The Psychology Behind A Warming World

 

 I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.

- Albert  Einstein

 

Despite 28 climate conferences spanning the last thirty years, the CO2 curve shows only one direction – upwards. The 1.5-degree goal to curb global warming is still advocated by industry, politics, leading scientists, and prominent activists. 

Evolutionary psychology teaches us that we are born with basic emotion and motivation systems adapted to the survival challenges of the Stone Age. 

These reactions and behavioral impulses can be modified through cultural learning and to some extent through insight and willpower. However, this takes time and has limits. 

Only an eco-education dictatorship could potentially break these limits, but it would lead to socio-cultural collapse, and life would no longer be considered worthwhile.

If we must rely on democratic opinion formation and decision-making, then those advocating for asceticism should understand and respect the psychological realities of the broader population. 

Real politics must always consider real psychology. Some key evolutionary psychological dispositions include:

1. Short-Term Focus: In the Stone Age, people didn't live long. Enjoyment, consumption, and immediate relief held a higher value than well-being in an uncertain future. Motivating the human psyche regarding pressing present problems is crucial.

2. Abstract Nature of Climate Rescue: Saving the world's climate feels abstract and provides little sense of self-efficacy. CO2 is odorless, imagined future suffering lacks empathy, and actions with effects decades away don't provide a sense of accomplishment.

3. Tragedy of the Commons: Public goods, like the atmosphere, are at risk of overuse by free-riders. Establishing rules, controls, and sanctions is challenging globally. Climate rescue becomes an immense cooperation problem, converging towards an apparently unsolvable issue.

In times of real crisis, a vicious cycle emerges. The human psyche, in survival mode, shuts down higher cognitive functions, leading to tunnel vision and a stronger temptation for free-riding. 

The more significant the catastrophe, the fewer psychological possibilities exist for a global, cooperative solution.

This is evident in the current energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Old coal power plants in Europe are being reactivated. 

Without breakthrough innovations, another rise in CO2 is unavoidable, making the 2-degree goal unrealistic. Expect a temperature increase between 3 and 4 degrees.

People tend to perceive global challenges more negatively than the facts suggest. Complex problems with probabilistic outcomes and climate change consequences manifest over decades and centuries. 

Human adaptability and innovation capacities are often underestimated. We should focus more on protection, adaptation, and innovation.

Moreover, maintaining social peace requires a robust economy. Unilateral turbo-decarbonization in Norway or Europe could jeopardize this without making a significant global contribution. 

Technology transfer to developing countries, resource allocation for maximum global CO2 reduction impact, and realistic goals are crucial.

In conclusion, preventing catastrophes is essential, but we shouldn't develop paralyzing fear. People are adept at coping with disasters. The emphasis should be on protection, adaptation, innovation, and preserving the world as a livable place.

 The Saving - Money Conundrum

 

If saving money is wrong, I don't want to be right!

- William Shatner

• Fuel savings of up to 20 percent in cars with internal combustion engines can be achieved through optimized and anticipatory driving habits, such as turning off the engine when idling, reducing load, avoiding short trips, and shutting off electrical devices like the air conditioner.

 

 

• Laptops consume less power than desktop PCs; putting devices in energy-saving mode during short breaks is recommended.

 

 

• For efficient ventilation, it is better to briefly and fully open windows while the heating is turned off. Using shutters, curtains, and sealing strips helps retain heat, saving two-thirds of electricity.

 

 

• Heating water with an electric kettle is more energy-efficient than on the stove; only fill the kettle with the needed amount of water.

 

 

• Washing clothes at 40 degrees and using eco programs can make the washing process up to 40 percent more economical. Air-drying clothes on a rack is cost-free compared to using a dryer.

 

 

• Setting the refrigerator at seven degrees saves energy; each degree lower increases energy consumption by six percent. Regularly defrosting freezers can save up to 45 percent of electricity.

 

 

• A full dishwasher can save up to 30 percent water and 50 percent energy compared to washing dishes by hand.

 

 

• In the oven, convection heating uses 15 percent less energy than top/bottom heat. 

 

 

• LED lights use up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs or halogen lamps; turning them off when leaving a room is advisable.

 

 

• Opting for showers instead of baths reduces water and energy consumption. Water-saving shower-heads can cut costs significantly.

 

 

• Even in standby mode, electronic devices consume power. It is worthwhile to turn off connected devices, especially with smart TVs.

 

 

• Lowering room temperature by one degree can save approximately six percent of energy. Smart thermostats can maintain desired temperatures and reduce heating at preset times. Regularly venting radiators and keeping them unobstructed by furniture or curtains is also helpful.

 

 The Lack of Education Conundrum

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

-Diogenes

 

 

 

What Is PISA? Why Does It Matter?

Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a global program whereby around 600,000 15 year students from different countries are put under a two-hour test to gauge their skills and knowledge, mainly in science, reading, and mathematics. PISA test questions don't gauge memorization of facts but demand that students draw on real-world problem-solving skills and knowledge.

Since a high ranking on PISA corresponds to economic success, researchers have concluded that PISA is one of the indicators of whether school systems are preparing students for the 21st-century global knowledge economy.

Last months seeing the P.I.S.A. results and pretty much memorizing the fully vaccination chart from 2022 (World Edition) it kept me thinking, if there is a link between leading countries like Japan and South Korea in both categories and Germany and the United States failing education- and basic health knowledge.......

But first, here is another brick in the wall of your education:

...how did this great doubling of the human life span happen? When the history textbooks do touch on the subject of improving health, they often nod to three critical breakthroughs, all of them presented as triumphs of the Scientific Method:

Vaccines, Germ Theory and Antibiotics.

...those breakthroughs might have been initiated by Scientists, but it took the work of activists and public intellectuals and legal reformers to bring their benefits to everyday people. 

...and it required lifestyle changes that ran throughout all echelons of society:

Washing hands, Quitting smoking, Getting Vaccinated,Wearing masks during a pandemic

(excerpt from the N.Y.T.)

 

The Interplay Between Misinformation, Vaccine Hesitancy, and Educational Gaps: A Global Challenge

 

For over two decades, Germany has participated in the PISA test every three years, revealing a consistent decline in the performance of fifteen-year-olds. 

This educational trend raises concerns, especially in the context of public health, as vaccine hesitancy poses a threat to individual well-being and burdens healthcare systems with substantial costs.

As of October 2021, Germany reported that 66% of its population had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to the official statistics of the Robert Koch Institute. 

However, a significant portion remains unvaccinated, posing potential risks. Researchers fear that the costs incurred by the unvaccinated could soar to 180 million euros per week during the winter months, as reported by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

 

Internationally, similar challenges persist. In 2023, The Globe & Mail highlighted the impact of vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories in Canada. 

A report indicated that thousands of unnecessary deaths and hospital stays, costing the healthcare system at least $300 million, occurred during two waves of COVID-19 in 2021. 

The study estimated that misinformation led approximately 2.35 million Canadians to avoid vaccination, resulting in missed opportunities to prevent numerous COVID cases, hospital admissions, ICU stays, and deaths.

Connecting the dots between these issues raises questions about the role of education in fostering public health awareness. 

It prompts reflection on whether educational systems adequately equip individuals with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the sea of information, misinformation, and skepticism surrounding vaccines.

History, as a subject in schools, should ideally convey the critical role vaccinations have played in preserving human life. 

The success stories of vaccines eradicating diseases and saving countless lives could serve as a powerful educational tool. 

However, if educational gaps persist, leaving students uninformed or susceptible to misinformation, we risk a society that not only jeopardizes its health but also burdens healthcare systems economically.

The correlation between misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and lack of education is a complex interplay that demands attention. 

A well-rounded education that includes comprehensive health literacy and critical thinking skills can be instrumental in addressing vaccine hesitancy. 

In an era where information spreads rapidly through various channels, fostering an informed and discerning public is not only a matter of individual health but a collective responsibility. 

As we grapple with the challenges posed by the intersection of education, misinformation, and vaccine hesitancy, it becomes evident that investing in robust educational systems is crucial for building a healthier and more resilient society.

 

 

 The Health/Well-being Conundrum

 

I like the cold weather. It means you get work done.

- Noam Chomsky

 

Our bodies are not designed for icy cold temperatures, and these frigid conditions pose two main problems for humans. Firstly, a sudden drop in temperature can strain the cardiovascular system. 

Many individuals also experience headaches, respiratory issues, or joint pain in response to cold weather. 

The situation becomes particularly perilous when low temperatures are accompanied by strong winds, as the wind can literally sweep away the heat radiating from our bodies, making us more vulnerable to the cold.

In such conditions, rapid skin freezing on exposed body parts and potentially lethal hypothermia can occur. 

At 27 degrees (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit) with additional wind, it takes less than thirty minutes for mild frostbite to set in: fingers and toes become cold and stiff, followed by increasing redness and pain. 

Subsequently, the skin turns bluish, forming blister-like formations similar to burns. These frostbites, known as chilblains, can heal when the skin is warmed. 

If a person remains exposed to the cold, such as after an accident in the snow, the skin may turn dark red to black and die. Affected fingers or toes may require amputation due to the lack of blood supply, as the body redirects blood away from extremities to preserve vital organs during prolonged cold exposure.

The root cause of frostbite is blood deficiency. In persistent cold, the body begins to withdraw blood from the arms, legs, as well as exposed areas like the nose, ears, and other vulnerable regions. 

Blood vessels constrict, slowing down blood flow. Essentially, the body sacrifices extremities to save crucial organs. 

In emergencies, the body's sole focus is to supply life-sustaining organs with sufficient oxygen and nutrients because hypothermia can be deadly.

Once the body temperature drops just half a degree below 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), shivering sets in to generate heat. 

However, continuous movement alone is insufficient as the body must be entirely covered and insulated in extremely cold conditions to retain warmth. Sweating, in turn, accelerates cooling. 

If the body temperature falls below 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit), the person becomes drowsy, disoriented, and confused. 

Blood pressure decreases, muscles and joints stiffen – a dangerous situation as the person may not perceive the severity of the cold and fail to seek refuge in a warmer environment or call for help.

At a body temperature below 27 degrees Celsius (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit), a fatal cardiac arrest can occur. 

If you encounter or notice a person experiencing hypothermia, it is crucial to move them to a wind-sheltered, warm location and remove wet clothing. 

However, if the individual is already confused, unresponsive, breathing shallowly and irregularly, with a slow pulse, avoid moving them, as sudden movement can lead to the transfer of very cold blood from the extremities to the core, potentially causing immediate cardiac arrest. 

Avoid rubbing or rapidly warming the body, as these actions may have the same effect. Instead, the first step should be to call emergency services.

Remember, these guidelines are general and not a substitute for professional medical advice. In any emergency situation, always seek immediate help from trained medical personnel.

 

 The Health/Food Conundrum Edition

 

So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.

- Franz Kafka 

Seeds, rich in plant proteins, heart-healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, offer a diverse range of health benefits. Though not related to tree nuts, it's crucial to be aware of potential allergies.

1.  Chia Seeds:
   • Nutritional Highlights:
     • 7g of fiber, 127mg of calcium, 3.6g of ALA (alpha linolenic acid -plant-based omega-3).  ( two tablespoons)
       
   • Health Benefits:
     • May lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL (Good) cholesterol.
     • Studied for potential blood sugar-lowering effects.
   • Usage Tips:
     • Add to dairy or plant-based milk with vanilla and maple syrup.
     • Explore various recipes available online.
       
      

2. • Flaxseeds:

     • Nutritional Highlights:
       • 3.2g of ALA (omega-3), lignans for breast and prostate cancer risk reduction.
     • Health Benefits:
       • Studies suggest a positive impact on hypertension.
     • Usage Tips:
       • Must be ground to gain nutritional benefits.
       • Incorporate into daily meals.
        
        

3. Hulled Hemp Seeds:

   • Nutritional Highlights:
     • 6g of protein, 140mg of magnesium, significant manganese.
     • 2g of ALA (plant-based omega-3).
   • Usage Tips:
     • Add to salads, avocado toast, yogurt, and smoothies.
     • Blend into various batters for muffins, cookies, and energy balls.
      
      

4. Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita):

   • Nutritional Highlights:
     • Protein, fiber, iron, zinc, potassium, and 191mg of magnesium per one-quarter cup.
       
     • Excellent source of manganese.
   • Usage Tips:
     • Sprinkle over soups, salads, oatmeal, and granola.
     • Crush for a flavorful crust for fish or enjoy toasted as a snack.
      
      

5. Sesame Seeds:

   • Nutritional Highlights:
     • Excellent calcium source (175mg per 2 tbsp).
     • Contains iron, magnesium, and zinc.
   • Health Benefits:
     • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
     • Potential blood pressure-lowering effects.
   • Usage Tips:
     • Make tahini or sprinkle toasted sesame over stir-fries, salads, and soups.
     • Be cautious in countries where sesame is a major allergen and must be labelled on food packages.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

6. Sunflower Seeds:

   • Nutritional Highlights:
     • 80% of daily vitamin E in 1/4 cup.
     • Excellent source of folate, magnesium, and selenium.
   • Health Benefits:
     • Preliminary evidence suggests positive effects on LDL (Bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels in women with Type 2 diabetes.
   • Usage Tips:
     • Add to hummus, risotto, trail mix, and salad dressings.
     • Use in making dukkah, a Egyptian spice blend comprising toasted nuts, seeds and spices.
       

 

Conclusion: Incorporating a variety of seeds into your diet can contribute significantly to your overall health. Experiment with different seeds and diverse recipes to enjoy their nutritional benefits in a delicious and versatile manner.

Planned departure: On January 13, 2024, at least three sources close to Kerry revealed that he would step down as U.S. climate envoy by the upcoming spring.....

On November 23, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden's transition team announced that Kerry would be taking a full-time position in the administration, serving as a special envoy for climate; in this role he will be a principal on the National Security Council. Kerry assumed office on January 20, 2021, following Biden's inauguration.  

 

John Kerry: ".....we are not even on track to keep two degrees alive today..and that`s why we need to be pushing harder...."

How hard can you push the climate agenda when you are 80 years old? Let´s remember the promise. We almost all wanted to be carbon neutral by 2050! How can you enjoy the fruits of your hard labor when you are 106 years old? One highlight of Kerry`s work is this:

At the end of July 2023 John Kerry visited India. Among others he declared, the USA will be committed to the target of delivering 100 billion dollars for climate action to low income countries and no future US president can retreat from climate commitment. He criticized Donald Trump for leaving the Paris agreement before.  

However, a new approach is needed. Imagine a climate envoy: a 40-year-old woman with indigenous roots, untethered by political constraints, bringing a holistic perspective. 

Indigenous genes symbolize a stewardship of the earth, free from institutional silos. This fresh perspective is essential to unravel the complexities of our global crisis. 

It's time for a dynamic and multidisciplinary leader who sees the interconnectedness of climate challenges and can drive impactful change.

John, we wish you all the best and to be honest, lot`s of people envy you for having a wife with a private jet.

 The Insurance Conundrum

Time to review your home insurance coverage.

Part. 1

 

There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?   Woody Allen