Honest nondoom question: As a child I took it to heart the bear’s message that somehow only I could prevent forest fires. Despite my best efforts, that does not seem to have been the case. Forest fires in Massachusetts and elsewhere in winter was not on my list of likely outcomes. (link at bottom)

Looking at the bigger categories, I commuted by public transportation for a decade, I cut my plane flights by 90%, I chose to not have biological children, I lived in a tiny house, I created lower carbon solutions for clients in my professional work for clients who generally didnt care about carbon impact.

But I now see how little that has changed and I known those clients in my industry are discontinuing low carb efforts and returning to typical practices. And as one better examines and quantifies impact it is clear that individual choices (up or down) pale in comparison to those with greater reach and power; the decisions of the 1920s onward propelled technologies, construction, and consumption patterns far greater in magnitude and more destructive in scope than individuals or families.

What do people do for the later part of their careers and pursuits in the face of how ineffective the previous decades of attempted climate change mitigation have proven to be? Or is it just fiddling while rome burns?

https://www.patriotledger.com/story/news/regional/2024/11/19/massachusetts-wildfire-map-smoke-blue-hills-reservation/76423282007/

Me cansé de reciclar, es como si nunca me hubiera preguntado porque realmente lo hago ?

Reciclar en casa sólo nos da la falsa sensación de que estamos ayudando al planeta al creer que estoy resolviendo algo y resultó que sólo soy parte problema, en realidad solo lo estamos perpetuándo. Una parte clave de la solución es reconocer que las grandes corporaciones están satisfechas con que la responsabilidad de resolver la crisis ambiental recaiga en los individuos, cuando la verdadera solución depende en gran medida de unos pocos no de un simple mortal como usted o yo.

So this is just an idea I have so feel free to input any modifications. But I absolutely hate consumerism, and I regard Black Friday as aweful for many reasons. But instead of just refusing to buy anything, being truly Black Friday would probably be too donate to climate/nature causes. I know One Tree Planted, Sea Shepherd, and Conservation International do their work pretty well so I might choose one of those.

The idea is to post on my instagram, and for every one who likes the story I’ll donate 1 dollar, and for every share I’ll donate 5, with a roof of 250 dollars.

What should be the content of the story? Any other ideas?

As per tradition, the reason behind this post is to show that there is progress to going against climate change as people are often surrounded by negative news and straight up misinformation. What good news about our climate, renewable energy, sustainablility, and environment that came out this year?

ISO 14001 is an international standard focused on environmental management systems, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It aims to help organizations improve their environmental performance by identifying and effectively managing their environmental impacts. The standard provides guidelines for legal compliance, reducing environmental footprints, and promoting sustainability. Its implementation contributes to resource conservation, operational efficiency, and building trust with customers and communities regarding environmental efforts. It can be adopted by organizations of any size or industry.https://greenearns.com/implementing-iso-14001-environmental-management-success/

I thought this was useful, chat GPT prompts with suggestions-

1. how can AI help solve climate change?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a significant role in combating climate change in various ways. Here's a breakdown of how AI can contribute to solving this global challenge:

1. Optimizing Energy Use and Efficiency

• Smart Grids: AI can help optimize electricity distribution, managing energy flow more efficiently and reducing energy waste. By predicting demand and adjusting the supply accordingly, AI can improve grid reliability and decrease the need for fossil fuel-based backup power.
• Energy Efficiency in Buildings: AI can be used in smart buildings to optimize heating, cooling, lighting, and appliance usage based on real-time data, reducing energy consumption and emissions.

2. Renewable Energy Management

• Grid Integration of Renewables: AI can help balance the fluctuating supply of renewable energy (e.g., solar and wind) with demand by forecasting energy production and consumption, thus improving the reliability of renewable energy sources on the grid.
• Predicting Weather Patterns: AI can enhance weather forecasting models to predict renewable energy availability more accurately, helping to plan energy production and distribution more effectively.

3. Climate and Environmental Monitoring

• Satellite Imagery Analysis: AI can analyze satellite data to monitor deforestation, land-use changes, and urban expansion, providing critical insights into environmental degradation and climate change impacts.
• Real-time Monitoring: AI can process vast amounts of environmental data, such as air and water quality, temperature, and carbon emissions, enabling real-time monitoring of ecosystems and climate patterns.

4. Reducing Carbon Emissions in Industry

• Industrial Automation: AI can optimize manufacturing processes to reduce energy consumption and material waste, leading to lower carbon emissions in industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals.
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): AI models can improve the efficiency of carbon capture technologies, predicting optimal conditions for capturing CO2 emissions and storing them safely.

5. Sustainable Agriculture

• Precision Agriculture: AI-powered tools can help farmers optimize the use of resources such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides. By using sensors and data analysis, AI can increase crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.
• Carbon Sequestration: AI can help track soil health and optimize agricultural practices for carbon sequestration, turning agricultural lands into carbon sinks.

6. Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

• Carbon Footprint Analysis: AI can be used to assess and reduce the carbon footprint of organizations, industries, and even entire countries by analyzing supply chains, energy usage, and production methods.
• Sustainable Urban Planning: AI can assist in designing cities with lower emissions by optimizing transportation systems, energy-efficient building designs, and waste management solutions.

7. Predicting and Adapting to Climate Change Impacts

• Disaster Response: AI can analyze historical climate data and predict extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, floods, wildfires), helping authorities prepare for and respond to natural disasters more effectively.
• Climate Adaptation Models: AI can be used to develop models to assess the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health, providing guidance on adaptation strategies.

8. Supporting Climate Policy and Decision-Making

• Climate Modeling: AI can enhance complex climate models by processing large amounts of data and identifying patterns that humans may overlook, helping policymakers understand future climate scenarios and make informed decisions.
• Data-Driven Policy: AI can assist governments and organizations in developing evidence-based climate policies by analyzing large datasets and simulating potential policy impacts.

9. Promoting Circular Economy

• Waste Management: AI can optimize recycling processes and the management of waste materials, ensuring that products are reused or recycled more efficiently, thus reducing the environmental impact of landfills and incineration.
• Supply Chain Optimization: AI can help optimize supply chains to reduce waste, transportation emissions, and resource consumption by predicting demand and streamlining production processes.

10. Public Awareness and Education

• AI-Powered Platforms: AI can be used to create interactive platforms that educate the public about climate change, offering personalized recommendations to reduce carbon footprints, such as using less energy or choosing sustainable products.
• Behavioral Insights: AI can analyze consumer behavior and suggest ways to encourage more sustainable habits, such as reducing waste, conserving water, or adopting electric vehicles.

Challenges and Considerations

While AI holds great potential in combating climate change, there are some challenges to consider:

• Energy Consumption of AI: AI itself requires energy to run, and if not managed carefully, this could lead to increased emissions. Optimizing the energy efficiency of AI systems is crucial.
• Data Quality and Bias: AI's effectiveness depends on the quality of data. Poor or biased data can lead to inaccurate predictions or solutions.
• Equity: AI solutions should be accessible to all countries, including developing nations, to ensure equitable distribution of benefits in the fight against climate change.

2. how to make climate change appeal to republican voters?

I can assist! I misunderstood your earlier question. Here’s how the climate change issue could be framed to appeal to Republican voters, focusing on values often aligned with conservative principles:

1.	Economic Opportunities: Highlight how renewable energy can boost the economy, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Point to states like Texas, which leads in wind energy production, as examples of conservative-led clean energy success.

2.	Energy Independence and National Security: Stress the importance of reducing reliance on foreign energy sources. Clean energy technologies can make the U.S. energy-independent, a goal that resonates with national security concerns.

3.	Innovation and Free Market Solutions: Emphasize the role of American innovation and entrepreneurship in tackling climate challenges. Focus on market-driven solutions like carbon capture technologies or investments in nuclear energy.

4.	Conservation and Stewardship: Frame environmental action as part of conserving God’s creation, a value many conservatives hold. Point out how protecting natural resources benefits future generations.

5.	Resilience and Preparedness: Discuss how addressing climate risks, such as flooding or wildfires, can reduce future costs for taxpayers. Investing in resilient infrastructure is a fiscally responsible approach.

6.	Local Solutions and States’ Rights: Advocate for empowering states and local governments to take the lead on climate initiatives, rather than relying on federal mandates.

By linking climate action to these values, the conversation can resonate more effectively with Republican voters. Would you like more examples or strategies?

Here are additional strategies and examples for framing climate change in ways that align with Republican values:

1. Boosting Agriculture and Rural Economies

   • Framing: Highlight how addressing climate change can help farmers and rural communities by protecting crops and livestock from extreme weather.

   • Examples: -Programs that reward farmers for adopting sustainable practices like regenerative agriculture or carbon farming (e.g., storing carbon in soil).

-Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar installations, providing extra income for landowners in rural areas.

2. Reducing Waste and Promoting Efficiency

   • Framing: Focus on the importance of reducing waste and improving efficiency, principles conservatives often support.

   • Examples: -Highlight success stories of businesses cutting costs by reducing energy consumption.

-Promote energy-efficient technologies, like LED lighting or advanced manufacturing systems, that save money for households and companies.

3. Strengthening National Defense

   • Framing: Stress how climate-related risks, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather, affect military operations and readiness.

   • Examples: -Discuss how the Department of Defense is already adapting to climate threats, including fortifying bases against flooding and preparing for climate-induced conflicts abroad.

4. Economic Benefits from Clean Energy

   • Framing: Present clean energy as an opportunity to lead global markets and maintain the U.S.’s competitive edge.

   • Examples: -Talk about how China is dominating the solar panel market and why the U.S. needs to invest in similar technologies to compete.

-Point to American companies, like Tesla, creating jobs in innovative energy sectors.

5. Health and Family Well-Being

   • Framing: Highlight the health benefits of reducing air pollution from fossil fuels, especially for children and vulnerable populations.

   • Examples: -Cleaner air leading to fewer asthma cases, which reduces healthcare costs and improves quality of life.

-Local campaigns to transition from coal plants to cleaner energy sources, improving public health in nearby communities.

6. Bipartisan Success Stories

   • Framing: Showcase examples of Republican-led climate initiatives to inspire action without partisan conflict.

   • Examples: -The Reagan administration’s efforts to address ozone depletion through the Montreal Protocol.

-Recent bipartisan efforts like the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which helps farmers and foresters access carbon markets.

7. Appealing to Fiscal Conservatism

   • Framing: Emphasize that ignoring climate risks will cost more in the long run through disaster relief, infrastructure repair, and insurance costs.

   • Examples: -Show how Florida, under Republican leadership, is investing in sea wall projects to address rising tides, saving money by acting early.

8. Community and Personal Responsibility

   • Framing: Tie climate solutions to conservative values of responsibility and local empowerment.

   • Examples:

   • Encourage community-led initiatives like tree planting or small-scale solar co-ops.

   • Promote individual actions, such as reducing energy use at home, as a way to “do your part.”

9. Natural Disaster Resilience

   • Framing: Link climate action to disaster preparedness, which has a direct and visible impact.

   • Examples:

   • Advocate for investments in flood defenses, wildfire prevention, and drought-resistant crops.

   • Frame these investments as practical, life-saving measures, not ideological debates.

Background: To prevent deflating tires from reducing a car's MPG, you should give it a tire valve cap, especially one with a seal. It prevents air from getting out and prevents water (which can freeze in the tire) and debris from getting in and causing leaks, which further reduce your MPG and your tires need replacing sooner. That shit's expensive and uses a lot of rubber. A drop of 10 psi on all 4 tires is about a 1-2 MPG loss.

Your mission: Buy a shit-ton pack of tire caps and put them on any car you see missing them, especially heavy vehicles like trucks, and cars that look like they belong to someone with lower income. Though you're doing good for both the owner and the environment, be discreet since most people will assume you're stealing shit.

🎶 Don't be suspicious, don't be suspicious 🎶

Thought everyone here should get a gander at the level of sophistry they've been subjected to. Now think for a bit... if they're lying to you about coral and mollusks (remember that the Great Barrier Reef now has a higher extent than in all of its observed history, while they were telling you it was dying and It's All Your Fault), what else are they lying to you about?

I can answer that, too: https://www.patriotaction.us/showthread.php?tid=2711

This is a repost from /u/ClimateSkeptics.

===============

"We must protect the corals! CO2 is going to kill all the coral! It's an existential crisis!", we're told.

For instance:
https://www.surfrider.org/news/washington-state-re-ups-leadership-in-addressing-ocean-acidification
"Global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the past two centuries have altered the chemistry of the world’s oceans, threatening the health of coastal ecosystems and industries that depend on the marine environment."

"Calcifiers are marine organisms that depend on the mineral calcium carbonate to make shells, skeletons, and other hard body parts. Ocean acidification makes an essential component of calcium carbonate – the carbonate ion – more scarce. As a result, calcifiers have to use more energy to pull carbonate ions out of the water to build their shells. Calcium carbonate also dissolves more easily as acidity increases. These changes can result in slower growth and/or higher mortality among calcifiers, especially in shellfish larvae and juvenile shellfish."

Corals and mollusks, which evolved during the Cambrian Explosion which had many times higher CO2 concentration (which was arguably the cause of the Cambrian Explosion), evolved no carbonate transporters, instead evolving bicarbonate transporters... because as CO2 concentration rises, ocean pH falls which means carbonate practically disappears at ~pH6; whereas as CO2 concentration rises, ocean bicarbonate concentration rises, thus that makes it easier for coral and mollusks to undergo the calcification process. Calcification is currently rate-limited because atmospheric CO2 concentration is nearly at historic lows, and thus oceanic bicarbonate concentration is comparatively low.

IOW, if you want to 'save the corals', emit more CO2.

But all of the "muh CO2 bad" blather about CO2 harming corals is predicated upon the corals using carbonate transporters. To date, several bicarbonate transporters have been found across a wide taxa of corals and mollusks, whereas no carbonate transporters have been found.

[1] CO2 (carbon dioxide) + H2O (water) ==> H2CO3 (carbonic acid)

[2] Aqueous: H2CO3 (carbonic acid, from [1]) ==> H^(+) (hydrogen cation) + HCO3^(-) (bicarbonate anion)

[3] In-vivo: Bicarbonate transporter transports HCO3^(-) (bicarbonate anion, from [2]) across cellular membrane

[4] In-vivo: HCO3^(-) (bicarbonate anion, from [3]) ==> CO3^(-2) (carbonate anion) + H^(+) (hydrogen cation)

[5] In-vivo: CO3^(-2) (carbonate anion, from [4]) + Ca^(+2) (calcium cation, dissolved in water) ==> CaCO3 (calcium carbonate)

[6] In-vivo then excreted: H^(+) (hydrogen cation, from [4]) + H2O (water) ==> H3O^(+) (hydronium cation)

Yes, coral and mollusks excrete acid.

pH = −log_10 [H^(+)]

And that excreted H3O^(+) (hydronium cation, from [6]) then goes on to interact:

[7] Aqueous: H3O^(+) (hydronium cation, from [6]) + CO3^(-2) (carbonate anion, dissolved in water) ==> H2CO3 (carbonic acid) + OH^(-) (hydroxide anion)

[8] Aqueous: H2CO3 (carbonic acid, from [7]) ==> H^(+) (hydrogen cation) + HCO3^(-) (bicarbonate anion)

[9] Aqueous: OH^(-) (hydroxide anion, from [7]) + H^(+) (hydrogen cation, from [2] or [8]) ==> H2O (water)

You'll note that the hydronium (H3O^(+)) cations actively scavenge carbonate anions (CO3^(-2)) (which the coral and mollusks cannot use) and coverts them into carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then undergoes the first aqueous reaction above to convert to H^(+) (hydrogen cation) and HCO3^(-) (bicarbonate anion... which the coral and mollusks can use).

Kind of strange that coral and mollusks can handle the extreme acid of undiluted H^(+), and H3O^(+) (the strongest acid that can exist in water), but purportedly they can't handle a tiny change in ocean pH, despite evolving at a time when atmospheric CO2 concentration was many times higher than today and thus the ocean was less alkaline.

Throughout high school, I always felt a stronger pull toward the environment than most of my friends. It wasn’t like I did endless research or deep dives, but I couldn’t ignore how strongly I felt. I always envisioned climate change as more than just an issue—it was a battle, a righteous struggle for the planet. Yet, every time I looked around, the enthusiasm seemed hollow.

The news would break about new agreements or technological breakthroughs, but then everything went quiet. No real follow-up, just more depressing predictions hidden behind scientific jargon—like AR6—offering a view of the future that felt bleak. What frustrated me more was the hypocrisy. The kids in environmental clubs would talk passionately about recycling and the dangers of plastic, but you’d catch them throwing everything into one trash bin or ordering products wrapped in layers of bubble wrap. And yeah, I’m guilty of it too. I care about the environment, but I still take plastic cups when I eat out because they feel cleaner. I still take fresh A4 paper when I could easily use the back of old sheets.

What troubled me wasn’t just the individual actions—it was the bigger picture. The world leaders, the influencers, the UN SecGen, all saying how urgent climate change was, but nothing really changed. Maybe it was a matter of time for those ideas to trickle down, but time is one thing we don’t have. As a Specialized English student in Vietnam, I was supposed to look up to these figures, absorb their speeches, and parrot their words to others. But I started to ask myself: For what? To raise awareness? To motivate? Or just to impress with fancy quotes?

For context, Specialized English is a program for gifted students here, where we focus on one subject intensively—English. It’s meant to set us apart, make us excel. I did well. Academic prizes, fluency in English, and career paths in ELT or business seemed like obvious choices. But I started to feel like something was missing. Was it enough to be good at something that didn’t address what really mattered?

So, when I had to make a choice between high school and college, I decided to do something radical. I walked away from the identity I’d built—the awards, the comfort of easy career options—and chose engineering. Specifically, Sustainable Process Engineering, the first program of its kind in Vietnam.

It wasn’t an easy choice. I didn’t come from a science-heavy background, so jumping into engineering felt like starting from scratch. Some days, I still don’t feel like I belong here. I doubt my abilities and struggle with imposter syndrome. But I know this is where I need to be. This is real. This is where change happens.

Engineering is more than talking about change. It’s about understanding how systems work and how we can fix them. It’s not easy. I’m overwhelmed at times, wondering if I’m doing enough. But I tell myself this is the fight that matters, the one that requires all of us, no matter how uncertain we feel.

I don’t want to be seen as some sort of leader right now. I’m just someone who’s starting to figure it out, struggling like the rest of us. I’m not pretending to have all the answers—I’m just a willing member in this fight, learning and growing every day.

I trust the rationalities of communities like r/collapse, where people lay out the grim realities of the future based on scientific data. But I also have the faith of r/OptimistsUnite, believing that change is still possible and that together we can make a difference. It’s not just about facts; it’s about people coming together to find solutions. I hold both the rational, somber truth and the hopeful belief that things can improve, because both perspectives drive action.

If you're working on something real, if you're actively making a difference, I want to connect. I’ve found hope in communities like r/ClimateActionPlan, r/Doers, and r/OptimistsUnite. They remind me that it’s possible to hold both the weight of reality and the power of hope in your hands.

Even if you're not in Ho Chi Minh City, we can still connect. I’d love to contribute my opinions, thinking, and skills to your activities in foreign lands over the internet. And if you're in or near HCMC, I would love to talk one day.

Thank you.

Given the disastrous consequences likely to arise from the recent election in the USA, I began reflecting on the value of democracy and its ability to address the challenges that climate change poses to the world. Based on the arguments presented in a book I read not long ago, I decided to write these thoughts on the state of democracy and climate change globally.

The book Can Democracy Handle Climate Change by Daniel Fiorino defends democracy as the best system to tackle climate change. Among the arguments Fiorino provides to support his stance are greater access to environmental information in democracies, stronger institutional frameworks, checks and balances at the state level in federal systems, greater openness to international negotiations, increased capacity for innovation, the ability to attract individuals/voters with diverse interests, and better climate indicators.

However, I believe Fiorino’s analysis contains two significant flaws. First, it assumes there is a “margin of error,” meaning voters might “make mistakes” by electing candidates who do not believe in climate change, yet this would not undermine the suitability of democracy as a system to address the climate crisis. The truth is, there is no longer any margin for error; we cannot afford mistakes, as each year without measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change will have severe consequences.

Second, the author focuses the discussion primarily on the contrast between democratic and authoritarian regimes. I believe the real question should be how subject to democratic or judicial oversight climate regulations ought to be, how technical they should be, and how binding. In principle, it is conceivable to have an autonomous technical body making regulatory decisions on climate issues in an “authoritarian” manner within a democracy. But the question is whether that model is desirable (beyond the practical challenges of garnering sufficient support to establish such a body).

Regarding Fiorino’s arguments, I think some are not necessarily exclusive to democratic regimes, while others are “double-edged swords.”

Currently, the influence of major corporations and economic groups is undeniable. In the 2024 U.S. election, the world’s richest man aligned with the climate change-denying candidate, using his platforms to spread false information and attack the opposing campaign. Major oil companies have ample resources and motivation to support denialist candidates who will allow their businesses to continue operating for as long as possible, regardless of the consequences. Ordinary citizens concerned about climate change will never achieve that level of influence.

In the effort to appeal to a broad range of voters, climate interests are often overshadowed by more immediate concerns (which are not necessarily less relevant but can ultimately be detrimental or even incompatible with ambitious climate action).

Regarding strong institutions, these are not inherently exclusive to democratic countries. For instance, it will be interesting to observe China’s development in this area. On the other hand, democratic institutions appear increasingly weak and unstable as populist leaders and parties gain popularity and power, even in developed nations.

This trend toward populist leaders is one of the main arguments against democracy. Although it is impossible to predict voter behavior with certainty, it is likely that the trend toward populism will persist and even intensify due to climate change. Scarcity of basic resources like water and food will drive massive waves of migration as parts of the world become uninhabitable. This scarcity is also likely to lead to more international conflicts and an arms race, while nationalist sentiments grow stronger, complicating international cooperation.

At the international level, despite the existence of numerous treaties, unless their provisions can be effectively enforced, they cannot be considered viable solutions. The world already bears the failure of Kyoto, and if states and their elected leaders decide to stop complying with the Paris Agreement (as the U.S. president-elect intends to do), we are heading toward another failure in international climate law.

Voters are currently exposed to massive amounts of information, much of which is false. Today, more than ever, voters are susceptible to falling for lies propagated on social media without any oversight. This also fuels large-scale conspiracies, which more people believe without fact-checking. As a result, messages like governments controlling the weather, vaccines causing autism, or outright climate change denial are gaining more followers who vote based on these beliefs.

No one willingly wants to stop living as they currently do, but in one way or another, people’s living conditions will be significantly altered. Either we change our habits toward a lower-carbon lifestyle, or the effects of climate change will make it impossible to continue living as we do. For these reasons, I think it is unlikely we will ever elect someone who speaks candidly about what is necessary to mitigate and adapt to climate change, simply because it would be unpopular.

In summary, I believe Fiorino’s arguments in favor of democratic regimes are, in some cases, double-edged swords and, in others, characteristics not inherently unique to democracies. I do not believe a world governed by dictatorships would be better for addressing climate change—in that, I agree with Fiorino—but I also think climate-related decisions should not be entirely subject to the control of democratic institutions, which are increasingly weak, unstable, and vulnerable to climate change denialists.

Is it possible to create a kind of autonomous climate council capable of making binding regulatory decisions without oversight from other government bodies? Or a sort of environmental/climate oversight body required to approve government climate policies before their implementation? Can any regulatory body truly operate without the influence of democratic institutions? For now, I think the answer to these questions is no. I also do not believe there is a single solution or an easy answer to this problem, but I am certain that continuing on the current path is not an option for civilization.

I welcome comments from others who are as concerned about this issue as I am.

(Note: This text was translated using AI. I originally wrote it in Spanish. Feel free to ask if anything is unclear.)

To share knowledge on how to transition to greener and more sustainable careers.

To those who have climate quitted before, please share your experience on the sub.

Thank you,

r/climatequit

Planning to move money out of my fossil fuel-loving bank and into one that actually cares about the climate. Anyone with experience doing this and prefer a certain institution? Pros and cons welcome! TYIA! :)

I was always on the fence about having kids and one of many reasons was climate change. My husband really wanted a kid and thought worrying about climate change to the point of not having a kid was silly. As I’m older I decided to just go for it and any of fears about having a kid were unfounded. I love being a mum and love my daughter so much. The only issue that it didn’t resolve is the one around climate change. In fact it’s intensified to the point now it’s really affecting my quality of life.

I feel so hopeless that the big companies will change things in time and we are basically headed for the end of things. That I’ve brought my daughter who I love more than life itself onto a broken world and she will have a life of suffering. I’m crying as I write this. I haven’t had any PPD or PPA, it might be a touch of the latter but I don’t know how I can improve things. I see climate issues everywhere. I wake up at night and lay awake paralysed with fear and hopelessness that I can’t do anything to stop the inevitable.

I am a vegetarian, mindful of my own carbon footprint, but also feel hopeless that us little people can do nothing whilst big companies and governments continue to miss targets and not prioritise the planet.

I read about helping out and joining groups but I’m worried it will make me worry more and think about it more than I already do.

I’m already on sertraline and have been for 10+ years and on a high dose, and don’t feel it’s the answer to this issue.

I don’t even know what I want from this post. To know other people are out there worrying too?

I’m a student looking at the relationships between leadership and climate change and am feeling a bit frustrated with the futility and navel-gazing of some of the research in the social science/ climate change space. 

A lot of the research seems to be catered for an elite (e.g. how willing are flood victims to pay tax for climate mitigation?) rather than getting to the real root of the problem (e.g. how can fossil fuel companies be made to pay tax for their harmful externalities?). 

There’s a small pit of dread in my stomach that I’m part of the problem. Any research I do on the matter now will likely not be published for another 1-2 years, and will then most likely sit behind a paywall and only accessed by people who are already concerned anyway. And as we know, there's not a lot of time left.

Reflecting on what I’ve been reading the last few months, this is what I think an effective climate mitigation campaign targeting leaders of corporations could look like:

·      Create a “carbon tracker” that targets the top 1000 or so people whose decisions are most paramount to climate mitigation. This could include CEOs/ CFOs of major corporations, the board members of these corporations, and institutional investors. It would be a bit like the infamous BP carbon tracker that put the onus on individuals to change their behaviours, instead illustrating how the decisions these people do/ don’t make could impact the amount of ghg produced and consequent global temperatures. It would help remove some of the ambiguity some of these people may feel about their role and responsibility in the climate crisis.

·      Research suggests that many investment decisions are guided by emotions. For example, investors may be more likely to have disproportionate investments in companies from their hometown. Use emotions to increase the salience of the climate crisis for leaders. Create pictures of what the conditions in their hometowns would be like under different emissions scenarios. Bring these images to their attention by placing them in ads that appear when they search for their name.

·      Then create a “golden bridge” for these leaders, with a website or somesuch outlining the choices available to them that could best help mitigate the climate crisis. Examples could include stopping quarterly earning reports to better focus on long-term goals, committing to an evidence-based zero emissions pathway, creating sustainability units that have oversight over/interact with every area of their business.

Would be great to have a network of committed citizen researchers/ software engineers who could work on these strategies and ones like them. It could be called “Better Angels” or BA for short. Or could it be picked up/ driven by an environmental org? I have no organising experience/ no idea where to start. What do you think?

Indigenous populations like the Inuit community in Canada have been faced with extrinsic hardships caused by the activities of settler populations, which have had consequential impacts on their traditional ways of living. As we progress through the 21st century, one of the most pressing matters that threatens Inuit culture and identity are the ramifications of climate change and its impact on their natural environment, which they greatly rely upon. Knowing that the Arctic cryosphere is currently warming at an almost four times quicker rate than the rest of the planet, the urgency for action is now more immediate than ever.

https://medium.com/@sph557/consequences-of-climate-change-for-inuit-health-a-call-to-action-for-cop29-ddb1b6915e0f

Refined Thermosyphon System: Design and Operational Summary

The thermosyphon system is a cutting-edge, scalable solution designed to extract excess heat from ocean water, generate freshwater, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Through innovative integration of renewable energy, sustainable materials, and advanced technologies, the system provides a multifaceted approach to address critical global challenges, including water scarcity, ocean warming, and environmental protection. Core Components and Functions

Central Thermosyphon Cylinder

    Heat Extraction:
    The vertical thermosyphon leverages the temperature gradient between warm surface water and cooler deep water. A working fluid (CO₂ or ammonia) absorbs heat from the ocean surface, causing the fluid to evaporate and rise through the system.

    Heat Rejection:
    The heated refrigerant flows to a heat rejection chamber, where it condenses within an insulated pool, transferring the extracted heat to the desalination process. The cooled fluid returns to repeat the cycle.

Insulated Pool with Integrated Desalination

    Evaporation:
    The insulated pool captures the rejected heat, creating a warm environment that maximizes evaporation. The system is insulated to reduce energy loss.

    Condensation:
    A transparent cover traps evaporated water vapor, which is directed toward inclined condensation panels. These panels cool the vapor, causing it to condense into fresh water.

    Freshwater Collection:
    Condensed freshwater is funneled into gravity-driven drip channels leading to storage tanks. A separate outlet for brine ensures salinity is managed effectively.

Concentric Structural Design for Stability and Efficiency

    Stability and Efficiency:
    The central thermosyphon is supported by radial horizontal arms, ensuring stability. Solar panels and flotation devices are arranged concentrically to optimize space for both energy collection and heat rejection.

    Energy Optimization:
    Solar panels provide auxiliary power, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing reliance on external energy sources. They also serve as partial shading for the desalination pool, reducing evaporation losses.

Modular, Scalable, and Autonomous Operation

    Modular Pods:
    The system is designed with modular components, allowing for easy scalability to meet the needs of different regions. Pods can be connected or disconnected as required, offering flexibility for varying community sizes and environmental conditions.

    Autonomous Maintenance:
    Autonomous robots or drones can be deployed for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance, reducing human intervention and extending the system's lifespan.

Advanced Environmental Protection

    Double-Wall Heat Exchanger:
    The heat exchanger is designed with a double-wall construction, allowing any refrigerant leaks to safely vent to the atmosphere, preventing contamination of the water and the formation of carbonic acid.

    Eco-Friendly Coatings:
    Non-toxic, anti-fouling coatings are applied to all exposed surfaces to prevent biofouling and corrosion. These coatings are made from sustainable, bio-based materials that minimize environmental impact.

    Brine Management:
    Brine discharge is managed using advanced filtration or concentration techniques, reducing the environmental impact. In some cases, brine can be converted into valuable byproducts like salt or magnesium for industrial uses.

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Capture

Energy Storage and Hybrid Power Systems

    Battery Storage:
    Solar power is stored in batteries, ensuring continuous system operation during low sunlight or at night. This energy storage reduces the system's reliance on external power sources.

    Hybrid Power:
    Integration with wave energy converters or tidal turbines offers a consistent power supply, particularly in remote coastal areas, further increasing system efficiency.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration
    Carbon Capture Units:
    The system can be equipped with carbon capture technologies that extract CO₂ from the atmosphere or seawater, sequestering it in deep oceanic storage or in mineralized forms, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Phase Change Materials (PCMs):
    Thermal Energy Storage:
    The incorporation of PCMs within the system can store excess heat for later use, balancing fluctuations in energy demand and improving overall thermal efficiency.

Symbiosis with Marine Ecosystems

Artificial Reefs and Aquaculture Platforms

    Marine Habitat Creation:
    The flotation devices and structural components can function as artificial reefs, providing habitat for marine organisms. This promotes biodiversity and supports marine ecosystems.

    Aquaculture Integration:
    The system can be integrated with sustainable aquaculture practices, such as fish farming or seaweed cultivation, providing additional food sources while also helping maintain water quality.

Seaweed Farming for Carbon Sequestration
    Seaweed farms could be cultivated alongside the thermosyphon units, contributing to carbon sequestration while also supporting marine biodiversity and providing sustainable bio-products.

Eco-Friendly Designs for Marine Life
    The system employs acoustic dampeners and low-profile designs to reduce noise pollution and physical disturbance to marine species, ensuring the system operates harmoniously within its environment.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Public Awareness and Education
    An interactive dashboard can track system performance and environmental impact, offering transparency and educational opportunities for local communities, NGOs, and the general public.

Eco-Tourism Integration
    The system can incorporate eco-tourism elements, such as observation platforms or guided tours, generating additional revenue to support ongoing operations and increasing awareness of sustainable ocean technologies.

Collaborations with Governments and NGOs
    Partnerships with environmental organizations, local governments, and academic institutions can help further research, provide funding, and support system adoption in coastal regions.

Conclusion: A Scalable and Sustainable Solution

The refined thermosyphon system offers a self-sustaining, environmentally friendly solution for addressing global challenges such as water scarcity, ocean warming, and climate change. By integrating renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, modular design, and innovative cooling technologies, the system can be scaled to meet the specific needs of various regions while fostering symbiotic relationships with marine ecosystems. It represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable freshwater production, climate adaptation, and ocean conservation, with the potential for broad adoption by coastal communities, governments, and environmental organizations.

The G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro concluded with a strong focus on the Global South agenda, emphasizing climate action, poverty reduction, and billionaire taxation. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva presided over the meeting, advocating for social integration, energy transitions, and reforming global governance. Lula criticized globalization as a failure and called for unity amidst rising global turbulence. Leaders pledged to combat global warming, implement progressive tax policies, and promote growth supporting UN SDGs. What are your thoughts on the G20’s priorities?

More on the same in our article:
https://www.theworkersrights.com/g20-summit-concludes-with-focus-on-climate-poverty-and-tax-reform/

I'm deeply concerned about how climate change will impact Ghana. As someone who plans to return and contribute to my country in the future, I’m worried about the challenges we might face.

Every day seems to bring a new crisis: climate change, wars, polarization, mental health struggles, AI risk, biodiversity collapse, and more. But what if these aren't isolated issues?
I explored this in my latest essay on the Metacrisis—the idea that these crises share a common systemic root cause. To solve them, we need to rethink and transform our political, economic, and cultural systems.
Progress will remain frustrating without systemic change. But if we act at the root level, we could address multiple crises together.
Read more here: https://open.substack.com/pub/akhilpuri/p/metacrisis-the-root-of-all-our-planetary?r=73e8h&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Would love to hear what you all think

Hi everyone, new poster here so forgive me if this has already been discussed (I read the rules!) There is a question/CTA here at the end, but bear with me as I explain my thinking first:

I have been thinking a lot on climate action and how to keep it moving within the reality of the US as it stands today, with the current incoming government. Acknowledging that the political parties of today have evolved quite a bit since the turn of the century, there is a decent amount of conservation history within the Republican Party (Theodore Roosevelt started the National Parks, Nixon created the EPA, etc) and since enjoying nature and caring about our future are qualities endemic to all humans, I have a feeling that given the *right messaging*, there could be ways to create a series of targeted, real policies that could find bipartisan support, even with the incoming administration. They might be baby steps, but some progress is better than nothing, right?

I have been searching within Reddit for posts in conservative spaces asking how conservatives feel about environmentalism. Surprisingly (or not), many have said they are not against it at all, but rather various feelings about big government and overreach, and various feelings about the EPA's approach to CO2. Emissions regulations seems to be a sticking point, but maybe this is where we need to get clever with how we package these solutions and really come in ready to compromise. There have got to be specific things in every state that need protecting or cleaning up, that could fit within the acceptable framework of the current GOP. Preserving forests, tree planting initiatives, nuclear energy, carbon fees are all conservative solutions proposed by conservative conservation organizations (yes they exist! I was surprised to find!)

I keep imagining a network of activists, organized by region, welcome to anyone within the political spectrum, and write policy tailored to the current waters we swim in. Each quarter, a singular goal for each region is chosen and pursued with focused intensity. Letter writing, speaking on socials, telling everyone a simple way they can help by spreading awareness, calling and trying to meet with politicians, with the benefit of a new and unknown entity that isn't already tied to one political side. We avoid talking negatively about specific lawmakers, but praise those who take action to the heavens and back, even if you disagree vehemently with their other policies. That might mean rewriting things and considering tactics that would seem undesirable, but the overarching goal would be something is better than nothing. For example, maybe there's a piece of land out there that desperately needs federal protection, and we convince the incoming president that it would be pretty cool to have a new national park in their name. Or perhaps there's a favorite forest of a very conservative Senator who would like the idea of advocating for wildlife crossing corridors to protect the animals who live there. SOMETHING, anything. Challenge ourselves to find pieces of environmentally friendly policy that even the most pro-business politicians could get behind, establishing ourselves as truly willing to work with anyone. Gaining trust and celebrating every win even if it's moving an inch in the right direction.

However, given the heated and strong feelings everyone has politically, I am not sure if it's a pipe dream to try and start this type of work. I don't know if it's possible for people to compromise in this way, if the appetite to work to make things appealing within someone you disagree with's political views are something people would be willing to do. To accomplish goals within the opposing team's playbook.

So I am curious to hear what you think, if anyone has tried similar things before, for better or worse. I just feel like even if a handful of things are accomplished, even small, would be better than nothing at all.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I can't do it again. Our country sometimes uses USA database and certain policy to make decisions on our own environmental protection. Do I start a spree to put everything in way back machine, or someone also have a team doing that?

Did the purge start? Am I too late?

Hey all,

I’ve been trying to live a more sustainable life, but sometimes it just feels like no matter what I do, it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of climate change. I’d love to find ways to make a meaningful impact, maybe something measurable and actionable, rather than just hoping every change will add up.

I’m particularly interested in tracking my carbon footprint and maybe even offsetting emissions, but I don’t know how to get access to quantities for consumers. I know offsets aren’t a perfect fix, but I think supporting climate projects that actively reduce emissions is a step in the right direction. We’re always going to emit some level of carbon, so getting closer to net-zero feels like a practical goal I can work towards.

Are there any apps, tools, or websites that help with this? Or ways to make sure I’m supporting projects that truly make a difference?

Let’s talk about what we can actually do to make a difference—any tips or info would be amazing!