14th August 1912,
Waitemata & Kaipara Gazette
(The Rodnan & Otamatea Times).
A week or so ago, the latest, sixth, IPPC report dropped.
And while we could discuss lots of the science in it, I would argue: by and large nothing new under the sun.
With a nuance: while it was all there before, it is now pictured in even bolder letters, starker statements, and bleaker outlooks.
It also was published at a tactically very interesting time: Right before another COP (26 by the number) … and hence by all intents and purposes was targetting politicians of every colour no doubt.
My suggestion hence is simply read it.
Even if only the executive summary.
But just read it.
This said: I would like to give a HUGE thank you to all the scientists involved.
The IPCC process is heavily politicised as we all know. Every word is weight and has to be approved by the myriads of national delegations. All with their own scientists support group and all with their own political and economical agenda.
Nothing could be less appealing to a real scientists, interested in and driven by data, than such a political writing process. Me thinks anyway.
Albeit: they must have learned a lesson or two from the politicians in the way this report was dropped: its timing (in the midst of people’s pandemic summer holiday), even indeed a little bit ahead of schedule…
And yet – climate scientists from around the global worked hard on the ins and outs, the small details and the bigger picture issues, of this report. Because they feel it is their duty and they owe it to their co-humans. An ardours process to take upon oneself. It must have felt like a truly thankless job.
So: thank you dear IPCC scientists.
Thank you for all the work, the patience, and the glimmer of hope that despite it all remains a firm part of the reports. Even this latest one.
