Although it often seems less pressing, perhaps because it is more abstract, climate change is the biggest threat to a secure and peaceful future, not just for the United States, but everywhere. Problematically, no one country can change our trajectory. We need international consensus and movement on the issue, and a few years ago, that consensus was won in a climate accord signed in Paris. Even with that success there is still much to be done, but with a new president, what course will we take?
As always, happy Wednesday and happy reading.
This Day in History
1908 - President Theodore Roosevelt declares the Grand Canyon a National Monument. President Roosevelt was a great outdoorsman and environmentalist who established protections for animals and strengthened national parks. It's sad to imagine what he would think of the environamental state of the world today.
Man and Earth
Begin by taking a moment to admire the world we live in, and how we interact with it in these stunning photos (from IBTimes). I find these photos fascinating, and they make me imagine how humans will be forced to work with and within our environment symbiotically. The buildings of the future will necessarily be green, perhaps even built into - rather than on top of - our environment. It's a lot of fun to imagine.
Bad Air
It's not just the water that's bad in Michigan, the air is toxic too (from Newsweek). Climate change will ultimately kill Mother Earth, but it is already killing people. The effects will only get worse, as will our health outcomes. Taking care of the planet isn't just what we owe future generations, whose livelihoods are at risk, it's what we owe ourselves to preserve our health today.
Obama's Climate Legacy, What Comes Next?
President Obama negotiated a difficult but comprehensive climate change accord in Paris, but what happens to the deal when he leaves office next week? Many are not optimistic (from Bloomberg). While it is hard to predict anything Trump will do other than cater to those who flatter him, his appointments to key posts so far indicate that he is not interested in addressing the threat of climate change, but rather pushing in the opposite direction.
In his farewell speech last night President Obama talked about acknowledging fact as a baseline for political discourse, and specifically mentioned climate change as an example of the discouraging trend of denying reality. We are in no position to deny climate change, when its effects loom in ominous proximity. How far are we from cataclysmic events? I can't say, but it won't take a catastrophe to cause turmoil and upheaval on a global scale. Even massive inland migration from rising sea levels would trigger a global refugee crisis.
Baby Butters
Frequent readers may recognize this pup, although until now her puppy photos have never been made public. This is baby Butters, who lives with her human, and my little brother, Mike in New Hampshire. Lost behind her striking blue eyes and athletic, rambunctious demeanor is cute little puppy who was adopted from the shelter and found a loving human, and an uncle who spoils her with leftovers. Big thanks to my brother Mike for sharing Butters!
Will's Weekly Trivia - Spread the Word!
My goal in 2017 is to increase readers by 100. If you know someone who you believe might enjoy the digest, the dogs, or the trivia, please be sure to share Willful Intent's new opt-in form! And don't forget to submit any thoughts and dog pics via the feedback form!
New Trivia began with a dud last week, when our editors failed to catch a set of repeat trivia questions. Those editors have been fired and replaced, but the good news is that the leader board is still empty. Anyone can win!
IF you choose to answer the question, respond to staton.will@gmail.com with your answer. Please note that by competing you are giving me permission to publish your first name in the trivia leader board each week.
Last Week:
1. Which ancient civilization developed the sculpting style "contrapasto" in which the sculpture's hips are cocked? ONE POINT
2. Who is the most well known Cubist painter? ONE POINT
3. What prestigious annual award is given to the best musical? ONE POINT
Answers:
1. The contrapasto style was developed by the Greeks.
2. Picasso is the most famous Cubist.
3. The award for musicals is called the Tony.
This Week:
1. Which US President has a toy named after him? What is that toy? ONE POINT APIECE
2. Which city in Michigan has a crisis with lead-tainted water? ONE POINT LEADER BOARD Check out the Leader Board! Is your name on it!?
