In conversation w a friend, she was surprised when I said we won't have electricity after social collapse. She asked "why? What happens to electricity?"
I had to then explain that infrastructure needs people to maintain and if things fall apart, nobody will keep the generators going or the wires in check. She seemed surprised by this.
Is this why people don't seem worried about what's coming? They have no idea???
I was trying to hide my shock that I had to explain this to someone who isn't a child. I think I take too much for granted and assume too much of people's ability to be logical.
Now her obsession with social issues at the expense of #ClimateCrisis makes sense. I was always wondering how someone on the left would not care about collapse. I have tried to explain before that as much as I share her concerns about the many dire issues that do need dealing with, none of it matters if climate change causes collapse. Then we won't have social housing, or equity, or any of the other things she cares about. (she was even part of a group that protested demanding "affordable gas")
Her look of shock finally helped me realize that she has absolutely no idea what #ClimateCollapse means. No idea. I've been arguing with her all these years and she's had no idea.
I don't even know what to say.
There's no way she's the only one. Lots of well intentioned people say "yes climate is important but....".
I am here to tell you that none of those other issues will even exist in the face of climate and social collapse.
I don't know if the average person can even imagine the number of deaths that we are facing when the society we built loses electricity.
Let’s get personal, shall we? I’ve been here a while now, and as I’m feeling quite comfortable at Mastodon, I’d like to share a bit more about myself beyond my passion for the climate and the environment.
To begin with, I’m a male, he/him, hetero, strongly supporting LGBTQ rights. I’m a baby boomer, born at 312 PPM 🌏, a United Statesian, although I lived in Europe (mostly Hungary) for several years, and traveled extensively for work before retiring in 2012. I’ve never been good at sustaining long-term romantic relationships, and I’ve finally settled into comfortable singlehood.
I like to say I’m made of contrasts.
For example, I’m rather funny and quite personable, but I don’t enjoy small talk and I hate parties. I currently live in the Bible Belt, but I’m an outspoken atheist. While I can easily fit into most social situations, I don’t feel comfortable around large groups and prefer being alone most of the time. I live near two huge military bases, but I detest the USA’s militaristic, troop-worshiping culture. I’m almost always cheerful, which masks my deeply felt existential nihilism. I’m a neat freak, but also rather lazy, preferring fun over work.
I’ll finish up with some hashtags to add flavor...
It’s really quite simple to understand: conservatives hate renewables because they can’t be manipulated like oil and gas to generate obscene profits while impoverishing non rich people.
Sunak knows he’s lying to the country when he says delaying the switch away from child killing, planet wrecking filthy fossil fuels will save consumers money.
It won’t. The Saudi and Russian donors to the Tory Party get to gouge us for another 5 years.
Looks like my area will be back to dangerously unhealthy air quality levels tomorrow because of the #wildfires in Canada. The air is already getting hazy again. Sigh.
I'm weirdly grateful that being #CovidCautious has prepared me for this because I have N95 masks and air filters, but I also worry about those who aren't as privileged. I also think it's appalling how obvious the need for both #ClimateChange action and improved ventilation are, yet we seem to be sliding backwards on these issues instead of addressing them with the urgency we need.
Anyway, I hope everyone is staying safe, and #WearAMask!
A bit I didn't include at the end of my #LotR / #climate analogy is that Frodo (or your average person living through #ClimateCollapse) doesn't succumb to the Morgul blade (#doomerism) but he's never the same even after bringing the Ring to Mordor.
Dude has major PTSD, has Seen Things & can't enjoy life the way he used to. He even tells Sam that he's saved the Shire, but not for him.
Things will never be the same, even after the day has been saved. But things will be. & that matters. A lot.
Climate Collapse Could Happen Fast
As temperature and weather records fall, Earth may be nearing so-called tipping points
A growing number of climate scientists believe we may be careening toward tipping points, where incremental steps along the same trajectory could push Earth’s systems into abrupt or irreversible change—leading to transformations that cannot be stopped even if emissions were suddenly halted
...
I'd really like to know if the #CanadianWildfires at least are leading to some collective awareness for #ClimateEmergency among the canadian citizens.
I really need to know, for not losing the rest of my hope in this worldwide #ClimateCollapse nightmare we are heading into.
So... next election i will (again) only vote for a party who has #climatechange front and centre stage bc any party that doesn't take #climatecollapse seriously is an absolute joke
"Natural gas producers are planning for a significant spike in demand over the next decade, as artificial intelligence drives a surge in electricity consumption that renewables may struggle to meet alone." #AI#climate#ClimateCollapse#environment
I was just thinking: is mountain biking the "extreme" / action sport most likely to survive after The Collapse™?
Cities will be too dirty for skateboarding and rollerblading, snowboarding and skiing require both snow and access to high altitudes. Maybe BMX will also have a chance in rubble filled cities?
Am i the only person wondering about these things?