No question it’s chaotic out there, but as I always say – breath, pause, and take your time to understand it. Rarely anything worth paying attention to comes out fast, because it requires deep analysis and thought to create to something meaningful. Everyone was surprised by what happened – the extent of the tariffs was unexpected – which means no one is fully prepared to comment instantly, so take your time here. It’ll keep you sane.
As we know, on all issues today, many are quick to share opinions, many of them unqualified to comment, and that adds to the overwhelm. So much nonsense, which means there’s not enough time to listen to anything worthy. We also miss the importance of nuance, which is always important, no matter the issue.
Regardless, the world has changed, and if you didn’t believe it before, this week should leave us all in no doubt. That means the road ahead is long, uncertain and the potential paths are many, so we watch, wait and prepare, always remembering good wins out in the end. Let’s hope that doesn’t take too long.
My biggest recommendation right now is don’t step into fear. It is completely useless and will only cripple you. I was speaking with one of my son’s about fear this week and he completely got it. When you sit in fear you can’t make rational decisions, you can’t see other possibilities, and you can’t hope for something better. Go and join a community, act to repair your local environment and let that community feed your soul while the world’s leaders sort this mess out.
When it comes to tariffs, we’re going to hear A LOT about it, so it’s important to wait for the experts to comment, however, I did find this take interesting. I love people who go deep and wide for their knowledge.
If you know anything about Gartner, the IT research firm, this is good!
Another interesting piece – insider trading anyone? It’s Interesting How Truth Social Moved to Sell Stock Right Before Trump’s Tariffs Were Announced.
Did you see this aspect to the tariff news, that it was created by ChaptGPT, or another AI – I’d presume it would have been GROK, no? Trump’s new tariff math looks a lot like ChatGPT’s | The Verge.
Initially, costs will be borne by US citizens, but it’s sure to spread. Here’s the products expected to be impacted. Maybe stock up on necessities now if you can? Here’s what could soon cost you a lot more because of Trump’s massive tariffs | CNN Business.
And of course, the greatest meme action was around penguins this week, here’s more on why that happened and I’ll put some of the great memes below – ‘Nowhere on Earth is safe’: Trump imposes tariffs on uninhabited islands near Antarctica | Trump tariffs | The Guardian.
What else is going on around the world?
Wil Sudan soon find peace again? We’ve got to hope so. This has been a gruesome civil war Khartoum, Sudan: The BBC goes inside burnt-out shell of capital.
Israel and Gaza, when will this madness stop? LIVE: Outrage at Israeli attack on Gaza medics grows as new video emerges.
Russia and Ukraine too – far too many children being killed! Kryvyi Rih: Children among 18 killed in Russian attack on Zelensky’s home city.
When it comes to religion, as the polycrisis deepens, more will join/re-join faith groups, because it offers a place for community and hope. You’d think that’s a good thing, but there are many ways to practise, some of it not good for all of us, and well, this move is already happening in the US.
Why is it always extreme right wingers and conspiracy theorists who are the most revolting humans? Honestly, watching how things are going, violence towards women is set to increase. Please make sure your daughters are enrolled in self-defence training and teach them how to spot a bastard – UK comedian Russell Brand faces rape, sexual assault charges | Sexual Assault News | Al Jazeera.
On climate
This is a great piece of work by Grist, digging into various aspects of the mining sector, especially in regards to sustainability – Unearthed: The Mining Issue – Grist | Grist.
Australia has been hammered by record floods, with more than 150,000 cows, sheep, goats and more, perishing. I’ve also heard reports it could hit one million livestock deaths. Devastating for the farmers. However, another piece of news in Australia this week, Sydney slammed by a King Tide, and here’s some of the impact.
In the ‘my content section’ below, I’ve shared a blog following recent insurance industry commentary on the climate emergency, but the banks are also talking about the impact on the global economy. This is interesting, as under Trump, a lot of the financial institutions are going quiet and withdrawing from agreements – Big banks predict catastrophic warming, with profit potential – E&E News by POLITICO.
When we refuse to act in the richest countries in the world, this is the impact in the poorest countries. We must reduce our lifestyles significantly if we have any chance. If you’re buying 100 new items of clothing a year, flying all over the world, driving, eating excessive amounts of red meat, etc… you’re not reducing your lifestyle – In Kenya, girls are sold into marriage to stave off starvation from drought | Drought News | Al Jazeera.
Interesting insight from Central Asia and the coordinated actions the region is taking. Not surprising, considering it’s a water starved region. It’s good news and a sign of things to come – regions working together on the issues that matter for their people – Central Asia at the forefront of the fight against climate change and Uzbekistan’s regional policy | Euronews.
Love your Bitcoin? Getting rich? Do you understand the cost to a live-able planet? No? Well, here you go – The environmental burden of the United States’ bitcoin mining boom | Nature Communications.
This is a great listen. Water wars have already started, but listen to how much water you consume, not just how much you use for cooking, drinking or in the bathroom, but from how much water is used to get that steak or rice on your plate – The Coming Crisis: Water, Not Oil | Fresh Air Archive: Interviews with Terry Gross.
We must fix this for our kids
Finishing with this today. Social media is having such a negative impact on our children, and it is beyond time we stood up and said no more. Between AI, social media, the climate emergency, and all other aspects of the nine planetary boundaries, we are not doing right by our kids. It’s time to correct that.
Stay sane, act locally, and let’s come together to build a better world for all life on this planet. Our leaders are not going to do it for us. They’re showing us that truth every day, so it’s up to us, OK? Are you with me?
Favorite visual or meme
I always enjoy collecting these, but can’t attribute them, unless they have an artist on the image. I hope you enjoy them too.
My favourite from this particular challenge!
After the supreme court vote – nice!
The penguin competition was feirce!
Winner?
We’ll see this image A LOT!!
Chortle!
My content and my pals
Great April 1st post by Robin Hicks. It was amazing how many got caught out this week across the board – US university opens world’s first college of climate delay | LinkedIn.
Interestingly, I thought this was an April 1st joke, then it turns out cockroach milk is a thing! Who knew? Then again, considering I’ve lived in Asia for more than two decades, I should have known.
I wrote a LONG social media post on some important news, worth our attention, and because we’re having a short break from The Know Show and Climate Courage, I wanted to share it. Because social media posts get lost, adding it into a blog and cleaning it up a little bit –From rising oceans to failing systems: a call for climate courage – Uncommon Courage – An Invitation.
Someone else is on my wavelength!
I also shared this visual this week, summarizing the key points following the release of this report – Over a billion pounds of Coke plastic waste to enter waterways: Study.
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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