avnyc on hudsonJan 22, 2023
Augie Ray

Over 100 billion people have lived on our planet.

Just 622 have been to space.

Just 12 have set foot on another celestial object, our barren moon.

Not a single human has been to another planet.

We know of no other planet that can sustain human life.

Why is it so damn hard to get people to care about protecting the only home we've ever had and the only place we can live?

#climatechange

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/oceans-break-record-for-highest-temperatures-four-years-in-a-row-180981455/

Oceans Break Record for Highest Temperatures Four Years in a Row

Warming oceans can drive sea-level rise and extreme weather

Smithsonian Magazine
Jan 22, 2023 at 10:34amWeb
Show threadBoolean Boss 🧹 (Ari)Jan 22, 2023
@augieray This exact issue caused me to absolutely snap at someone earlier this evening.
Show threadAugie RayJan 22, 2023
@raantuva I doubt it made a difference, but did you change any minds?
Show threadBoolean Boss 🧹 (Ari)Jan 22, 2023
@augieray Unfortunately no. I just lived through the most intense storms we've had in California in my entire life, always been here. Their flippancy pushed me over a cliff.
Show threadMark FinchJan 22, 2023
@augieray
If the 'holiday brochure' photos are anything to go by, can't think of anywhere worse...
Show threadgzuckierJan 24, 2023
@mfinch @augieray But you have to admit, if you're looking for amazing scenery to bring home amazing snapshots, you can't beat Mars.
Show threadberlinuxerJan 22, 2023
@augieray because human are extremely lazy, extremely sick and extremely voracious
Show threadAugie RayJan 22, 2023
@berlinuxer Agreed, hence our desperate need for leadership!
Show threadHO• ⏚Jan 23, 2023

@augieray @berlinuxer i will recommend this podcast episode:

Solarpunk Now!: Building a Better Democracy... with Computer Science!

Episode webpage: https://www.solarpunkcast.net/

Media file: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1912620/9904036-building-a-better-democracy-with-computer-science.mp3

Solarpunk Now! - the podcast demanding a brighter future

the podcast demanding a brighter future

Solarpunk Now! - the podcast demanding a brighter future
Show threadgzuckierJan 24, 2023
@berlinuxer @augieray
We're primates. Our ancestors didn't live in dens, where genes for keeping things clean and healthy were reinforced and genes for living in garbage and sewage were killed off.
Our ancestors lived in trees, where they could just toss a piece of crap or a maggoty hunk of food overboard without penalty. We're still carrying those genes. Go anywhere human beings congregate and see. It's a major step forward in evolution that baby humans can be trained not to poop on the floor, with more difficulty than a dog or a cat or a rabbit. You can't toilet train a monkey.
Show threadBlotreport: YESJan 22, 2023
@augieray Two reasons. 1. People don't understand science. 2. People think money is important.
Show threadオチュー (stop colonialism 🇵🇸)Jan 22, 2023

@augieray Ivan illich had a good quote that stuck with me on that matter (albeit, in french)
"Everything becomes possible for a happy few as long as the big majority is ready to toil as slaves to send someone to the moon"

(there are objections to be made to this of course ; going to the moon is hardly the economical problem, the problem is really to affirm an unjust system by showing achievements that are by essence an exclusive royal/pope-esque right that no normal being will ever experience)

Show threadGebhard HopfmüllerJan 22, 2023
@augieray
As long as you are rich (enough), you are not going to starve, no matter how serious any famine is going to be, right?
Extrapolating from this experience, many rich believe that nothing could really harm them - understandably.
What I do NOT understand is the many poor celebrating those exploiters (instead of isolating from them with disgust). But that is what they are thriving on.
Show threadvioletmazeJan 23, 2023
@tropenfisch @augieray Pretty sure the rich will run out of food grown in their underground hydroponics gardens sooner rather than later..Water may be scarce!!! The media and governments are spending billions manipulating and deceiving people that climate breakdown is exaggerated. Photos are from a few recent UK newspapers..scary stuff
Show threadGebhard HopfmüllerJan 23, 2023
@violetmaze @augieray
Why would you think that "government and media are spending billions..."?
Could it be that keeping the status quo will make sure that the rich get richer?
And, regarding scarcity of water or anything else: As long as there's anything edible anywhere, be assured that it will end up on the plate of a rich person - at least as long as rich people are admired rather than isolated for exploiting others.
Show threadvioletmazeJan 23, 2023
@tropenfisch @augieray No democracy left ..only the rich entering 'politricks' to protect their wealth.. Smear campaigns are bought to reject those who might protect its people. Our media is complicit in this. In the UK strikes may soon be 'illegal'. It's not looking good.
Show threadGebhard HopfmüllerJan 23, 2023
@violetmaze @augieray
I disagree. We still do have a democracy, however it is under serious threat. One generation has paased after the successful fighting for social security, so we have become complacent, taking civil rights and democracy as a given.
=> We will need to get back to the streets to push back against the takeover by the rich.
Show threadvioletmazeJan 23, 2023
@tropenfisch @augieray I have filmed 2 instances of 'people on the streets recently...unfortunately in the UK we are losing our rights to do just that https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/advice_information/pcsc-policing-act-protest-rights/
How does the new Policing Act affect my protest rights? - Liberty

As the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act comes into effect, we explain the main protest law changes and what they mean for protesters.

Liberty
Show threadxs4me2Jan 22, 2023

@augieray

Do ants care about anything beyond their own colony? Do grasshoppers care about the impact of eating their environment empty? Basically humanity is a plague going forward.

Show threadAugie RayJan 22, 2023
@xs4me2 I'm always curious what people hope to achieve by calling humans a “plague.” it doesn't help solve the problem. It certainly only adds more smoke than light to the problem. It's likely to turn off people when we need to engage them. This sort of response strikes me as unhelpful. You'll argue you're just telling the truth, but as a member of humanity, I'd hope you'd strive for a helpful dialog.
Show threadxs4me2Jan 22, 2023
@augieray Well I respectfully disagree, just like ants are not aware of their environment nor can act, just as the same for grasshoppers, we see the same happening for humanity. Look at the exploitation of the Amazone as an example (and many more). To me it is a sad and true reality that should be faced. I wonder even IF there is an escape. Species will not act against their interest and the only biological interest is reproduction. We are just too successful at that. Only problems might stop us
Show threadxs4me2Jan 22, 2023

@augieray

Human kind will witness what will happen. We will not be there at that time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_growth

Population growth - Wikipedia

Show threadAugie RayJan 22, 2023
@xs4me2 Given the choice between saying “we're doomed” or engaging in a dialog on how we can resolve or at least slow the problems of climate change, I'll take the latter. It's easy to be fatalistic, but those who are not are the ones who will save lives.
Show threadxs4me2Jan 22, 2023

@augieray It is not about saying we are doomed, there is just no evidence of species having their future in their own hand, and lately I wonder if we do. In fact even this discussion is a luxury shared by a small minority (us) that are well to do. The largest part of humanity struggles on a budget of less than USD 10k/year, they can only think of survival...

You might consider my view fatalistic, I am looking for evidence otherwise, please prove me wrong...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distribution_of_wealth

Distribution of wealth - Wikipedia

Show threadAugie RayJan 22, 2023
@xs4me2 You seek data and info that supports your perspective. In fact, there's plenty of evidence that humans can pursue mitigation and adaptation strategies. https://climate.nasa.gov/faq/16/is-it-too-late-to-prevent-climate-change/
Is it too late to prevent climate change? – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet

Vital Signs of the Planet: Global Climate Change and Global Warming. Current news and data streams about global warming and climate change from NASA.

Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet
Show threadxs4me2Jan 22, 2023

@augieray

With the data I only scratches the obvious surface everybody can find easily...

Of course we can, and of course we are fighting it. We are the only species that is conscious about the effects. But I was arguing that maybe we have less influence than we imagine. And also it probably takes generations. The Club of Rome report of 1972 is 50 years ago... Since then I witness the climate changing.

Show threadAdrian MoralesJan 22, 2023
@augieray Your guess is as good as mine...
Show threadMario ZechnerJan 22, 2023
@augieray because it's still too damn comfortable for people in nations that could try to fix this. Once that changes, it's way too late. It already is.
Show threadPaul QuirkJan 22, 2023
@augieray consider the number of people who smoke cigarettes today in spite of the overwhelming evidence that cigarette smoking will kill them in a most horrible way. How can we expect people to care about the health of the planet, when they don't even care about their own health?
Show threadBill RhodesJan 22, 2023
@augieray because we are a huge death cult, slowly swallowing the cool aid, even those of us who see it
Show threadAirbag Moments | 45X34 | 🇺🇦Jan 22, 2023
@augieray Humans are the suicidally mutinous crew of the only spaceship that we know exists.
Show threadRegisterandVoteJan 22, 2023
@augieray For starters, “Only 622 have been in space” and I wonder how many even intellectually have that perspective? Also, denial is a powerful thing.
Show threadmikeJan 22, 2023
@augieray We’ve encountered thousands of intelligent species. And eaten them.
Show threadDavid WellsJan 22, 2023
@augieray Billionaire thinking: “Dude!! That means I can be number thirteen!!!”
Show threadKevin RussellJan 22, 2023

@augieray

There is, except for large number theory, no evidence of life anywhere else in the universe.

The calm belief that this gossamer puff of life clinging to rock, is permanent or strong confuses me.

Show threadcaragraphJan 22, 2023
@kevinrns @augieray but does that mean we take it for granted, trash it, dishonor its gifts? How does that translate from your observation? We should worship and revere her, that she so ephemeral is, all the more
Show threadKevin RussellJan 22, 2023

@caragraph @augieray

Adding to Augie Ray's math based points about humans taking earth for granted.

I dont know how you got those questions from my contribution to Augie's concern that we dont know how stupidly we're acting. How badly we are treating an interconnected fragile self supporting life system.

Show threadcaragraphJan 22, 2023
@kevinrns @augieray I don't know either. Apologies if there is a disconnect-- I'm lacking in many social cues and aspects, so the fault is mine, I'm sure.
Show threadKevin RussellJan 22, 2023

@caragraph @augieray

Yes, I was agreeing with him dramatically and my point was lost in the thunder. I could be less florid, thanks for the reminder.

Show threadcaragraphJan 22, 2023
@kevinrns @augieray I struggle. Thank you for understanding
Show threadKevin RussellJan 22, 2023

@caragraph @augieray

Thank you again for the reminder.

Show threadcaragraphJan 22, 2023

@kevinrns @augieray it's this part I think

'The calm belief that this gossamer puff of life clinging to rock, is permanent or strong confuses me.'

I read it as you saying Augie's statement and our subsequent actions were of no consequence, because the earth was fragile anyway. I should have asked for clarification.

Show threadAntonioJan 22, 2023
@augieray Most likely answer is that it is hard to get people to care about protecting the only home we've ever had and the only place we can live because it is not something that people can see the immediate impact of. Climate change, pollution, and other environmental issues are often seen as something that will not have a direct effect on people's lives. There is a lack of education on the importance of protecting the environment and the long-term consequences of not doing so. #openaianswer
Show threadsmallerdemonJan 22, 2023
@augieray when the dominant structure for telling people to be decent to each other is a mysterious eternal reward that isn't where you already live, kind of hard to get people to give a damn about where they live.
Show threadKozmykJan 22, 2023

@augieray

Greed. That will be the end of humanity.

And Conservatism as a social and political ideology that promotes greed in all its forms.

Show threadSchroedingerJan 22, 2023

@augieray Totally.

And it goes further, that we know what sort of resources it takes to get someone into space and onto another object.

We know that no other planet nearby can support life. That travelling to any of them - even Mars - would require massive (Earth-based) resources and just a few people could manage it.

And we could not actually live there anyway.

Show threadRichardOntarioJan 22, 2023
@augieray Nobody is getting out of here alive
Show threadSusie LloydJan 22, 2023
@augieray I think that instead of spending our time and money looking for other planets to ruin, perhaps we should concentrate on fixing the one we already live on.
Show threadKansas GrantJan 22, 2023

@augieray I've wondered the same. I feel like we've been given the "Garden of Eden," that is, the entire Earth, yet we somehow are determined to ruin it with the idea of escaping to barren places like the Moon and Mars

Doesn't make any damn sense.

Show threadInsufficientC8H11NO2Jan 22, 2023

@augieray
Because they'll gleefully watch another human die at their feet than wear a mask, so why should they give a flying fuck about a "liberal hoax, perpetrated by the Chinese government".

Ignorance of the few will kill us all.

Show threadCarly SaganJan 22, 2023
@augieray bc everyone with investment power only cares about funding fantasy. No one will make history for protecting the planet. But they will if they land on Mars.
Show threadMikeZilla Minus OneJan 22, 2023
@augieray and only one has played golf on another celestial object
Show threadgeochemJan 22, 2023
@augieray
nowhere close to 100 billion
Show threadAugie RayJan 22, 2023
@geochem You know, it's possible and even advisable for you to do a search online before you criticize someone for posting something accurate. https://www.prb.org/articles/how-many-people-have-ever-lived-on-earth/
How Many People Have Ever Lived on Earth?

The global population milestone of 8 billion people represents nearly 7% of the total number of people who have ever lived on Earth.

PRB
Show threadRayJan 22, 2023
@augieray
The two biggest reasons? "God" and money.
Show threadHO• ⏚Jan 22, 2023
@augieray because when people do care and act on it they are either shot or get called ecoterrorists. see #rojava #lutzerth #AtlantaForest #copcityprotests etc
Show threadgavinisdie Jan 22, 2023
@augieray honestly I think billionaires and corporations WANT to destroy earth
Show threadJamesTDGJan 22, 2023
@augieray oooh, I know, lobbying by the big companies that stand to lose the most if we were saving our planet.
Show threadMateoJan 22, 2023

@augieray

Think we have a definitive answer to Fermi’s paradox.

The great filter lies ahead of us.

Show threadMyeJan 22, 2023
@augieray and only 27 deep down in Challenger Deep https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_who_descended_to_Challenger_Deep
List of people who descended to Challenger Deep - Wikipedia