#Heatwave 2020

[arthurmargon]

i know we’re shifting into springtime but climate anxiety has me genuinely unsettled and nervous abt the temperature not being freezing anymore 😭 like i let out a big sigh of relief when i saw the forecast predicting snow this weekend as if i was seeing a negative pregnancy test. this is all almost exclusively ronald reagan’s fault i will not expand upon that

[aceoffangirls]

It’s hot

[breathinginsulfur]

the drm stans may have taken Dreamland but as long as they don’t take my babygirl Zaba i’m ok (somewhat)

[max-makes-art]

Absolutely horrified to be admitting this one publicly

addendums: cult classic tv overlaps with early supernatural seasons somewhat, i am aware, just choose based on the cultural context in which you read your first fic.

for weeaboo crew i was thinking of examples like hetalia, black butler, soul eater, etc--popular anime absolutely included but the distinction is that people who were into dragon ball weren't necessarily going to anime club every week and making deviantart stamps about yaoi, but people into ouran high school host club ABSOLUTELY were.

homestuck is in its own category because homestuck changed fandom forever at a critical time which just happened to be when i was growing up in fandom. harry potter, lotr, star wars, and twilight are in their own categories because they were such multimedia juggernauts they had entire archives dedicated solely and only to their fic that spanned multiple franchise reboots (books -> movies -> extended universes). (i acknowledge star trek technically would fit under this but at the time culturally it had more overlap with other cult classic tv fandoms.)

honorable mentions that didn't make it to the list because i had to pick-and-choose with the 12 answer limit: the final fantasy franchise (axed because i am not familiar enough with the fic scene to know if it was as iconic of a gateway drug as, like, naruto or twilight or star wars fic), a general YA lit category (YA lit outside of twilight only went mainstream slightly after this time period), the MCU (i have a hate boner for the MCU), a broader "american superhero comics" category (this would be valid as an option but i don't have the space)

[meowchela]

i just learned that heat waves by glass animals is heavily associated with a minecraft youtuber fanfic GIRLLLLLL WHAT THE HELL I LEARNED ABOUT THAT SONG BECAUSE OF MY PARTNER.........

[deweydell25]

(via GIPHY)

[alfredfortnitejones]

it's heatwaves day once more chat

[kristiemewisstan]

this list really makes it look like I’m not obsessed with Taylor Swift but she has been my #1 artist every year except this year and she was my #3 this year lol

if you have old spotify wrapped playlists saved, put your #1 song from every year in the tags, i'm curious

[lesboylycan]

today feels like an early July day transposed into pre-spring weather and sunset/sunrise times

[radiantgnf]

CAN I GET A FUCKING JUMPSCARE WARNING????

[stargirldotcom]

2014- summer of solitude

2015- summer of heatwaves and long sleeves

2016- summer of tired eyes

2017- summer of pink sunrises and dew

2018- summer of parking lots and hazy days

2019- summer of yearning

2020- the blurred summer

2021- the sunburnt summer

2022- summer of homeseeking

2023- the summer of revelations and girlhood

2024- the summer of scraped knees and ghosts

[mirrorsims]

Sooo.. I may have a tiny bit of an obsession w the 60s, 70s & 80s, and therefore I've accumulated a lot of CAS custom content both made for and capable of working in that time-frame! Here is a (very non-finalized) master list of said CC. I will most likely edit this, or post a part two. (I am also 100% open to WCIFs regarding these decades, vague and specific!) Full list below the cut, but creators shown in the preview are @ridgeport @simduction @ice-creamforbreakfast @feralpoodles @hezzasims @simstrouble @joliebean @zombietrait @its-adrienpastel @deathpoke1qa, @leeleesims1

(an * denotes a TSR link)

1960s

Sets

@enriques4 & @serenity-cc's Back to the 60s set is a must have for bright 60s basics to mix and match

@sentate & @trillyke's 1990s-themed 2020 Collab has pieces that are perfect for mod fashions

From babydoll to boho, Sentate's April 2021 Collection has it all for late 1960s & early 1970s looks alike

For some gorgeous turn of the decade looks, be sure to nab @ice-creamforbreakfast's Date Night Collection

Clothing & Footwear

Create more early 1960s looks with @gilded-ghosts Earth Angel dress!

I love @ridgeport's Birdie skirt as a mod mini! It comes in tons of colors & excellent patterns

amythesailor's Twiggy dress is full of fun patterns and colorways!

If you need something bright, @deathpoke1qa's 60's dress and matching go-go boots are the way to go

Hair

@simduction's blog is full of big fun retro hairstyles, but their Nancy, Peggy, & Beecky hairs are some of my favorites of the bunch.

@daylifesims also has a ton of fun picks, Shades of Cool, Hammer Horror, Heavy Bangs, & their Daphne and Fred Hairs are best suited for 60s style

@joshseoh's Blaire hair is cute and curly for a peppy 60s chick!

@feralpoodles' Monique & Monica Hairs are sleek and modish, they're perfect on their own or with some accessory bangs

Lets talk beehives. @ravensim's Terri Hair is loose and wavy, ridgeport's Fleur Hair is stacked and layered. @candysims4 has two beautiful beehives, Follow Me & the long and sleek Bee Hair.

@glimersims' Sugar Hair is an adorable flippy half-updo

A more 50's style like @birksche's Higher Twist Hair is perfect for your older sims

And @okruee's Bordeaux Hair is a wonderfully messy bun

1970s

Sets

Lets start the decade off strong with Gilded-Ghosts & @surely-sims' Perfect Party Set, which includes some gorgeous Build/Buy items as well (and BB could and should be a masterlist of its own..)

@joliebean & @clumsyalienn's Slavic Allure set lends itself perfectly to hippie and prairie style looks in a gorgeous Eastern-European inspired package.

On the topic of hippie, clumsyalienn's Heatwave Pack is perfect for all your free-spirited Sims

And so is serentiy-cc's Bohemian Child collection- that fur coat is a must have

Now for something bold and fun, straight out of Sears, ice-creamforbreakfast's 70s-inspired November 2022 set

Clothing & Footwear

@glumbut has never let me down with their Sonny and Dahlia jeans, and their Aroa top is recent favorite of mine

I love using ridgeport's Phia Suit for some good late-70s professional girl vibes

Hair

I've got some more feralpoodles hair for you, her Diana Hair is perfect for all your flower children & the layered and windswept Lara & Farrah hairs are straight out of the late 70s

And of course more ice-creamforbreakfast, another Fawcett-inspired look with their Farrah Flip, and their Milla Afro is a must have, whether you make vintage sims or not.

@simstrouble's Mirela hair also lends itself to a more subdued 70s style

And if you're looking for a long shag, @kamiiri's got you covered with their Phoebe Hair

1980s

Sets

Joliebean's 5th Avenue Conversion is great for both 80s business & 80s-does-40s looks.

@zombietrait's 80s Goth Pack is perfect for, well, trad goth looks. It's a must.

@dogsill's Upside Down Pack is full of great basics and rockin hair.

A multiparter, @aniraklova's Wild and Stylish 80s sets are over-the-top in the best way possible. Make sure to check out all 3 parts!

Clothing & Footwear

Now, it wouldn't be the 80s without some Wall Street goodness, and @quiddity-jones' Double-Breasted Suit is perfectly patterned for all of your business needs.

Part 2 of @jius-sims' Retro Collection is sweet and classic, perfect for the 80s housewife, or your girl-next-door.

@cooper322's Blondie Jacket is just so splendidly rocker-chic.

More from joliebean, their Ultraviolet & Daytona dresses are wonderful for all sorts of patterned & neon looks

Hair

joliebean's Beatrix Hair is a fun cropped style, it works for all sorts of fem looks, but I especially love it combined with a classic powersuit

@goamazons' Gloria Hair* is equally classy, and even bigger

Now, it wouldn't be the 80s without curly (often permed) looks, so here's some, ranging in volume. Goamazons' Floris Hair*, simstrouble's Beatrice Hair, & @softerhaze's Rhiannon Hair are all long styles with cute curly bangs. simstrouble's Eddie Hair is similar, works for both frames, and rocks a shaggier mullet-style.

@candysims4-ccfinds' Bonnie Hair is a shorter curled look with plenty of volume

Kamiiri's got two hairstyles I *love* for this decade, the Simone Hair is a full, long, curly style, and the Celine Hair is shoulder length with beachy curls and just the right amount of volume.

Multiple-Decade

Sets

As hilarious as it is, ice-creamforbreakfasts' half of the My Wedding Trauma Set has some awesome pieces. The Kelly-Marie Hair works great for 80s looks, and the dresses involved are right out of the class of 1987's prom. It even has an Elvis-inspired jumpsuit. (Check out surley-sims' half for the matching sunglasses)

Clothing & Footwear

@melonsloth's Jolene Outfit is a wonderfully classic outwear piece

@casteru's Bodycon Wrap Dress is just that! It's simple and works great on 70s-80s ladies.

Jius-sims' Retro Collection has some great footwear as well, they're simple and classic enough for all sorts of decades looks

@hezzasims released some beautiful 50s-inspired pieces, though I think they work great in any decade!

Hair

daylifesims' Long Rose Petals hair is simple enough for any decade, though I particularly love it in the late 1970s & early 80s.

The same goes for simstrouble's Rhoda hair, it reminds me so much of my mom's when she was a teen in the 70s & 80s.

[violetmuses]

No Switchin' - A. Aretas ❤️‍🔥

Title: No Switchin’ 

Fandom: “Bad Boys” Film Universe 

Character: Armando Aretas 

Pairing: Armando Aretas + Female Reader

Main Storyline: Regardless of what happens next, Armando will still find you.

@yeahnohoneybye

====

Flashback - 2016 

Veiled through bright spotlights at this club, Armando lingered near the bar and observed patrons who enjoyed time here in Miami, Florida. 

You caught his eye unexpectedly. Booming sounds moved around as you stepped out for the dance floor and swayed through your own world. 

Pulled from his spot like some magnet, he found rhythms for the first time in years and locked eyes with you, signaling this gentle yet striking power. 

“C'mere.” His voice nearly whispered despite the noise and you bit your lip, hiding this flirtatious smile. “What's your name?”

You don't respond, only taking his hand and guiding him until your ass meets the front of his dark pants. 

Armando caught on right away and you both grind to the music, darkened by chemistry as lights changed back and forth. 

By closing, he's standing in this parking lot with you still intrigued. The evening heatwave offered melting warmth, but he's worn all black. 

As you toy with his gold necklace, he admires beauty in return.

You're gorgeous. That lovely smile and sweet eyes drove him wild in silence. 

“Call me?” You ask. 

“Sure.” Fighting back his own grin, Armando took out his cell phone and you whispered digits, as if flirting again. 

“We're all set. That was fun. Good night.” You bid farewell as this car service vehicle rolls up to end the night. 

“Bye.” Armando quickly says. “Be safe.” 

Once the requested vehicle pulled off, Armando found himself alone. 

His own car waited right here, but he dreaded leaving without you. 

Forced to deal with countless thoughts, Armando Aretas just sat in silence as the car remained parked. His dangerous hands clutched the steering wheel, almost pained. 

Without you, that beautiful stranger, there was no time for peace. Not anymore. 

=====

2020

The Miami Harbor reeked of brackish yet putrid air during one summer night. Gangsters nearly huddled this large dock in search of veiled cash. 

“I knew stories about treasure in the ocean, but somebody lied to us.” Zway-Lo Rodriguez shook his capped head, disappointed. 

“Woah!” Moments later, catcalls and other sleazy remarks echoed around once you stepped up. 

“Hola, mami. We're trying to find cash. Could you help us out?” Zway-Lo moved closer to you and smiled, failing to reach your interest  

“No, thank you.” You quietly refuse the invitation for obvious reasons. 

Just before you considered gutting Zway-Lo, people dispersed when Armando Aretas moved forward. 

“She had every right to kill you, but now this group has to deal with me.” Armando offered this clear warning. 

“She looks fine as hell. Where did you find her?” Zway-Lo just kept talking. 

“None of your business. Just know that you'll work for us now. Fall in line, stay out of the way, and don't talk to her again. Listen to us and I won't kill you.” Armando whispered through dominance toward Zway-Lo. 

“How about this? Let's renegotiate our deal. Then, I'll take your lady down to the pimps and you'll still keep that money block.” Another idiot wore terrible sunglasses and pointed his gun toward Armando. 

“What you say?” Armando peered this double-take near the man with sunglasses. 

“You heard me. I know plenty of ballers who would love to see this pretty face.” The man in sunglasses walked around and nearly choked you, forcing your eye contact with Armando. 

“Let her go! You're asking for a death wish.” Given his new placement, Zway-Lo yelled out loud. 

The man in sunglasses released his grip from your neck and you fell to both knees, coughing through every breath. 

“My knife. Get my knife!” You rasped through more and more gasping anger while Armando bolted toward you, yanking the knife away from one sleeve latched on your hip. 

Targeting the man in sunglasses, Armando stepped without thinking twice and lunged your knife, almost slicing that same idiot's neck. 

“C'mere, look at me. After seeing what you just did to her, I won't renegotiate.” Several body drops later, Armando defended you and lifted the choking man's face,  taking this final bullet to kill him. 

“Shit!” Other voices mumbled through compliance and fear. Even Zway-Lo helps you stand up. 

“You know what to do now. Go ahead.” Aretas nodded toward Zway-Lo before vanishing from the dock with you. 

“Let's get this money, fellas. ¡Vamos!” Zway-Lo almost shouted toward other men from a distance to gather this prize. 

______

Steam lingered from the bathroom as you left that shower, wrapped in this towel. 

You're alone in the bedroom and planned to sleep through loneliness once more. 

From that living room, Armando faced the screen of this laptop and plotted more danger for his mother: Isabel Aretas. 

This text message pinged on your phone just as you lay down: 

Don't wait for me. Sorry. 🥺💋 

Again, you sleep without dreams, not even holding hands with Armando anymore. 

****

The next day, you wake up as extra weight  finally reaches this bed. 

Realizing that Armando is cuddling, you open your eyes and turn around, tangling your legs with his. 

“Good morning.” You smiled against his lips and kissed him to start the day. 

“You feel warm. Good morning.” He caressed your face, but the phone rang and disrupted this much-needed alone time. 

“Damn.” You grumbled, leaving this bed and taking a shower without him. 

Frustrated, Armando rolled his brown eyes toward the ceiling before sitting up and answering the call. 

“It's too early for this. What do you want?” Aretas chided Zway-Lo. 

“We can't make these drops with your girl around.” Zway-Lo considered pulling you from this operation. 

“She'll be there.” Armando defended you. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“She's not pulling that trigger, so what's your point?” Zway-Lo continued. 

“You won't pull the trigger and I'm not fighting you on this. Be there.” Armando hung up, still reasonably annoyed. 

______

There was only one rule: never target innocent civilians. 

Armando knew so much better than to heighten carnage based on who else stood around. 

All three of you veiled beyond this crevice of one towering building.  

Captain Conrad Howard and Detective Mike Lowrey of the Miami Police Department walked from this youth basketball game at the nearby park. 

Howard stood next on the farwell list, but Lowrey remained as this final plot. 

5, 4, 3, 2, 1. 

The suppressed yet lethal bullet pierced right into Captain Howard's vibrant shirt and his body fell to the ground, warning panic from every angle. 

“Bingo - get him! Take another shot. Lowrey's right there.” Zway-Lo clenched his teeth, even while this woman surrounded Lowrey. “What's wrong with you, man?” 

“We can't target innocent people. I already told you that.” Armando reminded Zway. 

“You're crazy.” Zway-Lo narrowed his eyes through bewilderment and acted colder. 

“Shut up.” You finally grilled Rodriguez and put your own weapon out of sight. 

“I don't care, bitch! You're dick-drunk for him, anyway.” Zway-Lo pissed you off even more slighted your bond with Armando, rude as hell. 

Unable to kick Zway's ass and correct what just happened, Armando leaves with his rifle in tow and you trailed right behind him, enraged. 

______

“This nightmare ends now.” Holding your cheek with his gloved palm, Armando would make the real drop on Detective Mike Lowrey. 

Uniformed to steer this motorcycle, Armando prepped last-minute items. 

“What happens next?” You questioned your best friend through each shadow of downtown lights.

This promising code would stand tall for each of you.  

“Go straight to the airport. I'll meet you back in Mexico.” Armando set his last words before walking away. 

****

That same night, your phone rings just as you plan on boarding the international flight to Mexico. 

“It's over. I got him.” Armando nearly muffled through the call, grounding this reality.

“Are you serious?” Holding back this smile for obvious reasons, you cleared your throat. 

“Yes, baby. He's out.” Armando offered his confirmation before hanging up and you reach this trip, planning the future. 

****

2020 - Six Months Later 

There is no celebration in the name of death. Only relief. 

“Thank goodness.” You whispered, embracing Armando as quiet yet profound tears moved down your face. 

He's yearned to move on, no longer plagued by thoughts of madness. 

You joined the truth and understand, but now could live through some peace, reunited. 

Overlooking the massive yet scenic view of this remarkable home, Armando held your waist from behind and set his face toward your neck. 

“Will you marry me?” His slightly accented English pulled you even closer. 

You turned around and watched Armando step back, reaching into his pocket. 

Covering your mouth, you nearly sob while realization hits. 

This new chapter could save everything. 

Not only would this unexpected yet genuine bond grow, but Aretas could step away from the darkness altogether, changing his life for you. 

“Yes!” You nod feverishly and accepted his question as the engagement ring slipped onto your hand. 

“¡Coño!” Zway yelled from inside the mansion and you raced inside with Armando, trying to figure out what's going on. 

“What the hell?” Armando shouted toward Zway, frustrated once more. 

“Just got off the phone with our crew working in Miami….” Zway trailed off, nearly sounding anxious. “Damn…”

“What happened?” Armando pulled Zway by his collar. Even you stood close holding another knife, fuming instead of rejoicing this time. 

“Lowrey just survived a coma. You didn't actually kill him.” Zway-Lo exposed this new bombshell to Aretas. 

By this very moment, you drop that knife and faint in Armando's arms. 

The plan failed. 

******

“What's your move?” You offered the question after “waking” again. 

“He's coming to Mexico.” Armando referenced Lowrey. “We should split up.”

“No!” You shout. “I'm staying with you.” 

Armando wants to keep you around and honor so many promises, but if anything else goes wrong…

“I can't risk it. Not this time, mi amor.” Aretas locked eye contact with you, genuinely terrified. 

“What should I do?” You somehow pulled together despite sniffling. 

“Ghost everything, even me.” Armando shattered from within. “If I don't make it out alive, at least you have a chance.”

Devastated, you take off the engagement ring, setting that gorgeous piece back into his jewelry box. 

“I love you so much. Be careful.” You lean inward,  kissing Armando Aretas for what could be your final time. 

Packing up without him, you have no other choice and book the earliest flight away from Mexico. 

=====

2024

Detective Mike Lowrey stood as Armando's biological father. 

Even Armando's mother, Isabel Aretas, died in the name of madness with that burning crossfire. 

Now rotting from prison, Aretas uniformed the orange jumpsuit while seated behind this lifetime cage. No turning back. 

“How you doing?” Stepping forward, Mike visited the dark room and noted Armando. 

“I've paid my debt. It's a big one.” Armando sighed. 

“An opportunity might help cut down some of that debt. Are you interested?” Mike offered this chance.

“Yeah, man.” Armando nodded, ready for the next move. 

“You might not trust me yet, but I found someone who still cares.” Mike stepped back and opened space, allowing other footsteps to echo in return. 

You walked toward the cell and fought this overdue smile. 

****

Following Captain's death, intelligence whispered that Conrad Howard muddled with the cartel himself. Armando knows plenty of information. 

Yet, Mike and Marcus refused this claim, set to prove Cap’s innocence. 

Planning to solve this case, Armando's prison escape tangled this hijacking nightmare around the federal transport, but all four of you survived that drop, landing water first. 

“We need to split up.” Armando took charge,  pointing toward Mike and Marcus. 

“We're staying together.” Mike clenched his teeth, arguing right here in the woods. 

“She was here before you!” Armando rasped through anger and stepped away from Mike, moving forward as you trailed behind Aretas once more.

“You are the only person who can identify whoever did this!” Mike barked. “It's the only way we'll survive this case.” 

“There's no us. Just her and me! Get out of my way.” Armando put his foot down, fed up. 

“Captain Howard left us files on the case.” Mike continued. “We just need to reach Miami again.”

“Y'all better not slow us down.” Armando warned the duo. “Either keep up with us or I'll leave you in the dirt. Lose your phones, too. You're in our world now.”

*****

“How did you meet him?” Mike offered this question as you held hands with Armando. 

“Stepped out one night.” You glanced over your shoulder to face Lowrey. 

“You partied with a killer?” Even Marcus seemed both puzzled and humored while addressing you. 

“We're still young, Marcus.” You quickly answered back. 

“Can Armando dance?” Marcus widened his eyes toward you again. 

“We didn't dance.” Aretas chimed in without looking at Marcus.

“Check your son, Mike. He's acting fresh with this girl.” Marcus turned near Mike and whispered. 

“We still have ears, man. Watch your mouth over there.” Lowrey furrowed his brow regarding Armando. 

God. You thought. Even nightfall would probably drag. 

______

Given no space to camp, all four of you settled on the ground. Nearby, this burning fire curls upward and Armando holds your hand again. 

“How did they find you?” Armando peered toward you without smiling. 

“My name was still logged in your files.” You revealed. “I went back to Miami after you stepped away.”

“What are you doing now?” Armando still questioned. 

“Lowrey pulled that debt line with me, too.” You went on. “If I work through their department, aid keeps me in the clear.”  

“Now that we got basics out of the way, who should I fight?” Armando nearly scoped you up and down. 

“No one. I'm still yours.” You absolutely told the truth. Damn-near marrying him locked that vow. 

“You sure?” Armando wouldn't show off for obvious reasons, but he missed you terribly. 

“Look.” You didn't wear the engagement ring anymore, but one tattoo marked your wrist:

Siempre. 

“Always.” Armando still whispered the familiar word in English. 

His broken heart warmed at last. 

[jackawful]

I think one of the things that kinda got lost in the circa-2020 buzzwordificaiton of "mutual aid" is that like...if you have friends in your life who you help out sometimes and who help you out sometimes, you're already doing mutual aid. Like yeah, mutual aid can look like handing out soup and hygiene kits in a public park, it can be part of an organized distro project or collective or other Named Group, but it also looks like driving your friend to their doctor's appointment or court date. I have a mechanic friend who does minor fixes on friends' cars at-cost, and that's mutual aid. If you've brought someone a meal while they're sick or recovering from surgery, that's mutual aid. Checking in on your neighbors after a natural disaster or during a heatwave is mutual aid. If you're doing it for free, petsitting or housesitting or babysitting is mutual aid.

Mutual aid, as kropotkin wrote about it, is our natural tendency as social creatures to help each other when we need it. The capitalist, individualist social structure tries to keep us from doing this, to turn every instance of meeting each other's needs into a financial transaction. When we push back on that, and help each other expecting nothing back except potential help in a future where we're the one who needs it, that's mutual aid.

[tomorrowusa]

A lot of people won't like hearing this, but the meat industry is terrible for this planet.

Last weekend, Elon Musk posted one of his more outrageously false tweets to date: “Important to note that what happens on Earth’s surface (eg farming) has no meaningful impact on climate change.” Musk was, as he has been from time to time, wrong. As climate experts rushed to emphasize, farming actually accounts for around a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Musk spewing disinformation is not exactly news. But even by his standards, his contention regarding livestock agriculture and climate was on a par with George Santos's fantasies.

The tens of billions of chickens, pigs, cows, and other animals we raise and slaughter for food annually account for around 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from cow burps, animal manure, and the fertilizer used to grow the corn and soy they eat. More than one-third of the Earth’s habitable land is used for animal farming — much of it cleared for cattle grazing and growing all thatcorn and soy — making animal agriculture the leading cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss globally. Deforestation causes emissions itself, but it also represents a missed opportunity to sequester carbon. If that land were “rewilded,” or retired as farmland, it would act as a carbon sink, sucking massive amounts of climate-warming carbon out of the atmosphere. But we keep clearing more and more forestland, especially in the Amazon rainforest and elsewhere in the tropics, mostly for beef, pork, and poultry.

Yep, livestock grazing accounts for almost a third of our usable land.

The message regarding livestock agriculture just isn't getting out.

Madre Brava also conducted a media analysis that found that between 2020 and 2022, less than 0.5 percent of stories about climate change by leading news outlets in the US, the United Kingdom, and Europe mentioned meat or livestock. Last month, two groups that work on issues related to animal agriculture — Sentient Media and Faunalytics — published an analysis with similar findings. The organizations looked at the 100 most recent climate change stories from each of the top 10 US media outlets, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and CNN, and found that 7 percent mentioned animal agriculture. Of that 7 percent, most only discussed how climate change-fueled weather events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves impact animal farmers. “Across the 1,000 articles we examined, only a handful of stories reported in depth on the connection between consuming animal products and climate change,” the researchers wrote. The media is an easy target, and some criticism is deserved — it’s a disservice to readers to largely ignore a leading cause of the climate crisis. Part of the problem is that the media, like everyone else, operates in an information environment in which the meat lobby downplays and in some cases suppresses the full extent to which burgers, ribs, and chicken nuggets pollute the planet. But journalists could be doing more to cut through the noise.

We need to speak up more ourselves. Entrenched interests and powerful lobbying groups are not shy about promoting livestock businesses which harm the planet.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the industry’s leading lobby group, runs a “climate messaging machine,” food journalist Joe Fassler recently wrote in the Guardian, that trains influencers to confuse the public and downplay beef’s emissions. The list goes on. Last year, leaked documents showed that delegates from Brazil and Argentina successfully lobbied the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to remove any mention of meat’s negative impact on the environment, or recommendations for people in rich countries to reduce their meat consumption, in its recent report. Meat giant Tyson Foods spends a much bigger share of its revenue than ExxonMobil lobbying Congress to stop climate policy. Outside the animal rights movement, there aren’t many voices pushing back against these narratives. The US environmental movement has largely shied away from campaigning to reduce meat and dairy production, with some leaders outright rejecting the notion that we need to eat fewer animals. Policymakers largely avoid the issue too.

We have a lot of catching up to do – and fast.

“The food conversation is probably about 20 years behind the energy conversation, and it is catching up, but it’s not visceral to people in the way energy is — that they immediately know energy is a climate issue,” said Michael Grunwald, a food and agriculture columnist for Canary Media, in the Sentient Media panel discussion. But time is in short supply. Experts say that if we don’t change what we eat — especially reducing beef and dairy — we can’t meet the Paris climate agreement of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius or less.

In addition to publicizing the issue, we can lead by example. Eating less meat or even no meat lets people know we're serious about what we're saying.

There will be pushback from the industry and also from populist blowhards. We can imagine at least one saying something like: "Hunter Biden wants to steal your double cheeseburger. SAD!"

But no discussion of carbon emissions is complete without talk of livestock agriculture and its effects.