Southern Bookman

Globe has six-month opportunity to reduce carbon emissions, IEA chief says

Pandemic recovery plans give the world a last chance to build a green economy, according to the International Energy Agency chief.

Nations must take action to reduce carbon emissions in the next six months or climate change devastation will be unavoidable, IEA Chief Executive Fatih Birol told The Guardian.

Global emissions are rising again with the haphazard reopening from the coronavirus shutdown. In April, emissions fell an average of 17 percent over last year's totals, according to media reports. But in June, CO2 emissions were just 5 percent less than in 2019.

An IEA report said that the world will spend $9 trillion in economic stimulus plans in the next few months. That money should be spent on green jobs to make buildings more energy efficient and on solar and wind power projects, the IEA said.

Spending decisions for the six-month period will determine the economy's structure for the next three years, Birol said. Without major programs now, emissions will keep rising, making climate change inescapable.

 

A Sunday morning choir

The butterfly house in our front yard has never attracted any butterflies.

It's full of life these days. Sunday morning, I heard the chirping of small birds from within the dilapidated structure.

The straw of a bird's nest was visible in the openings between the walls.

A small bird flew out and returned, as the chorus sang.

 

 

World hurtling toward environmental disaster, reports indicate

Humanity keeps racing toward destruction beyond the coronavirus pandemic, recent reports say.

The globe's sixth mass extinction rushes forward unabated, according to a recent report from the National Academy of Sciences. The study focused on the alarming loss of vertebrates as their habitat is destroyed by human development. The species extinctions threaten human life, the report warns.

"The ongoing sixth mass extinction may be the most serious environmental threat to the persistence of civilization, because it is irreversible," the study said.

"Thousands of populations of critically endangered vertebrate animal species have been lost in a century, indicating that the sixth mass extinction is human caused and accelerating. The acceleration of the extinction crisis is certain because of the still fast growth in human numbers and consumption rates"

Climate change is also bearing down, another report found.

Carbon dioxide levels in May rose to their highest level in human history, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego announced last week.

The amount of carbon in the atmosphere rose to a once unfathomable 417 parts per million, as recorded in May by the Mauna Loa Observatory in the Pacific. That's the highest atmospheric level of CO2 in millions of years, the report noted. The world breached the ominous threshold of 400 parts per million in 2014.

Carbon emissions have declined during the pandemic economic shutdown, but not enough to change the amount in the atmosphere.

"The rate of increase during 2020 does not appear to reflect reduction in pollution emissions due to the sharp, worldwide economic slowdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic," the report found. "The reason is that the drop in emissions would need to be large enough to stand out from natural CO2 variability, caused by how plants and soils respond to seasonal and annual variations of temperature, humidity, soil moisture, etc.

"These natural variations are large, and so far the emissions reductions associated with COVID19 do not stand out. If emissions reductions of 20 to 30 percent were sustained for six to 12 months, then the rate of increase of CO2 measured at Mauna Loa would be slowed."

With the United States and the world reopening their economies, emissions will again climb. There are no ventilators for the world.

As scientists sounded their alarm. the Trump administration carried out another assault on environmental laws. Using the coronavirus as a pretext, Trump issued an executive order to halt environmental impact statements for pipelines, highways and other infrastructure projects. Such assessments are the hallmark of the Environmental Policy Act signed by Richard Nixon 50 years ago.

Trump might love Nixon's law and order tactics. But he hates the GOP president's groundbreaking environmental legislation as much as he does Obama's programs.

 

 

 

 

Coronavirus pandemic brings record drop in carbon emissions

Global carbon emissions are projected to decline by a record of nearly 8 percent this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.

But the IEA said the world will need to reduce emissions by that percentage each year through 2030 to keep global warming at 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures, the Paris Accords threshold to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

Unfortunately, emissions likely will spike again when the pandemic ends and demand for oil and coal increases. The IEA called upon nations to begin a shift toward renewable energy sources during the pandemic.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has drawn praise for her handling of the coronavirus crisis, has called for economic changes to lower carbon demand.

The United States cut emissions by 9 percent during the first quarter of 2020, the agency said. But the Trump administration has slashed carbon restrictions during the pandemic and boosted the declining oil and coal industries. Trump on Thursday called for a "return to normal," an economy of ever increasing emissions.

Along with economic devastation and a soaring death rate, the coronavirus pandemic has shown the way to significantly reduce emissions and avoid the worst effects of climate change.

 

 

Chastain Park's busy trails make coronavirus seem far away

Walkers, runners and dogs filled Chastain Park's trails Friday morning, a disconnect from the coronavirus pandemic's grim tidings.

The wonderful old North Fulton Golf is open to the public, giving non-golfers hillside views, Nancy Creek pathways and the beauty of sand traps, greens and fairways.

Some who have discovered the WPA-era course are calling for the land to be converted into a general-use park. If the property remains devoted to golf, perhaps it could be open to the general public one day a week, as is the custom with the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland.

Old oaks and magnolias beneath a perfect blue sky illuminated how the shutdown has helped the environment. That's good news for climate change; if the world has shown such healing in a month, a longer pause could bring significant emissions reductions. But that would require huge public spending to overcome the severe economic disruptions.

Trump and his GOP followers want to rush back to the "normal" economy. As the shutdown continues, the world could begin analyzing which parts of the pre-pandemic economy should be saved and which jettisoned.

But Trump, in his latest assault on environmental regulations, is slashing mercury-emissions regulations, a boon to the outmoded coal industry. Trump is also aiding the oil and gas business, as the pandemic shows the need to boost "clean" industries.

Social distancing was the rule at Chastain Park, although a couple of joggers hurried past inside of the sweat-spray boundary. A few trail users wore face masks, but most were content with the open air.

With Georgia not expected to reach its Corvid-19 peak until June, I wondered how many of those at the park would be infected and die, including myself. On a gorgeous Friday morning,  the threat seemed far away.

Garden & Gun excels with "Saving the South" issue

Garden & Gun affirms the power of magazines with its "Saving the South" issue.

Going beyond the glitzy stories of Southern comfort for which it is known, the Charleston-based magazine marshals striking photography, imaginative illustrations and memorable writing in its April-May issue to sound the alarm about the disappearing South.

Along with its usual features on dining, homes and interior design, music and shopping, the magazine examines serious issues such as endangered species and the loss of cultural traditions.

In a stirring journalistic achievement, the magazine raises hopes with its centerpiece, "30 Southern Heroes."

Musical stars Rhiannon Giddens (shown here in a Garden & Gun photo) and Darius Rucker and writer Wendell Berry receive attention along with lesser known heroes involved in a variety of endeavors from saving the bobwhite quail to publishing unknown Southern voices, preserving seeds of heirloom vegetables, giving new recognition to unsung black contributions to the region, and creating programs for opioid addicts in rural areas.

Former AJC food writer John Kessler stands out with a feature on archaeological signs of black slaves' legacy discovered in an antebellum home in Charleston. Writer Brownen Dickey, James Dickey's daughter, profiles Giddens and her growing musical achievements while Berry in an interview with Silas House discusses the neglected rural South. The interview was conducted through typewritten letters.

Another feature gives a sobering look at the South's endangered species. The region has more declining wildlife than any other, according to the magazine.

The inspiring and alarming articles are lightened by the magazine's usual features on dogs and food, including a charming look at Jell-o salads, a feature of many Southern childhoods.

Noted author Jon Meacham gives a thoughtful introduction, sounding a major theme of the issue, that the South consists of many separate regions and traditions. Alas, as the issue highlights, that diversity is being subsumed by an onrushing conformity.

Often giving too little attention to the South's social inequities and poverty while catering to the wealthy upper classes and wannabes, the magazine reaches a new level of committed journalism with the new issue.

Coronavirus hits hard in Louisiana

Once again, I weep for my native state, Louisiana.

Just two months after LSU won the national football championship, which may be the last NCAA title awarded for awhile, Gov. Jon Bel Edwards shut down the state Sunday because of the soaring number of coronavirus cases.

My darling New Orleans, as Little Queenie and the Percolators called the old port city, now faces another disaster less than 20 years after the devastating flooding from Hurricane Katrina.

Its coastline disappearing, many of its citizens mired in poverty, poor health and ignorance, Louisiana is now one of the states worst hit by COVID-19.

Three of my sisters, my two brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews still live in Louisiana. My thoughts are with them.

My niece, Dr. Madelaine Fontenot, and her husband, Dr. Jeff Fontenot, are both residents at a hospital in Lafayette. Madelaine started her ICU rotation Monday and Jeff is on inpatient. "They are on the front lines now," my sister told me.

Most of the COVID-19 cases are rising in New Orleans, already endangered by climate change, flooding and the gulf's encroachment.

A poor city with an economy dominated by tourism, restaurants and entertainment, New Orleans will be especially hard hit by the shutdown.

New Orleans took years to recover from Katrina. The coronavirus is delivering another knockout punch. But the Crescent City has survived epidemics, the Civil War, economic decline, and natural disasters.

Before the state's shutdown, LSU's championship coach Ed Orgeron delivered a stirring video urging Louisianians to follow coronavirus precautions. Coach O.'s effective PSA gained national recognition.

Coach O.'s optimistic spirit, and Edwards' calm leadership, give hope that Louisiana will overcome this crisis, as it did the 1927 flood and Katrina.

 

 

 

 

 

"Where the Crawdads Sing" blends literary style, popular appeal

I'm often let down by popular novels, but I'm captivated by Delia Owens' "Where the Crawdads Sing."

Owens' book, a top bestseller for months, combines the stylistic language of "literary fiction" with mainstream popular appeal.The book's engaging cast of characters live and interact with each other in a small, special world both ordinary and magical. Part crime thriller, part coming-of-age saga and part nature study, the book offers delight for a variety of readers.

While Owens at times misfires in her personification of nature, her language gives a vivid picture of the book's North Carolina marshland and small town. The fully developed characters are true to life, as if we'd known them forever.

"Where the Crawdads Sing" appeals to young readers as well as adults. It's one of those novels that foster the love of reading, and should find a place on middle school and high school book lists.

 

 

 

 

David Talbot finds hope in stroke recovery

San Francisco writer David Talbot's recovery from the stroke he suffered in 2017 led to spiritual rebirth and renewed political activism.

Talbot's "Between Heaven and Hell" recounts his experience as a stroke survivor, from agonizing days in the hospital to coping with physical difficulties when he arrived home.

The author of the San Francisco history "Season of the Witch" and founder of the Salon news site says his recovery heightened his appreciation of life and tolerance for others.

Rooted in Facebook posts, the book remains lighthearted in recounting his challenges. Humor and appreciation for care-givers and family members are dominant themes.

Not free from baby-boomer self-absorption, the book highlights small triumphs and gratitude for daily blessings. The pleasures of food, music and literature lessen his struggles.

As his healing progresses, Talbot renews his commitment to political activism, expressing hope that citizen involvement can bring progressive change. While touching upon the Trump administration's assaults on the Constitution, Talbot focuses on his beloved San Francisco's increasing economic disparities and loss of bohemian spirit.

Biographical vignettes include a brief overview of his founding of Salon, his struggles with Hollywood producing films from his books and details about his family. He looks back on the up and down career of his father, character actor Lyle Talbot, and his late marriage to Talbot's mother, the singer and actress Paula Epple.

Talbot's wife, Camille Peri, gives unwavering, heroic support. His siblings, New Yorker writer Margaret Talbot, documentary producer Stephen Talbot and doctor Cynthia Talbot, also step up. Talbot's also buoyed by fatherhood, expressing pride at the critical acclaim his son, Joe, receives for his film, "The Last Black Man in San Francisco."

Talbot holds on to his optimism in a closing chapter about he and his family fleeing San Francisco when wildfires make the city's air hazardous. They stay in a cramped hotel in Carmel, Calif., joining others enjoying the beach despite the apocalyptic threat. Talbot extols the resilience of the human spirit rather than succumbing to pessimism.

Their return to San Francisco gives hope that the city and its people will build a bright new future.

 

 

GOP senators will ignore House's thorough impeachment case

The House Democrats' impeachment case against Donald Trump has been thorough and convincing, but I doubt any Republican senators will be swayed.

The Democratic arguments, augmented by impressive videos and charts, might influence undecided voters to turn against Trump in the 2020 election. But ratings show that few Americans are tuning in.

As Republican senators show their contempt for the proceedings, and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts struggles to stay engaged, Trump continues his assault on long accepted environmental policies. The administration's latest move is to weaken restrictions on polluting waterways. That follows efforts to gut the endangered species act and regulations against the release of harmful chemicals.

The New York Times Friday ran a list of the administration's environmental officials, all of them tied to fossil fuel industries. Former oil and coal executives who disparaged climate change science now run the EPA and other agencies with the aim of crippling their mission. Cabinet officials like Agricultural Secretary Sonny Perdue slash research, a basic governmental function.

The House impeachment case, while complete, is a small part of Trump's assault against American values, accepted in the past by Republican and Democratic administrations.