Sorry, I can’t get excited about International Women’s Day, and this is not new for me. I wrote this blog during the pandemic and amazingly, it’s even worse for women now! The War on DEI, the War on Woke, the War on Women, it’s all the same thing – putting women and minorities in their place. And what is replacing it?
Well, nothing, it’s more of the same except with less rights, because the answer to all our problems is ‘high status males!’ And if you’re a bloke reading this, I can guarantee you’re not one of them, which is why this isn’t a female issue, it’s an everyone issue.
And it’s a REALLY important issue, because considering all the challenges the world is facing at the moment, it is because of the historical actions and decisions of these very same type of males. Now they are pushing for more of the same, but it’s going to be a little bit or a lot worse for women and minorities now.
I don’t know, perhaps giving them the power to lead us isn’t a smart idea for our collective future? It’s certainly taking away any joy for International Women’s Day this year, but I will keep fighting, we must all fight like hell to change this path now my friends.
Just nuts The Pentagon’s DEI panic – The Atlantic
Salesforce, really? Salesforce Cuts Diversity Hiring Goals Amid DEI Backlash – Business Insider
Here’s a little video I did this week, not for IWD25, but it certainly fits with the message.
As we look to the future, I know a lot of people are scared, but I’ll tell you something for nothing – equality is REALLY important as climate breakdown escalates – really important! Why? Well, the people most impacted are women and girls and therefore, they must have a seat at the table where ALL decisions are being made.
Learn all about it in this UNFCC report – New Report: Why Climate Change Impacts Women Differently Than Men | UNFCCC.
Climate Justice, which is a big target in the war on DEI, is critical to ensure women and girls are taken care of and factored into decisions moving forward. The only way to ensure they are cared for is if they have a seat at the decision-making tables, along with ALL minority groups, and our indigenous brothers and sisters. If we do not do this, the suffering will be unbearable.
The truth is our current capitalist system creates two related crises: ecological decline and social injustice. That’s why capitalism – in its current form – must go. In the meantime, the US is leading the world in denying both crisis’ and it’s certainly not gearing up to support women or minority groups. Just look at how it ripped US AID apart, and here’s another recent example from an ecological perspective: Indonesia’s US$20 billion coal phase-out pact hit by US pull-out | News | Eco-Business | Asia Pacific.
They do realize coal use “over there” impacts American’s too, right? Right?
For now, as it’s IWD25, let’s focus primarily on the risks to women and girls due to climate change:
- Global south economies remain heavily reliant on the agricultural and forestry sectors, which predominantly employ women. Therefore, all weather impacts in these sectors impact women more than men
- Men in poorer countries often move to cities for work, which means women are left behind to manage in rural communities, where they deal with drought and food insecurity, extreme heat, floods, violence, and more
- Climate change impacts agricultural productivity, not only in reducing food availability and quality, it also compromises women’s finances and therefore, opportunities, including taking care of their own health
- Energy poverty impacts women the most and makes it more challenging to create a pollution-free home, cook for their families, provide clean drinking water, etc…
- Loss of pregnancies due to extreme heat for outdoor workers, predominantly impacting women in agricultural or forestry work, or in factories not suitable for heat
- Exposure to more toxins and pollution in both wealthy and poor countries, which consistently impacts poorer neighbourhoods in wealthier nations (not just women), particularly where people of colour live (aka cancer alley). Locals here face an “elevated risk” of cancer, with women facing miscarriages, high-risk pregnancies, infertility, poor health of newborns, respiratory ailments, and cancer. Places like this are all over the world, but they are not openly discussed in mainstream media
- More child marriage as families struggle to recover from extreme weather events, so selling daughters is often the only option
- More violence towards women and girls, which is common after extreme weather events in rich countries and poor, but also because women and girls in developing countries must go further from home to collect essentials like firewood, water, etc…
- Risk of human and sexual slavery is massively increasing – not just a risk in the global south, as was reported from the UK this week
- There are currently 122.6 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, more than half are women and girls. One in five experiences sexual violence, and the number of displaced people will only continue to rise. No government is preparing for this reality, we are going in the opposite direction. Women and girls will suffer the most
I could continue, but the point here is, at a time when the world is massively stepping back from diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as the biggest historical polluter refusing to pay its share, that’s not a good sign. NOW is exactly the time when we should be completely embracing all of it, for the good of all life on this planet.
I often wonder if everyone is starting to realize how grim our future is starting to look, based on the direction we are now firmly headed in? We don’t have to go in this direction either, that’s the saddest part. We still have time to define a different future, not much time to be sure, but there’s still some.
In other news…
Read this article on Ukraine Ukraine Without America: How Kyiv Can Persist in the Face of a Hostile Washington.
Listen to this podcast on the four options open to Ukraine – The Four Outcomes For Ukraine–The Rest Is Politics.
I’ll quickly summarize, because it’s important
- Ukraine fights alone
- European troops intervene without U.S. backing
- A U.S.-backed security guarantee
- Trump accepts Putin’s terms
Answering the question, why is fighting the war in Ukraine better for Europe? They offer eight insights – and this is important knowledge.
1. It provides a buffer zone against Russia, because if Ukraine falls, Russia will gain a direct border with NATO members like Poland, Slovakia, and Romania, increasing the risk of further aggression.
2. Avoids a larger future war, because if Russia conquers Ukraine, it will not stop there. Putin has already threatened Moldova, the Baltics, and Poland, therefore stopping Russia in Ukraine is far less costly than fighting them directly in NATO territory, which could trigger World War III under Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
3. Utilizing Ukraine’s military strength – right now, Ukraine has a motivated and experienced army that has been fighting Russia effectively. Supporting Ukraine means Europe benefits from Ukrainian troops doing the fighting, rather than risking mass European casualties in a direct confrontation with Russia.
4. Preventing Russian military expansion – this is very important. If Ukraine is lost, Russia gains access to Ukraine’s military industry, economy, and manpower, making it stronger for future wars. A Russian victory would embolden Putin to continue challenging the West, potentially targeting NATO countries next.
5. Economic and political stability in Europe – a Russian-controlled Ukraine would create a permanent crisis in Europe, leading to:
- Massive refugee waves as Ukrainians flee occupation.
- Disruptions to European energy and food security (Ukraine is a major grain exporter).
- Increased Russian leverage over Europe via economic and military threats.
6. Deterring China and other authoritarian states, like Iran – not so convinced of this, but yes on ugliness expanding around the world. Why not? No one will stop you.
7. A cheaper option for Europe than war on NATO territory – supporting Ukraine financially and militarily is far cheaper than a direct war between NATO and Russia. If NATO must fight Russia later, it would cost trillions of euros and countless lives.
8. Preserving international law and European values – allowing Russia to conquer Ukraine by force undermines international law, sets a precedent for borders being changed through military aggression, and weakens democracy in the region.
Essentially, supporting Ukraine now prevents a bigger war later and keeps the fight away from NATO territory. If Ukraine falls, Europe faces a stronger Russia, a direct military threat, and higher long-term costs. Can someone please tell Trump? He really is the Mad King…
Europe’s shock
Well discussed in this article A Europe in Emotional Shock Grapples With a New Era – The New York Times
Poland is getting ready
Alarmed by Trump, Poland Must Look at Nuclear Options, Premier Says – The New York Times
UPDATE: Poland to offer military training for all adult men, says PM
I’m concerned for India
In recent weeks, I’ve read three articles on India that leave me very concerned. These different layers of challenges indicate collapse is imminent, or am I missing something?
There Are Three Indias – And They Are Growing Apart Every Second – The Wire
Nifty, Sensex: India middle-class jitters amid stock market rout
India: A billion people have no real money to spend, says report
Musk
He’s everywhere in the news, and well, this couldn’t happen to a nicer guy Elon Musk’s Net Worth Is Down $121 Billion From December Peak.
Worth knowing – What Ketamine Does to the Human Brain – The Atlantic
And You Can See When Elon Musk Actually Sleeps by Analyzing His Tweets, and It’s Terrifying
Cyclone Alfred
Well, it was downgraded before making landfall and the flood potential over the next few days could be horrendous, but it certainly left a lot of damage behind. Definitely not over. Tropical Cyclone Alfred live updates: Cyclone to make landfall on Saturday | news.com.au
Meanwhile…
Nature’s timing is drastically changing due to extreme weather – Earth.com
Earth’s Strongest Ocean Current Could Slow by 20% as Antarctica Melts : ScienceAlert
Global sea ice hit record low in February, scientists say | Sea ice | The Guardian
Antarctic sea ice falls to near-record low as study reveals ‘structural change’ – ABC News
We’ve failed to stop climate change — this is what we need to do next
There is PLENTY more in the reads this week, including a lot on the climate crisis. Before I sign off, a thought to leave you with. Historically, when humanity goes through hard times, we have a tendency to move towards authoritarianism. Strongman-style leadership appeals when everything feels so impossible.
But history always shows that totalitarian, authoritarian, fascist, etc… type leaders never deliver the goods, never solve the problems, and all they guarantee is immense suffering, which can often last for decades or more than a century. With the planetary crisis in the mix, the guaranteed outcome is even more dire.
So please, vote for strength AND compassion. Vote for leaders who understand the gravity of the situation we are in and are committed to doing all they can to solve it. Vote for leaders who respect the need for DEI representation at every table where decisions are being made. Vote for that. Anything else just ushers in the end of human civilization as we know it. Not being dramatic, that is where we are.
A final recommendation – read this: The Butterfly’s Choice Michael Haupt on LinkedIn – perhaps a vision you can get behind?
Favorite visual or meme
This is called “Hypocrisy”
Well, you know…
Did you notice Musk worse a suit at the Whitehouse this week?
I’d suggest he’s got more than two #JustSayin
My content and my pals
It was The Know Show this week, and it was terrific to have Michael Chua on for the first time and Michael I agree with you, we must have peace. Let’s hope common sense prevails.
I’ve been in rooms with people like this. It’s truly astonishing!
Dig into the news
Plenty more to read, listen to or watch, so do click through to the reads at the image below, and a reminder, this platform has articles going back weeks, so have a scan and read/watch/listen to whatever jumps out at you.
Let me know what caught your attention? Or share with me what has your attention now? There’s a lot going on, which means none of us can cover everything. Besides, it’s always great to get feedback so I know I’m delivering something of value.
Cheers
Andrea
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