By Tom Molloy
On February 5th, the New York Times reported that Earth as a whole had its warmest January on record.
It was a surprise to scientists. It occurred during La Niña conditions which tend to lower temporarily the average temperature of Earth. Carbon emissions, the byproduct of burning coal, gas and oil, which remain the main driver of global warming, reached record high levels in both 2023 and 2024 despite the endless United Nations goals to rein them in.
James Hansen, the famed former NASA scientist, sadly argues that cutting pollution also plays a big role in causing global warming to accelerate. Air pollution particles that we spew into the air spur the formation of more and brighter clouds, which help shield Earth from the Sun. When we reduce these particles, cloud formation is reduced, and the planet is exposed to the full force of greenhouse warming. He reminds us that the U.N.’s approach to meeting its climate goals still counts on societies to slash their carbon emissions in the coming decades. Those goals now look “impossible” to achieve, Dr. Hansen said, “unless some miracle occurs that we don’t understand.”
After China, the biggest carbon emitter in the world is the United States, who – eyes wide open – re-elected Donald Trump as President. His policies will greatly increase carbon emissions from last year, as green initiatives are dumped and fossil fuels are mined with gusto. Rolling Stone reported on February 2 that Trump signed nine executive orders aiming to sabotage climate solutions.
The Rolling Stone article reminds us that in the Trump years we must pursue climate solutions at the personal, local, city, county and state levels. If you don’t know where to start they encourage us to work with Sunrise Movement, Third Act (senior activists, which I can vouch for) Citizens Climate Lobby, 350.org, Surfrider and the Sierra Club.
Shockingly, manmade global climate change barely registered as a concern for U.S. voters last year. Sadly, it’s a good time to be older….
