days could be gained if we reduced food waste by 50%. These simple changes could buy the Earth some much-needed time, yet the clock continues to tick earlier each year.

The question remains: Will we heed the warning signs or continue down this unsustainable path?

Dear Daily Disaster Diary,

 It is the test of a good religion whether you can joke about it.

- Gilbert K. Chesterton

Title: The West's Immigration Challenge: A Crisis of Assimilation

Dear Daily Disaster Diary,

Western political leaders have failed to recognize that advanced economies in open societies lack the socio-economic and socio-cultural mechanisms to absorb a large number of poorly educated men from developing countries or war-torn regions. 

These migrants often come from backgrounds that do not share the same institutions, culture, or moral values as the West. 

It's irresponsible to assume that all who immigrate to the West will fully adapt to our way of life simply because they arrive here voluntarily.

This assumption might have held true during the 19th and early 20th centuries when large numbers of Europeans fled wars and economic stagnation to settle overseas. 

Within one or two generations, they were fully assimilated. Similar patterns can be observed, albeit more slowly, among immigrants from Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa. 

However, it has become increasingly clear that Muslim immigrants, in particular, face significant challenges in adapting to Western societies.

Even when they achieve economic success, as often seen in America, they still confront insurmountable cultural differences between Islam and the West. 

While many Muslims succeed in reconciling their faith with their new environment, this is a complex and demanding process. 

Unfortunately, a growing number of Muslims in America, Britain, France, and Germany are turning to Islamism instead.

This is what the guide says: 

If you break the law, there are consequences. Rwanda was never the answer. But what about Ukraine? They need people to clear mines, weave camouflage nets, and remove tons of debris. Prisons could house delinquents who assemble drones.

Your Weekly Navigator

 In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

How Safe is Germany?

This is a question that resonates not only abroad but increasingly among Germans themselves, as reports of knife violence, often resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, become disturbingly routine. 

A growing sense of insecurity grips the nation, evidenced by a survey from the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt, BKA), which reveals that more than half of the population feels uneasy using public transportation at night. Two-thirds of women actively avoid certain areas. Yet, the political sphere remains silent on the existence of so-called "No-Go Areas."

The statistics are grim. Violent crimes, especially group assaults and knife attacks, are on the rise. 

Migrants are overrepresented in these incidents—a fact that is often glossed over in public discourse. 

According to the BKA, cases of "dangerous and serious bodily injury" involving a knife have surged by 9.7% in the past year, totaling 8,951 cases in 2022, up from 8,160 in 2021 and 7,071 in 2020. Overall, violent crime, which includes murder, manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault, and rape, has reached its highest level in 15 years, with 214,099 cases recorded in the past year—an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year. The primary driver is the rise in "dangerous and serious bodily injury" cases, which increased by 6.8% to 154,541 cases—the highest number ever recorded.

This alarming trend is the outcome of a failed internal security policy, compounded by a uniquely European ideological confusion. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel turned a blind eye to the consequences of the refugee crisis, the climate crisis, and the euro crisis—but let's not digress. 

The anticipated correction of past mistakes never materialized with the change in power. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency views any ethnically or culturally defined concept of "people" as inherently racist, despite the fact that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) once campaigned with the slogan "Children instead of Indians" (Kinder statt Inder) and ran a campaign against dual citizenship that excluded non-Germans. 

What were once positions of the CDU, constitutionally valid at the time, have now become the platform of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and are deemed unconstitutional.

The ideological battle between the left and right misses the point: the German people are weary of these debates. They don't want to be labeled as anti-Muslim or racist for perceiving a risk in the influx of migrants from different cultural backgrounds. 

At the same time, they have no appetite for the blood-and-soil rhetoric of far-right figures like Björn Höcke. People are fed up with political games that fail to improve their daily lives. 

They want to live in safety, to walk through a market square, attend a festival, or traverse a dark park without fear. Yet, in Germany, the simplest demands have always proven to be the most difficult to fulfill.

The Navigator said:

"Thousands of unemployed Germans could be retrained as security personnel, but where is the political will to implement such practical solutions"? 

Instead, the focus remains on ideological purity, while ordinary citizens are left to navigate a world where safety feels increasingly elusive. 

Germany, once a beacon of stability, now finds itself grappling with a reality that is anything but secure.

YOUR WEEKLY NAVIGATOR August, 2024

 Education is the period during which you are being instructed by somebody you do not know, about something you do not want to know.

- Gilbert K. Chesterton

When Mr. Orange met Mr. White at the pub, Mr. Orange mused, “Rising sea levels, caused by melting glaciers, might at least give us the benefit of more oceanfront property.” Mr. White, meanwhile, countered, “It’s wrong to vilify the oil and gas industry, which is crucial to our economy. Sure, we’ll have to move on from fossil fuels eventually, but only because they’ll run out—not because we’re forced to.”

Your money, your choice. You don’t need an electric car, a Bible, or a membership to some overpriced golf course to make a difference. Use your wallet to fight back!

Here at A.G. headquarters, we like to say, “Adapt or die,” but when it comes to heat, we can’t stress it enough. 

Many cities have bylaws requiring landlords to maintain a minimum temperature of 21°C during winter, but there’s no equivalent rule for setting a maximum temperature in the summer. 

We’re advocating for programs that subsidize medical expenses for low-income residents, including the purchase of air conditioning units or fans.

If you want older adults with compromised health, who live alone without air conditioning, to survive, then take action: call the city, contact the Community Housing Corp., ring the Environmental Law Association, knock on the door of an Advocacy Centre for tenants, and wake up your local politicians. 

It might not happen this year, but our A.G.A.P. 2025 (Adaptation-Guide-Action-Plan) will settle this agenda once everyone’s well-being is secured next year.

Just remember: in five years, we’ll look back and say, “We miss the cool summer of 2024!”

And in other news: Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to regain hurricane status as it continues moving offshore along the East Coast this Sunday, posing a significant risk of dangerous conditions at beaches.

Life-threatening surf and rip currents are likely in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and along the Atlantic’s western shores for the next few days, forecasters say. 

Or, as Mr. Orange would put it: "Cowabunga, Surf’s up!"

Stay safe!

Yours truly,
The Navigator

---

End of the Week Digest: Stay informed, take action, and remember, adaptation is the key to thriving in this ever-changing world.

Q & Adaptation-Guide answer:

Nothing in education is so astonishing as the amount of ignorance it accumulates in the form of inert facts.

 - Henry Brooks Adams 

 I think that from the beginning, those with education knew that Frau von der Leyen would not stand behind  the "Green Deal". Am I wrong?

A.G.:Ursula von der Leyen and the "Green Deal"

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, presented the European Green Deal as one of her main priorities when she took office in December 2019. The Green Deal aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050 (Uschi von der Leyen would be between 90 and 100 years old by then!) and includes a series of measures and initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental protection.

Skepticism and Criticism

There are various reasons why some people might be skeptical about von der Leyen's commitment to the Green Deal:

• Political and Economic Interests: Critics might argue that political and economic interests take precedence over climate goals. In the past, there have been instances where economic considerations have weakened environmental measures.

• Implementation and Progress: The implementation of the Green Deal requires significant changes in many areas, including energy, agriculture, transportation, and industry. Progress can be hindered by bureaucratic hurdles, national interests, and resistance from interest groups.

• Lobbying and Influence: The influence of lobbying groups, particularly from the fossil fuel industry, could undermine the effectiveness and commitment to the Green Deal.

In 2019, a "Green Wave" swept across Europe, capturing the imagination and support of people from all walks of life. 

There was a palpable sense of urgency and possibility, with a collective push towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. 

However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with skyrocketing living costs and geopolitical upheavals such as Putin's invasion of Ukraine, has significantly dampened this enthusiasm.

And the E.U. President tried to strike a balance between "Right" and "Left." The EU has already made tweaks to the Green Deal, with more to follow. 

Von der Leyen herself now wants to initiate a "Clean Industrial Deal" to help reduce the relatively high European energy costs. Moreover, the debate over the "combustion engine ban," the regulation that only CO2-neutral fuel vehicles will be allowed from 2035 onwards, is not over yet.

Who voted for this woman? Everyone who was aware that the German is the "greenest" Commission President they could get. 

What a disgrace! 

Humans will have to adapt and evolve or become extinct. And while the European People's Party has time until 2050, we will act now!

Here are some practical steps we can take to conserve energy and make a tangible difference:

1. Stop Idling Engines: Reducing unnecessary idling can significantly cut down on fuel consumption and emissions.
2. Tax Luxury Gas-Guzzling SUVs: Implementing higher taxes on inefficient vehicles can incentivize the adoption of greener alternatives.
3. Ban Diesel Cars: Phasing out diesel vehicles can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Curtail Private Jet Use: Limiting the use of private jets, which are disproportionately harmful to the environment, can have a positive impact.
5. Promote Trains: Encouraging train travel over short-haul flights can reduce carbon footprints.
6. Combine Errands to Save Gas: Simple lifestyle changes, like combining errands, can lead to substantial fuel savings.
7. Wash Clothes and Dishes in Cold Water: Using cold water for washing is a small change that can lead to significant energy savings.

 Famous last words...

July, 2024

He who destroys a good book, kills reason itself.

- John Milton in his anti-censorship pamphlet.

Zigzagging Through July: A Modern Odyssey of Catastrophes and Oversights

As we navigate the treacherous waters of July, it's as if we're aboard a Titanic of calamities, careening through waves of unprecedented disasters and technological blunders. 

Our world has turned into an Olympic arena of extremes—hotter, bigger, earlier for wildfires; faster, higher, and wetter for floods. 

Every month sets new records, each one more staggering than the last.

Wildfire and Weather Woes

Consider Hurricane Beryl. This beast of a storm has set a new benchmark, becoming the earliest Category 4 Atlantic hurricane on record, surpassing Hurricane Dennis from July 8, 2005. 

Meanwhile, July 22, 2023, has etched itself into history as the hottest day ever recorded, with an average global temperature of 17.16°C (62.88°F). 

Edmonton, Canada, has been smothered under a blanket of smoke, prompting city officials to activate extreme weather responses for both poor air quality and unbearable heat. Residents flocked to recreation centers, libraries, and indoor pools, where N95 masks were distributed to those in need.

The Unseen Threat: Emerging Variants

Amid these environmental crises, a new invisible enemy lurks. The KP.2 and KP.3 COVID-19 variants are spreading insidiously, with symptoms that include sneezing, congestion, headaches, sore muscles, nausea, and sheer exhaustion. 

Despite this, a visit to several German hospitals revealed a startling sight: not a single doctor wore a protective mask. It's as if they've missed the memo about the ongoing threat. 

The advice remains unchanged: masks, social distancing, hygiene, and boosting your immune system are critical. These precautions will be our reality for years to come.

The Digital Achilles' Heel

In an era where digital dependence is the norm, a recent fiasco underscores the need for caution. 

CrowdStrike Holdings Inc., a cybersecurity giant, sent out a routine update intended to enhance features and fix bugs. 

Instead, it unleashed a global IT catastrophe due to a defect in the update for Microsoft Windows users. 

Hospitals, banks, insurers, airlines, grocers, emergency service providers and countless others were thrown into chaos...

This incident is a stark reminder of why pilots insist on hard copies of essential protocols. When it comes to health and wealth, there's no room for error.

A Call for Preparedness and Prudence

As we brace ourselves against the barrage of climate extremes, viral threats, and digital vulnerabilities, the message is clear: preparedness and prudence are paramount. 

The world may be spiraling through a series of records and mishaps, but our response can make all the difference. 

Whether it’s ensuring proper use of masks and maintaining hygiene or demanding robust backup plans for digital systems, we must stay vigilant.

Pro-Life in every sense, we advocate for safeguarding both our health and our infrastructure. 

Let this be a call to action: in the face of relentless challenges, our resilience and foresight will be our greatest assets.

 We cannot be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We stand together until the end.

- Woodrow Wilson

Dear Disaster Diary,

Reason #575 not to vote Republican in November 2024: 

History takes us back to the revised North American Free Trade Agreement unveiled under Trump in 2019.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the spectacle of the White House's proclamation: "The Biggest and best trade deal in the history of the world." This grandiose declaration, much like many from the Trump era, falls spectacularly short upon closer examination. 

In reality, the updated agreement is more akin to a slight reshuffling of deck chairs on the Titanic than a monumental achievement in international trade.

Yes, there are some changes for the better. Mexico has agreed to adopt stronger protections for labor unions—though, given the administration's track record on workers' rights domestically, one might question the sincerity of this victory lap. 

Canada will now allow the sale of more American dairy products, which is wonderful news for the lactose-tolerant among us. However, these minor improvements are overshadowed by significant drawbacks that make it difficult to celebrate this "accomplishment."

For instance, the new restrictions on auto imports are poised to raise the price of new vehicles. In an economy where many families are already struggling to make ends meet, the prospect of more expensive cars is hardly a welcome development. 

It's a classic case of winning the battle but losing the war, as higher costs for consumers negate any supposed benefits of the deal.

Even more egregious is the glaring omission of any commitment to address climate change. At a time when the world is grappling with the escalating impacts of a warming planet, the absence of environmental considerations in this trade agreement is nothing short of irresponsible. It’s a stark reminder of the administration’s indifference towards the most pressing global crisis of our time.

The irony, of course, is that this deal may indeed represent the best possible outcome under Trump's leadership—a low bar if ever there was one. It is, after all, a presidency marked by bombast over substance, where lofty claims often crumble under the weight of scrutiny. 

The USMCA, as it is now called, stands as a testament to the administration's penchant for overselling and underdelivering.

In the grand scheme of things, this "minor deal" might do more harm than good. It exemplifies how the Trump presidency, with its superficial fixes and neglect of critical issues, continues to ill-serve the American people. 

As we approach November 2024, let us remember that the legacy of this administration is built on such hollow triumphs and misplaced priorities.

Yours scathingly, 

Disaster Diary

Dear Disaster Diary, 

Where everything is bad it must be good to know the worst.

- Francis H. Bradley

An Ode to the 4th of July

On this day of freedom and reflection,
We face the shadows of our own creation.
The problems we're facing as a nation right now are structural,
Demanding radical solutions, truths fundamental.

One party delves deeper into a universe,
Of delusion, disinformation, a curse.
Human beings, still hunter-gatherers at heart,
Struggle to foresee, to play the long-term part.

Our brains, wired for immediate threats,
Fail to see the cave collapsing in regrets.
The world unready to slow climate’s pace,
Nor to live with the changes we must face.

Cities warming at twice the global rate,
Air conditioning helps, but fuels the state.
Imagine a power outage, heat wave severe,
A catastrophe that’s ever so near.

Trees, nature's gift, cool and store carbon,
Scrub air, nurture life, and help us harden.
Yet each year, cities lose 36 million strong,
Despite efforts to plant and right the wrong.

Preparing for the last disaster we’ve known,
Leaves us unprepared for the next storm blown.
The lessons from the extreme weather parade,
Show the U.S. unready, foundations decayed.

Electric grids, sewers, forests in need,
Of fortification, revamp, and clear heed.
But there's a limit to how much we can adapt,
If emissions aren’t cut, resilience entraps.

Heat waves, floods, droughts, wildfires in extreme,
Make adaptation alone a fading dream.
On this day of freedom, let’s pledge anew,
To face reality, and truth pursue.

For if we’re to honor this land so grand,
We must act now, with a united hand.
Let this be our anthem, a call to unite,
For the future we cherish, for the battles we fight.

 Dear Disaster Diary,

Fate is the friend of the good, the guide of the wise, the tyrant of the foolish, the enemy of the bad.

- William Rounseville Alger

.......oh, Canada......🎂

Reassessing the Economic Effects of Climate Change

Introduction

In recent years, the conversation around climate change and its economic impacts has evolved significantly. Initially, economist William Nordhaus's 1992 work laid the foundation for understanding how climate change would affect the global economy. He estimated that for every degree of global warming, the world economy would shrink by 1 to 3 percent. This view, while concerning, suggested manageable challenges. However, a new paper from the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is challenging this established perspective.

A New Perspective on Climate Change

Harvard University's Adrien Bilal and Northwestern University's Diego Kanzig have released a groundbreaking study, "The Macroeconomic Impact of Climate Change: Global vs. Local Temperature." This research indicates that the economic effects of climate change might be much more severe than previously thought. They argue that extreme weather events, such as storms and droughts, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, play a significant role in economic damage. These events do not respect national borders and are closely linked to global temperature changes.

Key Findings

Bilal and Kanzig's study highlights several critical points:

1. Underestimation of Damage: Previous studies focused mainly on how rising temperatures directly affect productivity. However, the new research shows that extreme weather also depletes capital, leading to greater economic losses.

2. Significant Economic Impact: The study estimates that by the end of this century, the world economy could be 31 percent poorer due to climate change. Additionally, they argue that the world economy would be 37 percent larger today if global warming had not occurred since 1960.

3. Slowing Global Growth: The global growth rate has been slowing, especially in Western countries. This trend might be partially attributed to the economic effects of climate change.

4. Future Economic Challenges: The number and severity of extreme weather events and zoonotic pandemics (diseases transmitted from animals to humans) have been rising. These trends are likely to continue, leading to higher costs for repairing infrastructure and increased social and healthcare expenses.

Implications for Canada and the World

The study suggests that the economic impact of climate change will be felt globally, with no country exempt. Rich countries, including Canada, will not escape unscathed. In fact, developed nations have more infrastructure that can be damaged by extreme weather, and their older populations are more vulnerable to its effects.

Carbon Tax and the Social Cost of Carbon

One of the significant takeaways from the study is the need to reassess the carbon tax. Canada's current carbon tax is $80 per tonne, but previous estimates of the social cost of carbon ranged from $100 to $200. Bilal and Kanzig argue that the true cost should be much higher, potentially over $1000 per tonne. They suggest that failing to pay this cost now will lead to much higher expenses in the future, likening it to the perpetual economic strain of a domestic war.

Conclusion

In summary, the new research from the NBER presents a stark warning about the economic effects of climate change. The findings suggest that climate change will significantly reduce global economic output, with severe implications for all countries, including Canada. This study emphasizes the importance of taking immediate and substantial action to combat climate change, highlighting that the costs of inaction will be far greater in the long run. 

As we celebrate Canada Day, it's crucial to reflect on these findings and consider the steps needed to protect our future economic well-being.

 Famous last words

"We may be past the point of no return, tangled in today's crises with no time to plan for tomorrow. As kids scream 'Do something!', it might already be too late—more homes falling into the sea while politicians chase re-election.

- Adaptation-Guide

Oven Roast Mallard and Teal

Our Proverbial Titanic: Turning Hard Starboard

As we witness the European Union election results and the recent US Supreme Court's Chevron ruling, it feels like our Titanic is making a hard turn to the right. This shift carries deadly implications for our well-being, leaving lawyers and judges in charge of our health—a move that could be considered a death sentence. But let's momentarily indulge in the luxury of the first-class menu, savoring the Mallard Duck, while we assess the grim realities of our mid-year review.

The Climate Crisis: Lingering Heat Waves

June marks the halfway point of the year, and it's time to confront a dire reality: climate change is making heat waves linger longer, exacerbating the effects of extreme temperatures. Last summer, oppressive heat waves swept across large parts of the planet, loitering for days or even weeks. According to a recent study published in Science Advances, each decade between 1979 and 2020 saw the rate at which heat waves travel slowing by about 5 miles (8 kilometers) per day. Heat waves now last about four days longer on average.

Wei Zhang, a climate scientist at Utah State University and one of the study's authors, emphasizes the severe public health impacts of these prolonged heat waves. The longer people are exposed to life-threatening temperatures, the more dangerous it becomes. This slowdown in heat wave movement also affects economic productivity as workers slow down in extreme heat, and it dries out soil and vegetation, harming crops and raising the risk of wildfires.

Regional Differences and Atmospheric Changes

The study found that heat waves are particularly lingering in Eurasia and North America and traveling farther in South America. Scientists have detected a larger pattern of weakening air circulation and upper atmosphere winds, like the jet stream, during summer in higher northern latitudes. This weakening could cause extreme weather events to stall and overstay their welcome. Although more research is needed to determine the exact causes, the harmful effects remain clear.

Dr. Zhang is especially concerned about urban areas, which are often hotter due to the urban heat island effect. He suggests that cities build more cooling centers, particularly for people experiencing homelessness. While waiting for international leaders to make progress on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, local adaptation efforts are crucial to keeping people safe.

The Unseen Dangers of Moderate Heat

Let us stay in the heat of the game changer for the next decade. Climate change is killing more people than most other natural disasters combined. Research shows that it’s not just record-breaking heat waves but also the far more numerous unremarkably hot days that cause the bulk of societal destruction. Even moderately elevated temperatures—days in the 80s or 90s—are responsible for as many excess deaths as the record triple-digit heat waves, according to recent analyses of Medicare records.

A growing body of literature links temperature to cognitive performance and decision-making. Hotter days lead to more mistakes, including among professional athletes, increased local crime, and more violence in prisons. Social media analysis even suggests that a hotter world is likely to be more irritable, error-prone, and conflictual.

Adaptation and Resilience: The Path Forward

At present, our social and economic systems are ill-prepared to adjust to the accumulating damage wreaked by climate change. The impact of climate change on us depends on the choices we make as individuals and as a society. Whether a hot day leads to mild discomfort or widespread mortality comes down to human decisions—like whether to install air-conditioning and collective decisions about the availability of insurance, hospital beds, and work procedures.

Climate change is a complex phenomenon, and its ultimate costs will depend on how quickly we transition away from fossil fuels and how well we adapt our social and economic systems to the warming that is already underway. A proactive stance toward adaptation and resilience is essential for safeguarding both physical and financial security, from homeowners to Fortune 500 company leaders. It is vital for ensuring that economic opportunities do not fray for those climbing the lower rungs of the economic ladder.

Conclusion: Bon Appétit

So, as we enjoy our Mallard Duck, let's not forget the pressing issues that demand our attention. Our proverbial Titanic is indeed changing course, and we must act swiftly and decisively to mitigate the looming dangers of climate change and the implications of our political decisions. Bon appétit, but let us also prepare for the turbulent times ahead.

 Dear Disaster Diary,

 

A hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservation.

- Adial E. Stevenson 

 

The European Green Deal-Visionary Policy Or Empty Promises?

The Green Deal or Red Alert?

The European Climate Law mandates climate neutrality by 2050. By then, industry and households are only allowed to emit as much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as can be absorbed by technical and natural means. 

Fifty individual measures and numerous laws are intended to push this initiative forward. The "Fit for 55" package sets an interim goal: by 2030, emissions should drop by 55 percent compared to 1990 levels. 

Yet, the project is stalling. For a highly industrialized continent like Europe, whose residents are accustomed to a wasteful lifestyle, the Green Deal has proven to be an exceedingly ambitious undertaking. 

Member states' measures were insufficient to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as planned, the Commission stated last December. Some countries are lagging, but the Commission has also been less steadfast as the Green Deal faced increasing resistance.

Lobbying has had an effect; contrary to initial plans, agriculture is not required to halve pesticide use. The EU had aimed to improve soil and groundwater quality through this measure. Additionally, the sector faces no specific reduction target for greenhouse gases. 

"Our farmers deserve to be heard," said Ursula von der Leyen. The industry, too, has grown increasingly dissatisfied. Since the onset of the Ukraine war, it has suffered from paying more for energy than competitors in the US and China. 

Expensive environmental measures, tied up in bureaucracy, are not seen as viable. Heated conflicts arose over questions such as which companies should comply with the supply chain law and whether only electric cars should be allowed in the EU from 2035. 

Consequently, the administratively burdensome supply chain law was somewhat simplified. The target year 2035 for the "combustion engine ban" still stands—at least for now, with exceptions. In 2026, the Commission will review the law. 

Moreover, even after 2035, cars running on e-fuels, i.e., synthetic fuels, will still be permitted.

Nothing could stop Ursula von der Leyen; the EU Commission President steadfastly implemented her Green Deal, and it packs a punch. The expropriation of farmers through land set-asides and the damage to the European automotive industry through the combustion engine ban are part of it. 

The German CDU politician could rely on an informal coalition of Social Democrats and Christian Democrats in the European Parliament. 

Initially, only the national conservatives to far-right parties in Europe rejected the Green Deal, which comprises around fifty laws. 

Von der Leyen and her broad coalition could still routinely sit that out. The argument of populism avoids any serious substantive discussion in Brussels as well. 

But then the farmers began to demonstrate—in France, Poland, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium. 

Hay bale barricades and street blockades with tractors are not democratic protests. They are sheer coercion, but at the same time a powerful expression of the "vox populi."

The EU is neither one nor the other. It is not a democracy, nor a republic. 

It is a homunculus mixing democratic elements like the European Parliament with the undemocratic principle of unanimity. However, the EU is a good seismograph for the mood in Europe. 

The "firewall," i.e., the uncompromising demarcation from right-wing parties, has long been fiction at the European level. 

Ironically, the German Ursula von der Leyen demonstrates to her compatriots, afflicted with exclusionitis, how to cooperate with ill-reputed parties when it benefits oneself. 

Under the pressure of the streets and the likely changing majorities, the European pseudo-democracy proves an adaptability that full-fledged democracy in Germany lacks. 

Recently, Marine Le Pen and Giorgia Meloni were still the "most dangerous women in Europe." Today, they are considered somewhat respectable, especially since they ended their factional alliance with the AfD. 

The two women are joining forces more closely. They see the historic chance to expand their power because the old parties have created a vacuum with an unrealistic asylum and climate policy. 

Nothing is more populist than a climate policy that proudly sets tough goals but cannot even present soft means to achieve them.

When a Herculean effort like the Green Deal also appears as a mere elite project, the mess is perfect. 

One should not be surprised when farmers take politics into their own hands, and judges in Strasbourg or Karlsruhe act as climate experts.

It’s Red Alert Time!

Whenever a politician trumpets net zero by 2050, especially one like Frau von der Leyen, who will be around 92 by then, just tune out and do not take her seriously. Do yourself a favor: do not vote for the EPP (European People's Party). 

And don’t vote for right-wing parties either. There’s no time left for a “protest vote.” Tell the EU that you are content with three climate laws: clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and non-toxic soil for growing food.

Frau von der Leyen’s CV is a disaster. Despite holding a medical degree (you would think "health before wealth", but no!), her lack of transparency in governance disqualifies her as the right President for the EU. 

Why does it feel like the EPP stands for European Puppet Play, with Ursula as the master pulling the strings? 

It’s crucial to make it perfectly clear: do not vote for the EPP and work to oust President Ursula von der Leyen!

 

 Famous Last Words,

May 2024

In these times you have to be an optimist to open your eyes in the morning.

- Carl Sandburg

A fool proof guide to the perfect roast chicken.

Humans love habit and certainty; research has long confirmed this. New things are exhausting, and the chatter about "stepping out of your comfort zone" is, for many, just that: uncomfortable. Why bother? Only if there's something to gain. In good economic terms, only if the investment yields a return. 

Today's menu: roast chicken, bread sauce. And with that, we toast with champagne on our fictional journey on the Titanic. Bon appétit! 

We would have liked to order a glass of Perrier or Vittel, but we are cautious. Why? Nestlé has been selling filtered mineral water from apparently contaminated sources for years. 

But because many in France profit from this luxury water, the scandal remained under wraps for a long time.

French authorities have known since December 2020 about the problems with mineral water bottlers in the country, yet it wasn't until January this year that the public learned through the media about the use of UV radiation and activated carbon filters in so-called "natural" mineral water. 

Just weeks ago, a report from the national food safety institute surfaced—again, through Le Monde and Radio France, not the Health Ministry—about the concentration of fecal coliform bacteria and "forever chemicals," like those used in the textile industry or in the coating of pans. 

The health quality of the final product cannot be guaranteed, the report on Nestlé's mineral water allegedly states.

But how do coliform bacteria, pesticides, and other chemicals even make their way into the mineral water sources? 

The primary culprit is agriculture. Nestlé has purchased more than 6,000 hectares of land around the water sources and leased it to farmers for organic farming. 

The manure from cows and sheep pollutes the groundwater. Another chapter out of "wealth before health."

In a world where multinational corporations like Nestlé put profits before people's health, we must ask ourselves: why do we let them get away with it? 

Nestlé’s actions show a blatant disregard for public health, exploiting natural resources and contaminating the very water we drink, all for the sake of maintaining their bottom line. 

The French authorities’ delayed response and the fact that critical information only reached the public through investigative journalism, not official channels, highlight a disturbing lack of accountability and transparency.

This isn’t just about dirty water; it’s about a dirty system. When will we demand better? When will the health of the public come before corporate profits? It's time for a reckoning.

 

Credits: NZZ, Le Monde, Radio France.

 Be prepared,

homeless in less than 20 minutes is not science fiction.

Hard-shell vs. Soft-shell Suitcases

Hard-shell Suitcases

Strengths:

• Contents are more protected than in bags and soft-shell suitcases – also from thieves using a knife.
• Washable surfaces.
• Often more rain-resistant than soft-shell suitcases in tests.
• Easy to push on smooth surfaces thanks to four wheels.
• Very variable: Usually three to four telescopic handle settings.
• Two shells, can be packed separately.

Weaknesses:

• More prone to breakage and larger damage when dropped with heavy weight in tests compared to soft-shell suitcases.
• Usually no expansion options.
• Rigid case, harder to stow in cars.
• Often a bit louder than soft-shell suitcases.
• Harder to maneuver on cobblestones compared to rolling travel bags.

Soft-shell Suitcases

Strengths:

• More robust in drop tests and handle durability tests than hard-shell suitcases, due to more flexible material.
• Expansion options for more volume.
• Four wheels, especially easy to push on smooth surfaces with little effort.
• Variable: Usually two telescopic handle settings.
• Flexible surface makes stowing easier, such as in a car.
• Practical external pockets.
• Often a bit lighter than hard-shell suitcases.

Weaknesses:

• Usually less rain-resistant than hard-shell suitcases in tests.
• Harder to clean than hard-shell suitcases.
• Harder to maneuver on cobblestones compared to rolling travel bags.

Here is what "TEST" magazine says:

Type	Product	Price (EUR)	Price (USD)
Hardshell Suitcases with Four Wheels	Rimowa "Essential Trunk Plus"	880	955
	Samsonite "Magnum"	229	248
	Travelite "Air Base"	130	141
Rolling Travel Bags with Two Wheels	Vaude "Rotuma 90"	200	217
	The North Face "Rolling Thunder 30"	250	272
	Jack Wolfskin "TRT Freight Train"	140	152

*Note: Conversion rate used is 1 EUR = 1.085 USD (approximate rate as of May 2024).

Our favourite brand over the years when it comes to hard-shell: SAMSONITE

 `mayday', `mayday', `mayday'

EPP (European People Party) on Climate Change

When future historians ask, "Why didn’t people take action to stop the climate crisis when they had known about it for decades?" a prominent part of the answer will be the history of denial and obfuscation by the fossil fuel industry and the ways in which people in positions of power and privilege refused to acknowledge that climate change was a manifestation of a broken economic system. 

And then there is the EPP (European People’s Party) and this 15-year-old spot that did not age well. How can you lie this shamelessly to aspiring young child actors?

Let’s start with that sweet old man in the tram. He is Wilfried Achiel Emma Martens, Belgium’s longest-serving Prime Minister and one of the co-founders of the EPP in 1976. His climate achievements? We cannot find any significant moves on his part. They say he was a guy who did his deals in a "smoky backroom". Mr. Martens died in 2013.

Then there is José Manuel Barroso. He was the European Commission President from 2004 until 2014. Lots of time to show the next generation a change in pollution, transportation, pesticides, chemicals, and well-being. For some moments, we saw a flicker at the end of the tunnel. But it was only a flash in the pan. José was an opportunist and showed in the end his true calling by exiting straight to Goldman Sachs.

And usually, it would be ladies first, but with Dr. Angela Merkel, it is complicated, to say the least. If there is an enigma to the climate crisis, it would be her. When it comes to overpromising and under-delivering after 16 years in power, she deserves the gold medal.

So, in case the EPP likes to put out a new video about fighting climate change, Mrs. Von der Leyen should tell the next generation the truth. Here is a sample:

"Dear kids, only shareholder value counts, achieved through constant acquisitions, mass layoffs, and cost reductions. Politics, especially us in the EPP, have facilitated all of this. 

Every day in Brussels, decisions are made that influence the rules of the game. You have to imagine it like a black box: Lobbyists and campaign donations go in at the front, and rules come out at the back that are good for corporations and the wealthy. 

So, will you still vote EPP when you are old enough?"