Welcome to the podcast version of New World Same Humans, a weekly newsletter on trends, technology, and society by David Mattin.
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New World Same Humans is on a mission to better understand our shared future: this much you know.
The idea sometimes strikes me, though, that two or three generations from now our descendents will look back with scorn at our attempts to think about what lay ahead. In particular, I wonder if they’ll repudiate us for not paying enough attention to the single, overriding issue that, they’ll come to believe, should have been our only real concern.
I mean global heating. We talk about it a lot, of course. But will those descendents conclude that we spent far too much time fretting about other subjects – AI overlords, driverless cars, culture wars – and not enough about the disaster unfolding in front of our eyes?
In a preemptive attempt to avoid that charge, this week’s essay is about a heated world. Specifically, about the search for justice between nations in that world. I could pretend it’s good news. But you’re far too smart for that. So, instead, I’ll tell you the truth: things may be about to get very dark.
Intrigued? Then hit play!
If you’d prefer to read this instalment, go here for the text version of New World Same Humans #36.
Links in this week’s instalment
1. Climate Action Tracker say that if China achieves carbon neutrality by 2060, this ‘would lower global warming projections by around 0.2 to 0.3°C, the biggest single reduction ever estimated’
2. NASA scientist James Hansen estimates between 1751 and 2006, the Global North was responsible for 77% of all carbon emissions.
3. According to Foreign Affairs magazine, the average American is responsible for the emission of as much CO2 each year as 51 Mozambicans, or 581 Burundians.
4. The International Organization for Migration says 1.5 billion people may migrate to the Global North due to climate change.
5. Georgetown University Professor Anatol Lieven says that if liberal democracies admit millions of new migrants, the resulting economic and political tensions will tear them apart
We still have a choice
Thanks for reading this week.
This week’s essay dealt with some difficult issues. But I still believe we all – that is, those of us affluent enough to read and write email newsletters – have a responsibility to to face the challenges ahead with honesty and determination.
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Your membership of our community is valued. I’ll be back on Wednesday; until then, be well.
David.
New World Same Humans #36 – Audio Edition