#globalization is the main driver to climate change

[arrozaurus]

The emissions accounting system on which they settled was an odd relic of the pre–free trade era that took absolutely no account of the revolutionary changes unfolding right under their noses regarding how (and where) the world’s goods were being manufactured. For instance, emissions from the transportation of goods across borders—all those container ships, whose traffic has increased by nearly 400 percent over the last twenty years—are not formally attributed to any nation-state and therefore no one country is responsible for reducing their polluting impact. (And there remains little momentum at the U.N. for changing that, despite the reality that shipping emissions are set to double or even triple by 2050.) And fatefully, countries are responsible only for the pollution they create inside their own borders—not for the pollution produced in the manufacturing of goods that are shipped to their shores; those are attributed to the countries where the goods were produced. This means that the emissions that went into producing, say, the television in my living room, appear nowhere on Canada’s emissions ledger, but rather are attributed entirely to China’s ledger, because that is where the set was made. And the international emissions from the container ship that carried my TV across the ocean (and then sailed back again) aren’t entered into anyone’s account book. This deeply flawed system has created a vastly distorted picture of the drivers of global emissions. It has allowed rapidly de-industrializing wealthy states to claim that their emissions have stabilized or even gone down when, in fact, the emissions embedded in their consumption have soared during the free trade era. For instance, in 2011, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a study of the emissions from industrialized countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol. It found that while their emissions had stopped growing, that was partly because international trade had allowed these countries to move their dirty production overseas. The researchers concluded that the rise in emissions from goods produced in developing countries but consumed in industrialized ones was six times greater than the emissions savings of industrialized countries.

This Changes Everything, by Naomi Klein

[prettyboy-lover69]

No one will put in the effort to mitigate the effects of climate change for us! To put a stop, everyone must make it loud and clear our desires to put an end to the main drivers of climate change! A global effort is needed so,

SO MAKE YOURSELF HEARD!!!

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

Vermont made history last year when it enacted the country’s first climate superfund law. It’s designed to let the state recover money from fossil fuel companies to help pay the rising costs of climate change.

If the law can survive intensifying legal challenges, that is.

On Thursday, the Justice Department filed federal lawsuits against Vermont and New York, the only other state to have enacted a climate superfund law, arguing that the measures were “a brazen attempt to grab power from the federal government” and force others to pay for the states’ infrastructure spending.

Hours later, West Virginia’s attorney general, John B. McCuskey, announced that he was leading another challenge to Vermont’s law, saying the measure would “fine America’s coal, oil and natural gas suppliers into oblivion.”

Mr. McCuskey had already filed��a similar lawsuit against New York’s law, which seeks $75 billion from oil and gas companies over the next 25 years. On Thursday, he said Vermont’s version might be “even more dangerous” because it has no monetary cap.

The climate superfund laws are modeled on the federal Superfund program to clean up hazardous waste sites. Under that program, which has been in existence for decades, old waste dumps or contaminated industrial sites are cleaned up and the companies that contributed to the contamination must help pay the cleanup bill.

The new climate superfund laws are based on the fact that the burning of fossil fuels, which produces planet-warming carbon dioxide and other gases, is the main driver of climate change. So the laws allow states to seek money from fossil fuel producers to help cover the costs of global warming. Similar bills are gaining momentum in several other states, including California, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Meghan Greenfield, an environmental lawyer who previously worked at the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency and is now a partner at the firm Jenner & Block, said legal challenges to such a novel law were inevitable. Some of the arguments being used against the measures are also new and untested in this context, like one about “equal sovereignty” between states, which is the idea that they should be treated uniformly by the federal government, she said.

[tomorrowusa]

We knew this was coming but now it's official.

According to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 was the hottest year on record.

The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has confirmed in its latest Global Climate Highlights report that 2024 was the hottest on record. The study reveals a rise of 1.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times — defined as the level between 1850 and 1900. Previously, 2023 was the warmest year. At the international climate conference in Paris in 2015, 196 world leaders agreed to limit global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius, and to pursue efforts to keep temperatures below 1.5 degrees (2.7 Fahrenheit). Samantha Burgess, C3S deputy director told DW that the world is now "teetering on the edge of passing the 1.5-degree level." [ ... ] Scientists working as part of World Weather Attribution, an organization that studies the links between extreme weather and climate change, found that 26 of the events they looked at last year had been made worse or more likely to happen due to rising temperatures. Human burning of fossil fuels for activities such as heating, industry, and transportation is the main driver of global warming, but natural phenomena, like El Niño have also played a part in pushing up temperatures over the past two years, said scientists at C3S. [ ... ] Typically occurring every two to seven years,El Niño is associated with the warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, leading to overall average sea surface temperatures that are 0.51 degrees Celsius higher than the 1991 – 2020 average.  Sea surface temperatures are of particular concern to scientists because oceans store around 90% of the heat connected to global warming.

From climate scientist Dr. Daniel Swain at the California Institute for Water Resources.

Sadly, things won't be improving over the next four years.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Dharna Noor at The Guardian:

Climate experts fear Donald Trump will follow a blueprint created by his allies to gut the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), disbanding its work on climate science and tailoring its operations to business interests.

Joe Biden’s presidency has increased the profile of the science-based federal agency but its future has been put in doubt if Trump wins a second term and at a time when climate impacts continue to worsen. The plan to “break up Noaa is laid out in the Project 2025 document written by more than 350 rightwingers and helmed by the Heritage Foundation. Called the Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, it is meant to guide the first 180 days of presidency for an incoming Republican president. The document bears the fingerprints of Trump allies, including Johnny McEntee, who was one of Trump’s closest aides and is a senior adviser to Project 2025. “The National Oceanographic [sic] and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) should be dismantled and many of its functions eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized, or placed under the control of states and territories,” the proposal says.

That’s a sign that the far right has “no interest in climate truth”, said Chris Gloninger, who last year left his job as a meteorologist in Iowa after receiving death threats over his spotlighting of global warming. The guidebook chapter detailing the strategy, which was recently spotlighted by E&E News, describes Noaa as a “colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future US prosperity”. It was written by Thomas Gilman, a former Chrysler executive who during Trump’s presidency was chief financial officer for Noaa’s parent body, the commerce department. Gilman writes that one of Noaa’s six main offices, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, should be “disbanded” because it issues “theoretical” science and is “the source of much of Noaa’s climate alarmism”. Though he admits it serves “important public safety and business functions as well as academic functions”, Gilman says data from the National Hurricane Center must be “presented neutrally, without adjustments intended to support any one side in the climate debate”.

[...] Noaa also houses the National Weather Service (NWS), which provides weather and climate forecasts and warnings. Gilman calls for the service to “fully commercialize its forecasting operations”. He goes on to say that Americans are already reliant on private weather forecasters, specifically naming AccuWeather and citing a PR release issued by the company to claim that “studies have found that the forecasts and warnings provided by the private companies are more reliable” than the public sector’s. (The mention is noteworthy as Trump once tapped the former CEO of AccuWeather to lead Noaa, though his nomination was soon withdrawn.)

The claims come amid years of attempts from US conservatives to help private companies enter the forecasting arena – proposals that are “nonsense”, said Rosenberg. Right now, all people can access high-quality forecasts for free through the NWS. But if forecasts were conducted only by private companies that have a profit motive, crucial programming might no longer be available to those in whom business executives don’t see value, said Rosenberg. [...] Fully privatizing forecasting could also threaten the accuracy of forecasts, said Gloninger, who pointed to AccuWeather’s well-known 30- and 60-day forecasts as one example. Analysts have found that these forecasts are only right about half the time, since peer-reviewed research has found that there is an eight- to 10-day limit on the accuracy of forecasts.

The Trump Administration is delivering a big gift to climate crisis denialism as part of Project 2025 by proposing the dismantling and privatizing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) in his potential 2nd term.

This should frighten people to vote Democratic up and down the ballot if you want the NOAA and NWS to stay intact.

[notwiselybuttoowell]

Wildfires engulfed vast swathes of South America last year, devastating ecosystems, closing schools and grounding flights. With its worst fire season on record, Bolivia was especially hard hit. “We felt powerless and angry to be unable to protect what is ours,” says Isabel Surubí Pesoa.

Large ranches and farms often use fire to clear land for crops or to graze cattle. Chronic drought, fuelled by the climate crisis and El Niño weather patterns, combined with weak environmental governance, made it easy for these fires to spread out of control, destroying forests and grasslands.

Industrial-scale land clearances without fire is also a major cause of deforestation, undermining the resilience of communities and ecosystems alike.

With insufficient local and national government support, many people are left to battle fires with little more than shovels and small water bottles. “As elected officials, we feel impotent,” says Verónica Surubí Pesoa, a city councillor in San Javier and Isabel’s sister.

Forest loss in Bolivia and across Latin America is part of a broader worldwide trend. New data released earlier this week by World Resources Institute’s Global Forest Watch found that global forest loss reached record highs in 2024, with almost twice as much tropical primary forest lost in 2024 as in the year before. That is equal to an area larger than Ireland.

Deforestation in the Amazon means warmer temperatures and decreased rainfall, with consequences for farmers and food production. When fire is involved – as it increasingly is – communities report issues from water pollution and smoke, which might increase lung cancer and susceptibility to infections, to disruption to education when schools are forced to close.

Historically heavy rainfall followed Bolivia’s drought and fires in 2024, flooding towns and destroying crops. In the Surubí community, in the country’s tropical dry forest region, they disrupted growing seasons and damaged roads and bridges, further complicating recovery efforts.

Fire – which is not a natural part of tropical ecosystems, as it is in much of Australia, for example – was the leading cause of the loss of tropical primary forest for the first time recorded. Forest loss in tropical regions is especially grave as these ecosystems are some of the world’s most biodiverse and serve as key carbon sinks.

The greenhouse gas emissions from tropical primary forests lost in 2024 alone exceeded the annual carbon emissions of India. Major fires swept Canada and Russia’s boreal forests as well, and overall tree cover loss reached all-time highs across the globe.

Peter Potapov, co-director of the University of Maryland’s GLAD Lab, which collected the data, says: “If this trend continues, it could permanently transform critical natural areas and unleash large amounts of carbon – intensifying climate change and fuelling even more extreme fires.”

Although the loss of vegetation occurs across the world, Latin America has witnessed much of this catastrophe with Brazil losing the most tropical primary forest of any country. The Amazon biome saw its worst decline since 2016, with primary forest loss more than doubling, driven by fires and agricultural expansion.

After a dip in 2023, Colombia’s primary forest loss rose by 50% in 2024, though fires were not the main driver. Joaquin Carrizosa, an adviser for World Resources Institute Colombia, says: “Most of the deforestation dynamics are associated with larger macro-criminal networks interconnected through the basin and … with other countries. This is not just a Colombian problem.”

Loss of primary forest surged elsewhere across Latin America. Fires were the biggest cause in Belize, Guyana, Guatemala and Mexico. Nicaragua lost nearly 5% of its primary forest in 2024 – the highest proportion of any country.

Bolivia’s primary forest loss increased by 200%, reaching 15,000 sq km (6,000 sq miles) in 2024. For the first time, it ranked second to Brazil in tropical primary forest loss and surpassed the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has more than twice its forest area.

This “signals that Bolivia has become a major driver of the global climate and ecological crisis,” says Stasiek Czaplicki Cabezas, a Bolivian environmental economist.

Czaplicki Cabezas says the expansion of industrial-scale farming and cattle ranching, weak enforcement and oversight of environmental regulations, and a legal and political framework that values land conversion over protecting forests drove the increase in Bolivia.

“What makes 2024 particularly severe is the convergence of these structural drivers with a deepening ecological and economic crisis,” he says.

Isabel Surubí Pesoa says of the latest data: “We’re the guardians of our territory, but this is out of our hands.”

Yet, the data showed some successes. In Bolivia’s southern Chaco region, Indigenous communities, public institutions, civil society organisations and volunteer firefighters banded together to protect the tract of land that spans national parks and Indigenous territories.

After a devastating 2019 fire season, they invested in early warning systems and enforced land-use policy better. It helped them successfully fight back the wall of flame that had enveloped nearby areas in 2024 and 2023.

Collaboration across sectors was fundamental, says Arnold, whose Fundación Nativa supported the effort. Just as crucial were the local monitors – mostly Indigenous Guaraní park rangers – who know the area and track conditions all year to enable a fast response.

In San Javier, Isabel and Verónica Surubí Pesoa are looking towards the next fire season. The organisation of Indigenous women Isabel leads is holding workshops to train women in fire prevention and management, and a municipal strategy is being drawn up.

They are also seeking support from conservation organisations to equip a local fire brigade, as the group has no boots, helmets or fire-resistant clothing.

“Last year, we often went to fight the fires in shoes or sandals, and the fire burned them quickly,” she says. “We’re fighting so we don’t have to suffer the fires again.”

[mindblowingscience]

The past five months have shattered global temperature records, taking scientists by surprise. Many are asking why. A new study published in Oxford Open Climate Change, led by renowned U.S. climate scientist James Hansen, suggests one of the main drivers has been an unintentional global geoengineering experiment: the reduction of ship tracks.  As commercial ships move across the ocean, they emit exhaust that includes sulfur. This can contribute to the formation of marine clouds through aerosols — also known as ship tracks — which radiate heat back out into space. However, in 2020, as part of an effort to curb the harmful aerosol pollution released by these ships, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) imposed strict regulations on shipping, reducing sulfur content in fuel from 3.5 per cent to 0.5 per cent. The reduction in marine clouds has allowed more heat to be absorbed into the oceans, accelerating an energy imbalance, where more heat is being trapped than being released. 

Continue Reading.

[bsenvs3000w25]

Blog #5- Understanding and Addressing Climate Change

Hi everyone,

Welcome to my week 5 blog post!

This week, I will explore the significant impacts of climate change on our planet and its effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the future of life on Earth.

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These changes can be natural, such as those caused by volcanic eruptions or they can be human-driven, primarily due to burning fossil fuels. According to the United Nations, since the 1800s, human activity has been the main driver behind the effects of climate change. You may wonder why burning fossil fuels has such a significant impact on our Earth. Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions, which trap the sun's heat and lead to rising global temperatures. Carbon dioxide is the most abundant greenhouse gas emitted by human activity. Sources of these emissions include energy production (such as burning oil, coal, and gas), agriculture, and transportation.

Fun Fact: Did you know that CO2 emissions are the highest they have ever been in the past 2 million years, reaching 420 parts per million (ppm)?

Climate Change and Its Impact on the Earth

Climate change is an ongoing issue that affects our planet in numerous ways. The increased levels of greenhouse gases lead to more frequent and intense weather events, such as storms, floods, extreme heat, droughts, severe cold, and heavy snowfall. Additionally, we are witnessing the effects of ocean acidification as the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, resulting in a drop in pH and putting marine life at risk. You may have noticed these changes in your area. I remember when I was younger, we used to experience much more snow than we do now in the winter!

Climate Change's Impact on Wildlife

Climate change has a significant impact on wildlife threatening many species around the world. Rising temperatures alter vegetation and food sources, forcing animals to migrate beyond their native habitats in search of more suitable conditions. This increases the risk of extinction for many species. Additionally, the growing intensity of extreme weather events has led to significant habitat destruction and loss of life among wildlife populations.

One species that is severely affected by climate change is the polar bear. These animals depend on sea ice for mating, resting and hunting for seals, their primary food source. However, as arctic temperatures rise and ice continues to melt, polar bears must travel greater distances to find food, leading to malnutrition and low reproduction rates. 

Scientists predict that by 2050, two-thirds of the world's polar bear population could disappear.

Graph of changes in arctic sea ice over time

What Can We Do to Help?

There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect our future and our planet's future:

- Use public transit - Carpool - Bike or walk for shorter trips - Recycle and compost - Choose sustainable brands - Planting trees - Use renewable energy

In some cases, it can be difficult to reduce our carbon footprint. Some people may be unable to make specific changes, so it's important to recognize that. For example, if you work far from home, you might need to drive your car to work every day. Switching to solar, wind, or hydropower can be costly and unrealistic for some families. However, small actions, such as recycling, composting, minimizing waste, and choosing more eco-friendly brands, can also be just as effective in reducing our carbon footprint.

Questions for further discussion:

What was the most interesting thing you learned from my post?

What actions would you take to mitigate climate change?

Thanks for reading!

Biona🦋🌸🐻‍❄️

References: Ayesha Tandon, R. P. (2022, December 8). Polar bears and climate change: What does the science say?. Carbon Brief. https://interactive.carbonbrief.org/polar-bears-climate-change-what-does-science-say/index.html 

United Nations. What is climate change?. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change 

Ocean acidification | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2020, April 1). https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-acidification 

[moviesludge]

tagged by @thechurchofsplatterdaysaints

Do you make your bed? Not usually, but oddly enough I did during covid. Something about doing it then made sense to me but I haven't really thought about it. And then I did it when my ex used to nag me about it. I do it sometimes.

Fave number? Don't really care now but I used to like 13 and 14.

What's your job? Unemployed. Would like to be employed but refuse to work a job I hate unless I have no other option. The stress of my last job sucked bad. I help my family though (parents and sister), and there's a lot to do. My dad does absolutely everything and he's 70, so you know. Shit will be changing sooner than later.

Go back to school? I'm not ruling it out.

Can you parallel park? I can. It's weird too, because the first time I ever did it was completely out of necessity and it was a dark night and it was a really small space too. I couldn't believe it when I did it the first time. And I don't consider myself that good of a driver.

Job you had that would surprise people? I guess the most surprising maybe is call center supervisor for eharmony. Or Blockbuster? I dunno.

Aliens real? I feel like the scope of the universe makes this a certainty and it amazes me how many people think it's a ridiculous idea. Talk about main character syndrome!

Can you drive stick? I never had the means to even learn

Guilty pleasure? Eating stuff I know I'm not supposed to (very sparingly!)

Tattoos? no but I think about it sometimes. I feel like I'd get sick of it no matter what it was.

Fave color? too many. earthtones and ryb are up there.

Fave type of music? probably all the stuff in the post-punk/new wave/no wave/power pop sphere. I'm picky about metal, but when I like something I like it a lot. Also been finding out there's a fair amount of rap stuff I dig. I really like soul and funk music and some oldies (50s & 60s, not modern oldies which are 80s).

Do you like puzzles? Word/mind shit, trivia, board games, etc. Yeah I love Jeopardy and I subscribe to NYT games. I do the crosswords, wordle, strands, spelling bee, and connections games every day. I also like nonagrams and I'll do a sudoku once in a while.

Phobias? just making it in the world, especially when my parents are gone. My parents getting sick and/or dying. Climate change causing a global food supply collapse in my lifetime. The U.S. falling fully into fascism. Basically things that are all certain to happen sooner or later

Favorite childhood sport? Basketball and baseball. Never liked playing soccer or football.

Talk to yourself? Yeah mostly when I'm irritated about something.

Movies you adore? Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Evil Dead II, Speed Racer, Starship Troopers, Black Christmas, Bad Santa, My Cousin Vinny, Tremors, Gremlins 2, Better Off Dead, Big Trouble In Little China, Boxer's Omen, Terrorvision, etc

Coffee or Tea? both, but mostly coffee. I tried chai tea recently though and I like it a lot.

1st thing you wanted to be when grew up? The way my mind is, I didn't really think about things this way. All I remember desiring as a kid about being an adult was being on even ground with other adults and being given basic respect instead of being treated like a little kid. Like I wanted to sit on the couch and have my feet touch the floor. I wondered what my face would look like as an adult. The idea of a far off future job was irrelevant to me.

tagging @donnerpartyofone @steamedtangerine @jesusismyhostage

[darkmaga-returns]

“The impact of doubling the CO2 in the atmosphere from 405 parts per million to 820 parts per million IS ZERO.”

The burden of the “net zero” policy insanity falls upon those least able to pay for it – the poor, the elderly and the infirm. The narrative of climate freaks has shifted to “energy security” because their case for “greenhouse gases” has collapsed. 0.04% pf CO2 cannot possibly dominate the other 99.96% of the atmosphere, to raise global temperatures to “global boiling” levels. Neither can 0,00016% of methane or 0,0000333% of nitrous oxide, The case is risible,

Here is a link to a 65-mineut video critique of the UN IPCC’s assumptions used in their climate models.

Paul Linsay: An Analysis of Climate Model Assumptions | Tom Nelson Pod #257

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Asteroid impact sulfur release less lethal in dinosaur extinction

Approximately 66 million years ago, the Chicxulub asteroid, estimated to be 10-15 kilometer in diameter, struck the Yucatán Peninsula (in current-day Mexico), creating a 200-kilometer-wide impact crater. This impact triggered a chain reaction of destructive events including a rapid climate change that eventually led to the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and in total about 75% of species on Earth. The main culprit is most likely the “impact winter”, which was caused by massive release of dust, soot, and sulfur into the atmosphere, leading to extreme cold, darkness, and a collapse in global photosynthesis, with lasting effects on ecosystems for years to decades after impact.

Most previous studies considered sulfur as the most crucial factor in driving the cooling and extinction after the impact event. However, estimates of the volume of sulfate aerosols released from the vaporization of the impacted rocks in Mexico have varied widely over two orders of magnitude from one study to another. This is because such estimates are largely based on uncertain parameters, such as the proportion of sulfur-bearing rocks at the impact location, the size, velocity, and impact angle of the asteroid, and the resulting shock pressures of sulfur-bearing minerals.

In the new study, Katarina Rodiouchkina and colleagues used sulfur concentrations and isotopic compositions from new drill cores of impact rocks within the crater region, combined with detailed chemical profiles across K-Pg boundary sediments around the world. This way, the authors were able to empirically estimate, for the first time, the total amount of sulfur released into the atmosphere due to the Chicxulub asteroid impact event.

“Instead of focusing on the impact event itself, we focused on the aftermath of the impact “, explains chemist Katerina Rodiouchkina. “We first analyzed the sulfur fingerprint of the rocks within the crater region that were the source of sulfate aerosols released into the atmosphere. These sulfate aerosols distributed globally and were eventually deposited from the atmosphere back onto the Earth’s surface in the months to years after impact. The sulfur was deposited around the K-Pg boundary layer in sedimentary profiles all over the world. We used the corresponding change in the isotopic composition of sulfur to distinguish impact-related sulfur from natural sources and the total amount of sulfur released was calculated through mass balance.“

The scientists revealed that a total of 67 ± 39 billion tons of sulfur were released, approximately five times less than previously estimated in numerical models. This suggests a milder "impact winter" than previously believed, leading to a less severe temperature decline and faster climate recovery, which could have contributed to the survival of at least 25% of species on Earth following the event. While sulfur remains the primary driver of global cooling, it is important to note that a recent study by the Royal Observatory of Belgium and VUB suggests a massive plume of micrometer-sized fine dust may have played a crucial role in creating a two-year-long dark period, blocking photosynthesis and further compounding the environmental impacts.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of the world’s leading climate science agencies, has been ordered to identify grants related to global warming and other topics targeted by President Trump’s executive orders, raising fears that those grants are at risk of being canceled.

The instructions were issued on Thursday at the direction of the Commerce Department, which includes NOAA, according to a copy of the document viewed by The New York Times. NOAA staff members were given a list of all “active financial assistant awards” at NOAA and told to identify which of those grants could be “potentially impacted” by one of Mr. Trump’s orders.

One of the directives in question, signed by Mr. Trump the day he took office, is aimed at demolishing federal government programs that address climate change. Based on that order, NOAA staff members have been told to search their existing grants for terms that include “climate science,” “climate crisis,” “clean energy,” “environmental quality” and “pollution.”

The executive orders do not specifically mention NOAA. But Project 2025, the policy blueprint created by the Heritage Foundation that is reflected in many of the actions taken by the Trump administration so far, calls NOAA “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry.” The document urges that NOAA be dismantled and some of its programs terminated. And it calls for the privatization of the National Weather Service, a division of NOAA. Project 2025 was written by many people who now hold senior roles in the administration.

[sublimeobservationarcade]

Resisting AI: Over-Automation Is Not Inevitable

Fighting the politics of inevitability means not assuming that everything happening with technology and commerce is inescapable. Resisting AI: Over-Automation is not inevitable. The main commercial driver behind the uptake of AI is reducing labour costs and getting rid of employees. AI is not automatically a panacea for the world and has to be evaluated by us all, whether it is truly the better option in each instance. Currently, there is this blank acceptance of AI, as this wondrous progress without question. This is a crazy attitude to take when the negative ramifications are predicted at the loss of some 300 million jobs globally. “Artificial intelligence (AI) could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs, a report by investment bank Goldman Sachs says.” - (https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65102150)

AI Can Be Resisted By Consumers

Duolingo, the No 1 worldwide language learning app, was going to replace its human staff with AI. It had begun the process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBIJrMGeePI There has been a lot of push back from the Duolingo community and the replaced workers. https://www.tiktok.com/@marcinteodoru/video/7503672550124309791 Consumers can make their feelings about such wholesale changes and send a message to the owners and management. The thing to remember is that CEOs and company directors in our current climate are laser focused on shareholder returns. This limited viewpoint permeates the commercial and corporate world. Thus, we, as a global society, are being led into massive wholesale restructuring of the companies which employ our labour on the basis of projected savings on labour costs to these businesses via AI automation. “AI is coming for your job, your career; and who invented AI? There is a lot of finger pointing at China but the real enemy is often portrayed as a friend. The American betrayal of humanity is gathering pace and nothing much is halting it. The recent revelations about how Apple funded and trained China are instructional. The piecemeal nature of a neoliberal corporatised world lacks any big picture awareness. Shareholders are the priority for these multinational giants. Greater profitability is the name of the game at whatever cultural cost. Humanity is once again rapidly descending in value for these companies despite being their ultimate reason for existing.” - (https://www.housetherapy.com.au/the-american-betrayal-of-humanity/) Companies Globally Rushing Into AI The decades of neoliberalism, we have experienced, has seen the creation of mega-corporations via mergers and takeovers. Privatization has seen the shifting of public assets worth hundreds of billions moved into private investor hands. The workforce inside these multinational companies is huge. In the current AI arms race, these companies are rushing to invest billions in AI, just in case they get left behind. Is rushing into anything ever a good idea? Competitive forces are impatient to see massive job losses and the replacement by AI. Those who are always focused on the economic bottom line are making out that this is all inevitable. It’s not. Resisting AI: Over-Automation is not inevitable. A Lot Of AI Is Marketing Hype A hell of a lot of stuff written and said about AI is marketing hype. AI is not the best solution for every situation. AI is not inescapably a better option than humans. Bean counters, however, are motivated to see AI as the answer via their limited vision. Making stuff cheaper is not going to be the massive improvement if lots of folk have lost their incomes and can’t afford to buy the products. 300 million job losses will not be magically absorbed and the lost workers will not, at the click of the fingers, find suitable employment alternatives. History tells us this following earlier mass changes to labour like the industrial revolution and the shift from agriculture to manufacturing. Big companies and politicians have been content to let these folk become economic collateral damage in the past. This time it will be the dislocation of hundreds of millions of people. It will break up and destroy families and lives. Yet, the money men say we have to do this so that we can increase productivity and make more money for investors. It is the super wealthy sacrificing the working poor for their own further enrichment. Trump is a sign of this already happening.

Fighting The AI Juggernaut Businessmen, and it is largely men in these positions of power, are not automatically the best people to be making these decisions. These are life changing and mass human being shifts being undertaken for the highly limited reason of making greater shareholder returns. In many ways, this is herd mentality, as these corporate CEOs and bean counters are in a race to automate with AI. Why? So that they can hopefully get a competitive advantage over their competitors. Governments have become cheer leaders spruiking the unerringly positive narrative pushed by the PR companies employed by AI and the multinationals. Who is taking the devil’s advocate position regarding AI? No one or very few and they have no money. However, we the consumers can take up this fight if we are keen to do so. Governments & Corporations The mechanisation of labour in industry has seen huge reductions in jobs in mining, manufacturing and agriculture. Governments usually fall into line behind big corporations on the basis of their capital investments in nations and the jobs they provide their citizens. The reality now, however, is that these jobs are minimal and these corporations do their best to minimise paying tax and royalties, wherever possible. They employ small armies of accountants and lawyers. These corporations have grown massive with the financial clout to threaten governments. Politicians are bought and sold by these companies via lobbying and the revolving door, where very well paid jobs for the boys post politics are dangled attractively. Big business has the ear of government through their campaign donations and presence in the spheres of power. AI is going to cost our nations and communities millions of jobs. Make government accountable about this.

It may look cute but it will take your job! Resist Rather Than Going Quietly As adult human beings, let us not go quietly into the night. Let us not apathetically allow AI automation, which replaces human labour enmasse, to happen without some tough questioning. It does not matter that these are privately owned companies because our governments have allowed privatization to occur over the last few decades. Resisting AI: Over-Automation is not inevitable. It is not necessarily better in every case. Technology is not always best. We are learning that now, slow learners we may be, that social media is not an undeniably improvement culturally. The digital world is full of holes and we are losing billions to scammers every day. Banks no longer look after our money, as our security has been traded aways for convenience instead. Russian bots are manipulating us vis disinformation. AI is making life much easier for scammers and disinformation agents. Much of the Internet is fraudulent. The online space is a portal connecting nefarious realms with you and your assets. The people pushing AI are in it for the money primarily. We are being sold something that will damage permanently hundreds of millions of human beings. Oligarchy is driving us like Bisen over the cliff so that they can replace us with machines. This world is our world as much as it is their world – are we going to fight for it or roll over? Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of America Matters: Pre-apocalyptic Posts & Essays in the Shadow of Trump. ©HouseTherapy

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Solar Inverter Market Drivers Shaping the Path Toward Sustainable Energy

The Solar Inverter Market drivers are crucial in shaping the future of clean energy solutions. With the global push for sustainability and carbon reduction, solar inverters play a pivotal role in harnessing renewable energy efficiently.

Government Incentives and Policy Support: One of the major drivers propelling the Solar Inverter Market is the growing support from governments worldwide. Initiatives like tax credits, feed-in tariffs, and subsidies for solar installations have significantly boosted the adoption of solar inverters. Countries such as the United States, China, and Germany have implemented strong regulatory frameworks that encourage investments in renewable energy projects. This policy support is creating a favorable environment for the solar inverter market to thrive, as both residential and commercial consumers are incentivized to adopt solar technologies.

Increasing Demand for Clean Energy: The rising demand for clean, sustainable energy sources is another key driver in the Solar Inverter Market. As concerns about climate change intensify, both developed and emerging economies are increasingly shifting toward renewable energy. Solar inverters, as the crucial link between solar panels and power grids, are witnessing a surge in demand. This growing emphasis on environmental sustainability is expected to continue driving the market forward, creating new opportunities for manufacturers and investors alike.

Technological Advancements in Inverter Design: Technological innovations in solar inverter designs are also accelerating market growth. Modern inverters are becoming more efficient, compact, and reliable, making them attractive options for residential and commercial applications. Features like smart grid compatibility, real-time monitoring, and advanced power conversion capabilities are enhancing the performance and appeal of solar inverters. Such advancements are not only improving energy efficiency but also reducing overall system costs, making solar power more accessible and viable for a wide range of consumers.

Rapid Urbanization and Industrial Expansion: The surge in urbanization and industrial activities across the globe is increasing the demand for reliable and efficient energy solutions. Solar inverters are critical components in ensuring a steady supply of electricity, especially in regions with limited access to the main power grid. As more industries and urban developments prioritize renewable energy sources, the demand for high-quality solar inverters continues to rise, further propelling market growth.

Declining Costs of Solar Inverter Systems: Another notable driver in the Solar Inverter Market is the decreasing cost of solar inverter systems. Innovations in manufacturing processes and economies of scale have led to significant price reductions over the past decade. This cost-effectiveness is making solar power more appealing to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. As the price of solar inverters becomes more competitive, more consumers are likely to invest in solar energy systems, driving market expansion.

Rising Investments and Partnerships: The influx of investments and strategic partnerships within the solar industry is also a key market driver. Major energy companies and technology providers are collaborating to develop advanced solar inverter solutions and expand their global reach. These partnerships not only accelerate technological innovation but also ensure a broader distribution of solar inverters worldwide. As a result, market players are gaining access to new markets and customer segments, boosting the overall growth of the Solar Inverter Market.

Growing Focus on Grid Stability and Energy Security: With the increasing integration of renewable energy into power grids, maintaining grid stability and energy security has become paramount. Solar inverters equipped with grid-support functionalities are gaining traction as they help stabilize power flow and ensure reliable energy supply. This growing focus on energy security is further driving the adoption of advanced solar inverters, reinforcing their role in modern energy infrastructure.

Conclusion: In summary, the drivers fueling the Solar Inverter Market are varied and interlinked, encompassing government incentives, environmental concerns, technological advancements, and cost competitiveness. These factors are not only boosting demand but also encouraging continuous innovation and expansion in the industry. As the world transitions toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, the Solar Inverter Market is set to play a pivotal role in achieving a greener future.

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Microgrid Market: Key Drivers Fueling Rapid Growth and Widespread Adoption in the Global Energy Sector

Microgrid Market Drivers: Catalysts of a Decentralized Energy Future

The microgrid market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by a confluence of technological advancements, policy support, and a global shift towards sustainable and resilient energy systems. Microgrids—localized, self-sustaining energy networks capable of operating independently or in conjunction with the main grid—are emerging as pivotal solutions to address the evolving energy landscape. This article delves into the primary drivers propelling the microgrid market forward.

1. Integration of Renewable Energy Sources

The escalating demand for clean energy solutions is a significant catalyst for microgrid adoption. Microgrids facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass, enabling communities to harness local resources efficiently. This integration not only reduces dependence on centralized fossil fuel-based power but also contributes to achieving carbon reduction targets. For instance, solar photovoltaic (PV) microgrids are gaining traction, with projections indicating a strong compound annual growth rate over the next decade.

2. Enhancing Energy Resilience and Reliability

Microgrids play a crucial role in bolstering energy resilience, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters or grid instability. By operating in island mode during outages, microgrids ensure continuous power supply to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, emergency services, and communication networks. This capability is increasingly vital as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

3. Advancements in Energy Storage Technologies

The evolution of energy storage systems, particularly lithium-ion batteries, has significantly enhanced the viability of microgrids. These advancements allow for efficient energy storage during periods of low demand, which can then be utilized during peak hours or outages, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing costs.

4. Government Incentives and Policy Support

Governments worldwide are recognizing the strategic importance of microgrids in achieving energy security and sustainability goals. Incentives such as tax credits, grants, and favorable regulations are being implemented to encourage microgrid development. For example, many countries have launched funding programs and supportive policies to accelerate the deployment of decentralized energy solutions.

5. Rural Electrification and Remote Area Power Supply

In developing regions, microgrids offer a pragmatic solution to the challenge of providing electricity to remote and underserved communities. By leveraging local renewable resources, microgrids can deliver reliable power without the need for extensive and costly grid infrastructure. This approach is particularly pertinent in areas where traditional grid expansion is logistically or economically unfeasible.

6. Cybersecurity and Grid Protection

The increasing frequency of cyberattacks on national grids has underscored the need for more secure and resilient energy systems. Microgrids, with their decentralized nature, offer enhanced protection against such threats by isolating critical infrastructure and preventing widespread disruptions. This aspect is becoming increasingly important as digital threats to energy infrastructure continue to evolve.

7. Economic Considerations and Cost Savings

Microgrids can lead to significant cost savings by reducing energy losses associated with long-distance transmission and distribution. They also provide opportunities for energy trading and demand response, allowing communities and businesses to optimize energy costs. The economic benefits, coupled with declining costs of renewable technologies, make microgrids an attractive investment for both public and private sectors.

8. Technological Innovations and Smart Grid Integration

Advancements in control systems, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are transforming microgrids into intelligent, self-regulating entities. These innovations enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated decision-making, enhancing the efficiency and performance of microgrid systems. Moreover, integration with smart grids facilitates seamless communication and coordination between microgrids and the main grid, optimizing overall energy management.

9. Community Empowerment and Localized Energy Control

Microgrids empower communities by providing greater control over their energy resources. This autonomy fosters local engagement and participation in energy decision-making processes, leading to more tailored and effective energy solutions. Initiatives like community-owned solar microgrids exemplify how localized energy systems can enhance resilience and promote sustainability at the grassroots level.

10. Commercial and Industrial Adoption

Businesses are increasingly adopting microgrids to mitigate the risks associated with power outages and to manage energy costs more effectively. The trend toward “Bring Your Own Power” (BYOP) illustrates how companies are investing in private microgrids to ensure operational continuity and energy independence.

Conclusion

The microgrid market is poised for significant expansion, driven by a combination of technological advancements, policy support, and a collective move towards sustainable and resilient energy systems. As communities, businesses, and governments continue to recognize the multifaceted benefits of microgrids, their adoption is expected to become increasingly prevalent, shaping the future of energy distribution and consumption.

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Mycelium Market Trends: The Future of Fungi in Global Commerce

The global shift toward sustainable innovation has opened new doors for unconventional yet highly promising materials. One such breakthrough is mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi—which is increasingly finding its place in various industries. The Mycelium Market is experiencing significant growth as industries adopt eco-friendly solutions to replace synthetic and environmentally harmful materials.

The Growing Importance of the Mycelium Market

The Mycelium Market is no longer a niche segment. It is rapidly becoming a central focus of sustainable development strategies across sectors such as packaging, construction, fashion, and food. With its remarkable properties—biodegradability, renewability, strength, and low carbon footprint—mycelium is offering a compelling alternative to traditional materials like plastic, leather, and polystyrene.

Estimates project that the global Mycelium Market will witness strong growth in the coming years, driven by increasing awareness, regulatory pressure, and technological advancements. As global industries aim to reduce their environmental impact, mycelium stands out as a natural and scalable solution.

Key Drivers Behind Mycelium Market Growth

1. Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Goals: With climate change and plastic pollution becoming global concerns, companies are actively seeking green alternatives. Mycelium-based products, being fully biodegradable, align perfectly with these sustainability goals. The Mycelium Market benefits greatly from this trend as industries transition toward eco-friendly raw materials.

2. Government Policies and Regulations: Stricter environmental regulations are compelling industries to reduce their reliance on non-renewable and polluting materials. Many governments are encouraging the adoption of sustainable technologies, which is directly contributing to the growth of the Mycelium Market.

3. Technological Innovation: Advances in biotechnology have made it feasible to cultivate and mold mycelium for commercial use. From custom packaging to durable leather alternatives, technological progress is unlocking new possibilities for the Mycelium Market.

Major Applications Fueling Market Expansion

Packaging Solutions: One of the most successful commercial applications of mycelium is in packaging. Traditional plastic packaging is a leading contributor to global waste, but mycelium offers a biodegradable and compostable alternative. The Mycelium Market is gaining momentum as businesses in the electronics, cosmetics, and food industries switch to fungal packaging to reduce their environmental footprint.

Fashion and Textiles: The fashion industry is undergoing a sustainability revolution, and mycelium-based leather is at the forefront. Soft, strong, and cruelty-free, mycelium leather is being adopted by top fashion brands looking to meet consumer demands for ethical products. As this trend continues, the Mycelium Market in textiles is expected to flourish.

Construction Materials: In architecture, mycelium is used to produce insulation panels, bricks, and composites. These materials are lightweight, fire-resistant, and naturally insulating. As the green building movement grows, the Mycelium Market is likely to see increased demand in the construction sector.

Food and Nutrition: Mycelium is also gaining recognition in the food industry, particularly as a meat substitute. Mycelium-based products offer a high-protein, low-fat, and sustainable alternative to traditional animal-based foods. This trend is pushing the Mycelium Market into mainstream food technology.

Opportunities and Challenges

Despite its promising outlook, the Mycelium Market faces a few hurdles. The main challenge lies in scalability—producing mycelium at an industrial scale requires precise environmental controls and infrastructure. Additionally, while awareness is growing, widespread consumer knowledge and trust still need to be developed.

However, these challenges also bring opportunities. Increased investment in research and development, along with partnerships between biotech startups and large corporations, can help overcome scalability issues. Moreover, as education around sustainability increases, so too will consumer demand—further boosting the Mycelium Market.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the Mycelium Market is well-positioned to play a major role in the transition to a sustainable economy. With its diverse applications, strong environmental benefits, and growing acceptance across industries, mycelium could become a core material of the 21st century.

Governments, corporations, and consumers are all playing a part in this transformation. As more businesses adopt circular economy principles and seek alternatives to traditional materials, the Mycelium Market is expected to grow exponentially.

Conclusion

In the evolving landscape of global commerce, mycelium is no longer just a biological curiosity—it is a commercial powerhouse. The Mycelium Market represents the future of sustainable innovation, offering solutions that are both eco-friendly and economically viable. As industries around the world embrace fungi-based technologies, mycelium is set to redefine the way we think about materials, production, and the planet.