#peter kalmus

[arthropooda]

[nando161mando]

Peter Kalmus (@ClimateHuman) is a NASA climate scientist.

[collapseofindustrialcivilization]

Modern Civilization is Proving to be a Very Fragile Thing

“Mars would be more habitable than this place right now so it’s crazy. There’s absolutely nothing,” said Shaun, a resident of the Palisades Bowl community. in a world undergoing hydroclimate whiplash, the latest apocalyptic catastrophe has now befallen one of the richest cities in the world in the richest nation on Earth. Warm 100 mile per hour winds have spawned walls of fire reaching more than…

[doomer-diva]

"A 63 year-old climate activist and professional cellist faces up to seven years in prison after being arrested on Thursday, August 8th 2024, while performing a Bach solo outside the headquarters of one of the world’s largest fossil fuel financier Citibank in downtown New York"

This is why groups like Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion continue to block roads, highways, glue themselves to art, and throw paint on private jets.

Since June, climate protesters have been protesting institutions funding fossil fuel projects and almost no coverage has reached the mainstream media. These are scientists, activists, and indigenous peoples asking for the bare minimum of ending fossil fuel funding that are met with extreme violence.

They are risking their comfort, their foundations, their very lives to tell you that we are in an emergency, that we are in dire times that needs addressing right now. You keep requesting protesters target the "main culprits" of Climate Collapse instead of throwing soup on paintings and they are! So please, support them!

Also, please remember the desperation of the people that are gluing themselves to paintings because we are trying to warn you. We want you to be angry, to ask questions, to be afraid, because these are the emotions that stur into actions. Fear isn't a moral failing, it is the very basis of humankind's reaction to their surroundings. If you are afraid, there is a reason, and you should analyze and acknowledge that fear. It is okay to be afraid, because you deserve to be.

You have been misled, gaslit, and lied to about the crumbling biosphere around you and you deserve to know the truth. You deserve to decide your future and humanity's future. You deserve a just and honest collapse. You deserve freedom and control of your lives.

1.5C degrees of warming, as decided by the Paris Agreements in 2015, was the threshold to mitigate dangerous climate change feedback loops such as ocean heat+deoxygenation (probably the worst of climate collapse due to the fact that the oceans absorb most of climate change heating, have only been getting hotter, and the ocean accounts for 50-75% of all life on Earth), permafrost melting, glacial melt, and forest desertification. It wasn't some ambitious goal that would be okay if we missed it, because 1.5C degrees of warming spells catastrophe for modern, globalized civilization. So far, fossil fuel use has only increased with no indication of slowing AND we've been past 1.5C warming for over a year, and this is why we protest.

We are asking for the bare minimum and are still ignored. We are polite and still ignored. We assert direct, unconventional action and are condemned.

We are trying to save you. We can decarbonize, degrow, and depave anything we put our minds to. This is the unifying crisis of our time and you should listen to the young adults throwing soup on Van Gogh paintings, because we are desperately trying to just warn you. Ask yourself what people who genuinely believe we are in mortal, existential danger would do to warn their fellow humans to the danger, what desperate displays of attention would look like, and ask yourself why they want your attention so bad.

Please, read and follow scientists like Peter Kalmus and Gianluca Grimalda and activists like Roger Hallam, that have dedicated their lives to climate collapse. They have been protesting for years for exposure to our impending collapse.

[futileexercise]

Peter Kalmus, climate activist, climate scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab.

[pieto]

Climate Scientist Peter Kalmus Fled L.A. Fearing Wildfires. His Old Neig...

[theoszczepanski]

Climate scientist Peter Kalmus fled L.A. fearing wildfires. His Old Neighborhood is now a hellscape.

[climatecalling]

Shortly after the New Year, I was fired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory after urging fellow scientists to take action on climate change. At the American Geophysical Union meeting in December, my fellow climate scientist Peter Kalmus and I unfurled a banner that read, “Out of the lab & into the streets.” In the few seconds before the banner was ripped from our hands, we implored our colleagues to use their leverage as scientists to wake the public up to the dying planet. ... Then, on Jan. 3, Oak Ridge, the laboratory outside Knoxville where I had worked as an associate scientist for one year, terminated my employment. I am the first earth scientist I know of to be fired for climate activism. I fear I will not be the last. ... Established scientific institutions will not even support scientists interrupting a meeting for the climate. I’m all for decorum, but not when it will cost us the earth. ... Since I locked that first chain around my waist, I have been arrested three times in nonviolent actions. ... But I was motivated to continue because these scientist-led political campaigns have attracted positive media attention and contributed to major policy wins. ... Within a month of our actions, the Podemos party of Spain submitted a request to the European Commission to take measures to reduce the use of private planes. When scientists take action, people listen. ... Great experiments push at the boundaries of knowledge and propriety. They are risky, volatile, blasphemous. But when they work, the world changes. Scientific institutions should support activism and advocacy, especially by experts.

No paywall: https://web.archive.org/web/20230215091951/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/opinion/scientist-fired-climate-change-activism.html

[currentclimate]

I’m terrified by what’s being done to our planet. I’m also fighting to stop it. You, too, should be afraid while also taking the strongest action you can take. There has never been a summer like this in recorded history: shocking ocean heat, deadly land heat, unprecedented fires and smoke, sea ice melting faster than we’ve ever seen or thought possible. I’ve dreaded this depth of Earth breakdown for almost two decades, and, like many of my colleagues, I’ve been trying to warn you. As hard as I could. Now it’s here.

[aroacemisha]

[ID: Screenshots of two tweets.

The first is by Peter Kalmus @/ClimateHuman. It says "Earth Day messaging is still stuck at the "recycle harder" level, when what we need is the "sue & disrupt the fossil fuel industry out of existence and put the executives who've spread lies in prison, as billions of lives and life on Earth is at risk" level".

The second is by Commie Trucker @/commie_trucker. It says "The wealthy will sacrifice the world to maintain their wealth. We have to sacrifice the wealthy to maintain our world."

End ID]

It's pitchfork time for the fossil fuel industry. Shareholder economics is killing the entire planet for the wealth of a few.

[alicemccombs]

[thecpdiary]

Fossil Fuels Climate Crisis

Peter Kalmus, a climate scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is an outspoken advocate for urgent action on climate change. Through his research, activism, and social media comment, Kalmus highlights the critical dangers of continued reliance on fossil fuels, which are the primary driver of the planet's rising temperatures and increasingly severe climate disruptions. His message is clear: our addiction to fossil fuels is causing the Earth to "burn up," and unless we immediately take drastic steps to reduce emissions, we are heading towards widespread ecological collapse and human disaster.

In an emotional speech in Los Angeles, Nasa scientist Peter Kalmus implored people to listen to the dire warnings of climate change experts. “We’re going to lose everything,” Kalmus said in a video of the moment. “And we’re not joking, we’re not lying, we’re not exaggerating.” – (Source: independent.co.uk)

The Dangers of Fossil Fuels: Why the Planet is "Burning Up" Fossil fuels coal, oil, and natural gas, make up our global energy system. However, their use releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. According to Kalmus and the wider scientific community these gases trap heat, leading to the warming of the planet. Over time, this has resulted in more frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and droughts, all of which are becoming increasingly common. In a particularly vivid metaphor, Kalmus often describes the Earth as "burning up," as a way to convey the urgency and scale of the problem. He points to evidence such as the intensification of wildfires in places like California, Greece, and Australia, which are becoming more destructive and harder to control due to hotter, drier conditions. These fires are just one of many "burning" signals that the planet is under immense stress. Fossil fuels are also responsible for the melting of ice caps and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise and threatening coastal cities worldwide. Ocean warming and acidification, driven by CO₂ absorption, are also devastating marine ecosystems, killing coral reefs, and disrupting fisheries that millions of people rely on for food. Additionally, Kalmus notes that the global economy's dependence on these fuels is unsustainable, as it perpetuates environmental degradation and puts vulnerable communities at even greater risk. The Climate Crisis is Here: Why We Must Act – And What Must Be Done Kalmus and other climate scientists emphasise that the window for action is rapidly closing. To avert the worst impacts of climate change, global temperature rise must be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. However, at current emission rates, the world is on track to exceed this threshold, with catastrophic consequences for ecosystems, economies, and societies. Kalmus argues that incremental changes are no longer enough. The transition away from fossil fuels must be swift and comprehensive.

Here are key steps humanity must take: Massive Reduction in Fossil Fuel Consumption

Massive Reduction in Fossil Fuel Consumption: Governments and industries must stop investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure and rapidly phase out existing coal, oil, and gas operations. This requires aggressive policies such as carbon pricing, ending subsidies for fossil fuels, and halting the exploration of new oil fields.

Adoption of Renewal Energy Adoption of Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources must be scaled up immediately to replace fossil fuels. These energy sources are now cheaper and more efficient than ever before. Kalmus advocates for a decentralised energy grid powered by renewables, which would provide more resilience against extreme weather events.

Reimagining Transportation Reimagining Transportation: One of Kalmus's personal actions has been to reduce his reliance on cars and air travel, two of the largest sources of individual carbon footprints. He advocates for a shift to electric vehicles, public transportation, and, where possible, walking or biking. On a larger scale, governments need to invest in sustainable infrastructure like high-speed rail networks and electric public transport systems.

Changing Food Systems Changing Food Systems: Industrial agriculture, particularly the meat industry, is another significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing meat consumption and transitioning to plant-based diets can help lower emissions.

Grassroots Activism and Policy Change Grassroots Activism and Policy Change: While individual actions matter, Kalmus stresses the need for collective action. He encourages people to join climate movements, support politicians who prioritise climate action, and advocate for systemic changes. Political will is critical to making the large-scale changes necessary to decarbonise the economy.

Protecting and Restoring Nature Protecting and Restoring Nature: Protecting the planet’s remaining forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems is crucial, as these areas act as carbon sinks. Restoring damaged ecosystems builds resilience against climate impacts. Why It's Hard, But Necessary The transition away from fossil fuels is not without challenges. The global economy has been deeply tied to oil, gas, and coal for over a century, and the interests of powerful industries often conflict with the urgent need for action. Kalmus acknowledges that this inertia, economic interests, and misinformation campaigns funded by the fossil fuel industry make this transition politically and socially difficult. But he insists that the alternative continuing on our current path, will result in far greater economic, environmental, and human costs. Despite the challenges, Kalmus is optimistic about humanity’s ability to change course. He believes that public awareness of the climate crisis is growing, and with it, the demand for stronger climate policies. As extreme weather events become more frequent and devastating, more people are recognizing the urgency of the situation. Conclusion: The Path Forward Peter Kalmus’s message is clear: we MUST act now to stop the planet from "burning up." The science is clear: fossil fuels are driving the climate crisis and unless we make significant changes in how we generate energy, travel and produce food, the consequences will be dire. This isn't just about saving the environment; it's about ensuring a liveable future for all of humanity. The solution lies in drastically cutting fossil fuel use, embracing renewable energy and rethinking our consumption patterns. The responsibility rests with governments, industries and individuals alike to push for a rapid transition towards a more sustainable and resilient world. While the challenge is enormous, it is not insurmountable. With collective action, we can still turn the tide and prevent the worst outcomes of climate change from becoming our reality.

For more relatable, inspirational and lifestyle blogs, please check out my site https://www.thecpdiary.com

[doomer-diva]

Learning the truth about climate change has irrevocably changed my life. 2 years ago I became almost a completely different person. I became vegan, traded my car for an ebike, and I'm moving to a "climate haven" in a couple weeks.

We are so, so fucked. And my life's mission is to warn as many as I can. I am begging people to "look up" at this point.

What changed was watching a video of climate scientists gluing themselves to a financial institution and begging people to listen. Something inside me broke. Why would they do that? Some of those people lost their jobs, got arrested. Would people really risk arrest and losing their jobs if they didn't have something important to say? If people truly believed the world was ending, how would they act? I imagined THAT is the way they would act.

Peter Kalmus changed my life. He was a climate scientist from NASA and was one of the people that got arrested. I looked him up and he's what people would call a "climate change doomer". I fell into a rabbit hole and discovered just how much the media has hidden from the general public.

Most people don't even know India has placed bans on exports of certain kinds of rice. Or that a huge chunk of corals worldwide have been getting bleached. Or that we are rapidly depleting the oceans of life. Or that Canada has been on fire for over a year. Or a hundred other examples I'll get around to posting one day.

It's such a complex topic to discuss, there are hundreds of variables that impact weather and climate systems and those impacts on modern human life. But I hope I can at least reach some people, the way Peter Kalmus reached me, and that would be satisfying enough for me.

[pieto]

Peter Kalmus on COURAGE | Extinction Rebellion UK