A cartoon
A thought
I caught a cool episode of
’s podcast yesterday with Parag Khanna. Parag is a global strategist who forecasts human movement around the world, especially in relation to climate risks. His company runs Alpha-Geo, a website that collates risk data by location across time until 2100 - it is interesting to check out: https://alphageo.ai/explore/.The shock to my system came when I tabbed forward to 2100 to see the overall physical risk profile across the globe. I’ve included three screenshots below to give you a feel for the data. If you are not in the place to metabolise bad news today, then either skip this email, or skip to the bottom to read about how I am dealing with this bit of news.
While I always try to stay focused on possibility, we need to be aware and to feel what is going on, not just now but across time. When we know and feel, then we can metabolise and act.
Holy crap batman! This is what we are fighting for. Every bit of difference we can make now will impact how this map looks for our descendants who are around in 2100. This is one of the most powerful images I’ve seen of how our actions now are baking in warming for the future.
I also found parts of the podcast discussion empowering for those of us raising young people, a chance to think about the possibilities and opportunities that disruption offers, rather than just the downsides.
I am always fascinated by different people’s visions and opinions about the future. That is why I am a die-hard science fiction and visionary fiction fan, the podcast reminded me of one of my favourite quotes.
“The only lasting truth is change”.
Octavia E Butler - Earthseed Series.
The complexity of what we face makes accurate prediction and forecasting extremely difficult, but we can be sure it will bring change. The new normal is change. Inside, I can feel a personal response developing to this barrage of change. It is a habit of holding less tightly. Holding less tightly to control, less tightly to possessions, less tightly to ideas of how something should be done. At the same time, I am turning up my radar for joy, beauty, awe and wonder and pressing those moments into my pain.
This takes me back to the Octavia E Butler quote, the full quote is:
“All that you touch you change.
All that you change, changes you.
The only lasting truth is change.”
I find something deeply powerful in that - the power of possibility in an ever-expanding ripple on the ocean of connection and interconnection. Also, a reminder to take responsibility for our actions and the change they induce.
If you have not read the Earthseed series, they are three of the most powerful books I have ever read. Be warned, if you are feeling a bit low, don’t pick them up. They are riveting, hopeful, prescient and terrifying - think 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale. I read them in the early months of the pandemic - my timing was terrible!
Wishing you small moments of joy this day, to hold, cherish and press into your pain.
Glimmers and sparks*
My glimmers for today are:
Connecting with beautiful people on Substack.
Watching a Blue Wren family dart about in a car park in the city.
An amazing blue sky yesterday:
Li’l bean is your reminder to pause and ask: What are your glimmers for today?
From your friend and your small, steadfast companion,
*Drawing Li’l Bean helped me navigate out of a period of depression in 2023. A good friend 13, 595km away, helped, too, through a ritual of swapping daily glimmers via text.
A glimmer is a tiny spark of hope, enthusiasm or joy that lifts your heart. By helping me find three glimmers each day, she gently helped me see the joy and beauty already around me.
I’d like to share this practice with you and invite you to reflect on your glimmers for the day when you read this. Think of Li’l Bean as a reminder to notice the glimmers and sparks in your life. We’d love it if you would like to share your glimmers in the comments or by hitting reply (if you don’t like sharing publicly).
Favourite quotes from my favourite book 🧡
I am wrestling with the different perspectives on Climate Change and Predictions, as that agenda has been so compromised by The Great Reset. One thing I do know is I am not buying into the fear, so also turning up the dial and vibration to joy and beauty.
It feels like when I look at the IUCN Red List. It’s essential data — harrowing, but also, data for good.