Living in Bomb Time — Ep. 08

Looking Through a Glass Darkly

Optimism, Doomism, Realism: What’s Ahead for the World

If you are a Climate journalist, activist, or commentator it seems like it’s mandatory to say something about the heat waves affecting the western states in the US. So, here’s my comment to all of those who seem surprised by these heatwaves and their intensity:

Back in 2000 when we told you that Global Warming was going to make things get hotter, what part of that didn’t you understand?

I’m not surprised by the size and scope of these heat waves. Heat waves like this have been happening all over the world for decades now. The WHO estimates that 166,000 people have died globally from heatwaves since the year 2000. This is a very low ball estimate since 70,000 died in one heatwave in Europe in 2003 alone. The only difference between those heat waves and these, is that now it’s happening to us.

It’s clear that some commentators are feeling a sense of validation and vindication as things they have warned about for decades are finally coming to pass. I suppose it’s only human to want the people who openly derided and mocked you for so long, to admit they were wrong. At this point in my life though, I just don’t care anymore what other people think.