ADAPTATION GUIDE

 Famous last words, April 2024

Sooner or later, we will have to recognise that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.

-Evo Morales

Lamb & Mint Sauce! A Classic Springtime Recipe

As we indulge in the luxury of a spring lamb dish aboard our symbolic Titanic, the recent earthquake in Taiwan serves as a stark wake-up call.

This seismic event, which rattled even the bustling city of Taipei 120 kilometers from its epicenter, underscores the critical importance of resilient infrastructure in mitigating disaster.

Despite the magnitude of the tremors, only ten lives were lost—a testament to Taiwan's stringent building regulations.

Taiwan's resilience, however, lies not solely in its structural fortitude but in its robust democratic ethos.

Unlike many other nations, Taiwan's strength emanates from its stable democratic system, where politicians and parties face consequences for failing in disaster preparedness and response.

Civil society and the media play pivotal roles in holding accountable those who cut corners, with courts largely maintaining their independence.

Yet, while Taiwan stands as a beacon of democratic strength, the broader global landscape tells a different story.

According to Freedom House, a significant decline in the number of free countries—from 89 in 2005 to 82 in 2020—signals a troubling trend.

This erosion of democracy is not confined to distant lands like Hungary or Turkey but also affects established democracies like the United States and Canada.

Internal polarization, fueled by misinformation and grievances, threatens the very fabric of liberal democracies.

In the face of these challenges, the ADAPTATION GUIDE offers a poignant reminder: stay focused on what matters.

The distractions of UFOs, self-driving cars, and the allure of technological advancements divert attention from the core of democracy—voting.

It calls for decisive action, urging citizens to oust conservative elements hindering progress.

Turning to environmental concerns, the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights against Switzerland exposes a broader failure in addressing climate change.

The ruling, while not prescriptive, highlights the urgent need for systemic change to protect our right to life.

Moreover, the looming climate crisis lays bare our species' inertia in the face of catastrophe. Despite our collective ability to achieve monumental feats—building cities, global communication networks, and advancing technology—our response to climate change falls short.

The axiom that "it's easier to imagine the end of the human race than the end of capitalism" resonates deeply, underscoring a systemic reluctance to confront entrenched economic systems.

In conclusion, the challenges we face demand a reinvigorated commitment to democratic principles and urgent action on climate change.

We must reclaim the narrative and steer our future towards sustainability and equity. Let us heed the lessons of Taiwan's resilience and confront the existential threats with unwavering resolve.

The time for adaptation and survival is now.

Credits: New York Times,

Neue Zürcher Zeitung,

Globe & Mail,

Titanic 1st. Class Menue,

Report of the Task Force on National Security