Famous last words, April 2024

Sooner or later, we will have to recognise that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.

-Evo Morales

Lamb & Mint Sauce! A Classic Springtime Recipe

As we indulge in the luxury of a spring lamb dish aboard our symbolic Titanic, the recent earthquake in Taiwan serves as a stark wake-up call.

This seismic event, which rattled even the bustling city of Taipei 120 kilometers from its epicenter, underscores the critical importance of resilient infrastructure in mitigating disaster.

Despite the magnitude of the tremors, only ten lives were lost—a testament to Taiwan's stringent building regulations.

Taiwan's resilience, however, lies not solely in its structural fortitude but in its robust democratic ethos.

Unlike many other nations, Taiwan's strength emanates from its stable democratic system, where politicians and parties face consequences for failing in disaster preparedness and response.

Civil society and the media play pivotal roles in holding accountable those who cut corners, with courts largely maintaining their independence.

Yet, while Taiwan stands as a beacon of democratic strength, the broader global landscape tells a different story.

According to Freedom House, a significant decline in the number of free countries—from 89 in 2005 to 82 in 2020—signals a troubling trend.

This erosion of democracy is not confined to distant lands like Hungary or Turkey but also affects established democracies like the United States and Canada.

Internal polarization, fueled by misinformation and grievances, threatens the very fabric of liberal democracies.

In the face of these challenges, the ADAPTATION GUIDE offers a poignant reminder: stay focused on what matters.

The distractions of UFOs, self-driving cars, and the allure of technological advancements divert attention from the core of democracy—voting.

It calls for decisive action, urging citizens to oust conservative elements hindering progress.

Turning to environmental concerns, the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights against Switzerland exposes a broader failure in addressing climate change.

The ruling, while not prescriptive, highlights the urgent need for systemic change to protect our right to life.

Moreover, the looming climate crisis lays bare our species' inertia in the face of catastrophe. Despite our collective ability to achieve monumental feats—building cities, global communication networks, and advancing technology—our response to climate change falls short.

The axiom that "it's easier to imagine the end of the human race than the end of capitalism" resonates deeply, underscoring a systemic reluctance to confront entrenched economic systems.

In conclusion, the challenges we face demand a reinvigorated commitment to democratic principles and urgent action on climate change.

We must reclaim the narrative and steer our future towards sustainability and equity. Let us heed the lessons of Taiwan's resilience and confront the existential threats with unwavering resolve.

The time for adaptation and survival is now.

Credits: New York Times,

Neue Zürcher Zeitung,

Globe & Mail,

Titanic 1st. Class Menue,

Report of the Task Force on National Security

Annual Adaptation - Guide "Earth Day" Assessment 

I conjure you, my brethren to remain faithful to earth, and do not believe those who speak unto you of superterrestrial hopes! Poisoners they are, whether they know it or not.

- Nietzsche

Gaylord Nelson and the origins of Earth Day.

As we mark another Earth Day, it's painfully clear that we're stuck in a relentless cycle of crises with no end in sight.

The issues of nuclear threat and accelerating global warming are not merely recurring; they're intensifying with alarming speed.

What's more disheartening is that these were the same headlines last Earth Day. Despite this, tangible actions remain elusive, trapped in bureaucratic stagnation and half-hearted commitments.

Let's start with the nuclear threat—a catastrophic menace that could annihilate life within moments. The solution isn't rocket science; it's dialogue and decisive international agreements. We need renewed talks and stringent treaties to curb this existential danger.

But it seems we'd rather play geopolitical poker than ensure our collective survival.

Then there's the relentless march of global warming—a crisis that demands immediate and comprehensive action.

The time for half-measures has passed. We need governments and industries to step up, not with empty promises, but with concrete strategies backed by science and innovation.

What's missing is a unified front—a roundtable of minds that transcends politics and embraces expertise.

We need scientists, engineers, historians, doctors, think tanks, environmentalists, and indigenous voices.

Together, we can craft adaptation strategies focused on floods, extreme heat, and wildfires. But drafting plans is futile without committed execution. Too often, ambitious strategies gather dust while the world burns.

Now, how do we adapt when chaos becomes the new normal? How do we fortify homes to withstand unpredictable, simultaneous assaults from droughts, storms, fires, and rising seas? Perhaps the answer lies in unexpected places, like a boat in a yacht club.*

Picture this: a blackout in winter—no problem, just fire up the diesel and recharge your battery. Is it affordable? It depends, but when survival is on the line, affordability takes a back seat to necessity.

Speaking of survival, the importance of air conditioning cannot be overstated. Cooling centers are essential, especially for our homeless populations.

Air conditioners should be prescribed for public health, not just a luxury for the fortunate. Tax credits and subsidized power in peak seasons could be a lifeline for those vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

And let's not forget indoor air quality—a matter of life and death in the face of pandemics and wildfires.

It's time to overhaul outdated ventilation systems and invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters. If we must go outside during wildfires, let's arm ourselves with N95 masks, not false reassurances.

But amid these urgent calls to action, there's a sobering reality: our capacity for collective action seems crippled by inertia.

We're bickering over trivialities like daylight saving time while our planet burns. The shock of climate disasters is waning, replaced by a dangerous complacency.

Let's be clear: complacency is not an option. As disasters become routine, we risk normalizing the unacceptable. It took just two years for people to accept extreme weather as the new normal.**

We cannot afford such desensitization—not to climate disasters, not to pandemics, not to war.

So, on this Earth Day, let's rekindle our outrage, revive our sense of urgency, and demand action.

It's adapt or die—a stark choice that demands courage, innovation, and unity. We won't succumb to indifference or resignation. We'll confront the facts, advocate for solutions, and shout from the rooftops: adapt or die!

Happy Earth Day—may it serve as a rallying cry for change before it's too late.

Acknowledgements:

* Upcoming essay on "Living onboard".

** Study from 2019

The Globe & Mail

The New York Times

 Dear Disaster Diary,

History repeats itself, and that`s one of the things that`s wrong with history.

- Clarence Darrow

Trailer - Years Of Living Dangerously

"We Will Never Learn": The Perpetual Pitfalls of Global Warming Advocacy

In April 2014, Showtime unveiled a nine-part series on climate change and natural disasters titled "Years of Living Dangerously," intending to raise public concern about global warming.

Yet, despite good intentions, such fear-based tactics have historically backfired, fostering denial, fatalism, and polarization among the public.

Over a decade of research has shown that emphasizing extreme weather events to highlight climate change risks is counterproductive.

Al Gore's 2006 documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," despite its impact, contributed to public backlash and polarization. Since then, public opinion on global warming has remained stubbornly divided, with increasing skepticism especially among conservatives.

Efforts to link climate change to natural disasters have been shown to lead some to fatalism, perceiving climate change as an unavoidable act of nature.

Shocking and catastrophic portrayals of climate impacts may initially capture attention but fail to motivate meaningful engagement or action.

Moreover, these tactics can even increase skepticism and denial, as evidenced by psychological studies.

The Frameworks Institute studied public attitudes for its report "How To Talk About Global Warming". Messages focused on extreme weather events, they found, made many Americans more likely to view climate change as an act of God - something to be weathered, not prevented.

Some people, the report noted, "are likely to buy an SUV to help them through the erratic weather to come" for example, rather than support fuel-efficiency standards.

(10 years later we have to admit that an SUV is the better Get-Away-Car in case of wildfires for example. It`ll fit your family, pets camping and survival gear nicely. And if you keep it like we recommend with a full tank of gas plus spare gas canister you`ll be glad not having an electric car! SUV`s did better in this years Snow- disasters as well. And honestly, lots of North-Americans wouldn`t fit into a compact car anyway).

The scientific consensus does not support directly attributing specific weather events like blizzards, droughts, or hurricanes solely to global warming.

While our warming planet does lead to certain trends like increased heat waves and intense precipitation, economic growth and development in vulnerable areas are primary drivers of rising disaster costs.

Rather than invoking fear and catastrophe, effective climate advocacy should focus on feasible and popular solutions. Research suggests that emphasizing a diverse array of low-carbon technologies, including nuclear energy and geoengineering, can help bridge ideological divides and garner broader support for climate action.

Unfortunately, major environmental organizations have been slow to embrace these pragmatic solutions, continuing to reject technologies like nuclear energy.

This stance, coupled with exaggerated claims of climate emergencies, only serves to deepen public skepticism.

In conclusion, the ongoing cycle of fear-based climate messaging and reluctance to embrace practical solutions underscores a broader failure in climate advocacy. To truly address the challenges of global warming, we must move beyond alarmism and polarization, prioritizing evidence-based solutions that can unite rather than divide us.

Until then, it seems we are doomed to repeat the same ineffective strategies, perpetuating a cycle of inaction and disbelief in the face of our planet's most pressing crisis.

 Modern History

 420 Years ago, Today

History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies and misfortunes of mankind.

- Edward Gibbon

Preparedness and Lessons from Champlain's 1604 Expedition: A Cautionary Tale for Today

The story of Samuel de Champlain's ill-fated expedition to establish a colony on Saint Croix Island in 1604 serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of preparedness in the face of challenging environments and unforeseen circumstances.

As we reflect on this historical episode, there are valuable lessons that resonate profoundly with contemporary issues, particularly in the context of planning for resilience and sustainability.

Champlain and Pierre Dugua, Sieur De Mons, embarked on their journey with meticulous planning and a well-equipped expedition.

The ships Te Don De Dieu and La Bonne-Renommée were outfitted as self-sufficient forts, stocked with provisions, defenses, and building supplies for a year. They carried a diverse group of skilled artisans, laborers, and soldiers, meticulously selected for their roles in establishing and sustaining a new settlement in the Americas.

However, despite their preparations, Champlain and his colleagues faced unforeseen challenges that ultimately led to significant hardship and loss.

The assumption that the milder latitude of the Bay of Fundy would offer respite from harsh winters proved to be a critical miscalculation. De Mons was right that Maine and France sit on a similar latitude, but ocean and atmospheric currents keep Europe far warmer.

The harsh reality of Maine's winter climate, compounded by a global cooling phenomenon known as the Little Ice Age, tested the limits of the settlers' endurance and resourcefulness.

The lessons from this historical expedition resonate deeply with modern-day challenges, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental resilience. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessment: The importance of conducting thorough risk assessments cannot be overstated. Champlain's expedition underestimated the harshness of the winter climate and overestimated the island's ability to sustain them. In today's context, effective preparedness requires a clear understanding of environmental risks and vulnerabilities.

2. Adaptive Planning: Flexibility and adaptability are essential components of preparedness. Champlain's inability to adjust to the harsh winter conditions highlights the importance of adaptive planning and response strategies when faced with unexpected challenges.

3. Sustainability and Resource Management: The depletion of resources, particularly firewood, underscores the critical importance of sustainable resource management. Today, as we confront issues of resource scarcity and climate change, sustainable practices are vital for long-term resilience.

4. Health and Well-being: The outbreak of disease, likely scurvy due to lack of fresh food, underscores the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in preparedness efforts. Access to fresh and nutritious food, healthcare, and preventive measures are fundamental for community resilience.

5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Champlain's expedition was a multidisciplinary effort, bringing together sailors, artisans, soldiers, and experts in various fields. Modern-day preparedness requires interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic approaches to address complex challenges.

In conclusion, the story of Champlain's 1604 expedition serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of adversity.

As we navigate contemporary challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and global health crises, the lessons learned from history can guide us towards more effective strategies for sustainable development and resilience-building.

By embracing a proactive and holistic approach to preparedness, we can better equip ourselves to thrive in an uncertain and rapidly changing world.

Acknowledgement: Read the long version: Northland A 4,000-Mile Journey Along America`s Forgotten Border.

Porter Fox 2018 Pages: 10,11,12