(Image: Jared Rodriguez / Truthout)Truthout staff writer Dahr Jamail talks about the devastating and accelerating impacts of anthropogenic climate disruption globally and how those impacts are being intensified in New Mexico by the policies of Gov. Susana Martinez’s radically corporatist administration.
The data on climate change suggests we’re past the point of no return in terms of reversing its effects. Droughts, torrential rain, rising sea levels, melting ice caps mean by the beginning of the next century, whole regions of our planet will be uninhabitable by humans and other life forms. Formerly fertile farmlands will be deserts; coastlines where major economic centers are located will be swallowed up by the oceans and rising global temperatures will make heat waves extremely deadly in many parts of the globe. Nowadays, if a region on our planet experiences extreme climate change or a powerful weather event, it’s a tragedy that can be addressed either with international cooperation, or with public/private money for rebuilding after hurricanes or relocation due to drought. However, when extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change occur across the planet with greater frequency and roughly at the same time, these crises will trigger large-scale conflicts, as people get desperate for food and water. The ability of governments around the world to address the needs of whole populations affected by a global crisis like climate change will wane – so will their ability to engage in multiple wars to protect their resources and economic interests. If this is not a threat that politicians, business leaders and citizens recognize as more devastating to “our way of life” than terrorist attacks, then such short-sightedness will surely lead to consequences that are far worse than the kind of violence a terrorist cell can create.
The United States, China and India are the top three contributors to CO2 emissions in the world, yet these countries are doubling down on the very industries that emit pollutants that sully our environment and increase the effects of climate change. Truthout staff writer, Dahr Jamail, has written extensively on the changes in our climate, and on “Truthout Interviews,” he highlights how the current levels of CO2 and other pollutants are having a deleterious effect on the land, air, and water around the world.
Help us Prepare for Trump’s Day One
Trump is busy getting ready for Day One of his presidency – but so is Truthout.
Trump has made it no secret that he is planning a demolition-style attack on both specific communities and democracy as a whole, beginning on his first day in office. With over 25 executive orders and directives queued up for January 20, he’s promised to “launch the largest deportation program in American history,” roll back anti-discrimination protections for transgender students, and implement a “drill, drill, drill” approach to ramp up oil and gas extraction.
Organizations like Truthout are also being threatened by legislation like HR 9495, the “nonprofit killer bill” that would allow the Treasury Secretary to declare any nonprofit a “terrorist-supporting organization” and strip its tax-exempt status without due process. Progressive media like Truthout that has courageously focused on reporting on Israel’s genocide in Gaza are in the bill’s crosshairs.
As journalists, we have a responsibility to look at hard realities and communicate them to you. We hope that you, like us, can use this information to prepare for what’s to come.
And if you feel uncertain about what to do in the face of a second Trump administration, we invite you to be an indispensable part of Truthout’s preparations.
In addition to covering the widespread onslaught of draconian policy, we’re shoring up our resources for what might come next for progressive media: bad-faith lawsuits from far-right ghouls, legislation that seeks to strip us of our ability to receive tax-deductible donations, and further throttling of our reach on social media platforms owned by Trump’s sycophants.
We’re preparing right now for Trump’s Day One: building a brave coalition of movement media; reaching out to the activists, academics, and thinkers we trust to shine a light on the inner workings of authoritarianism; and planning to use journalism as a tool to equip movements to protect the people, lands, and principles most vulnerable to Trump’s destruction.
We’re asking all of our readers to start a monthly donation or make a one-time donation – as a commitment to stand with us on day one of Trump’s presidency, and every day after that, as we produce journalism that combats authoritarianism, censorship, injustice, and misinformation. You’re an essential part of our future – please join the movement by making a tax-deductible donation today.
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With gratitude and resolve,
Maya, Negin, Saima, and Ziggy