Q & Adaptation-Guide answer:

Nothing in education is so astonishing as the amount of ignorance it accumulates in the form of inert facts.

 - Henry Brooks Adams 

 I think that from the beginning, those with education knew that Frau von der Leyen would not stand behind  the "Green Deal". Am I wrong?

A.G.:Ursula von der Leyen and the "Green Deal"

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, presented the European Green Deal as one of her main priorities when she took office in December 2019. The Green Deal aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050 (Uschi von der Leyen would be between 90 and 100 years old by then!) and includes a series of measures and initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental protection.

Skepticism and Criticism

There are various reasons why some people might be skeptical about von der Leyen's commitment to the Green Deal:

• Political and Economic Interests: Critics might argue that political and economic interests take precedence over climate goals. In the past, there have been instances where economic considerations have weakened environmental measures.

• Implementation and Progress: The implementation of the Green Deal requires significant changes in many areas, including energy, agriculture, transportation, and industry. Progress can be hindered by bureaucratic hurdles, national interests, and resistance from interest groups.

• Lobbying and Influence: The influence of lobbying groups, particularly from the fossil fuel industry, could undermine the effectiveness and commitment to the Green Deal.

In 2019, a "Green Wave" swept across Europe, capturing the imagination and support of people from all walks of life. 

There was a palpable sense of urgency and possibility, with a collective push towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. 

However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with skyrocketing living costs and geopolitical upheavals such as Putin's invasion of Ukraine, has significantly dampened this enthusiasm.

And the E.U. President tried to strike a balance between "Right" and "Left." The EU has already made tweaks to the Green Deal, with more to follow. 

Von der Leyen herself now wants to initiate a "Clean Industrial Deal" to help reduce the relatively high European energy costs. Moreover, the debate over the "combustion engine ban," the regulation that only CO2-neutral fuel vehicles will be allowed from 2035 onwards, is not over yet.

Who voted for this woman? Everyone who was aware that the German is the "greenest" Commission President they could get. 

What a disgrace! 

Humans will have to adapt and evolve or become extinct. And while the European People's Party has time until 2050, we will act now!

Here are some practical steps we can take to conserve energy and make a tangible difference:

1. Stop Idling Engines: Reducing unnecessary idling can significantly cut down on fuel consumption and emissions.
2. Tax Luxury Gas-Guzzling SUVs: Implementing higher taxes on inefficient vehicles can incentivize the adoption of greener alternatives.
3. Ban Diesel Cars: Phasing out diesel vehicles can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Curtail Private Jet Use: Limiting the use of private jets, which are disproportionately harmful to the environment, can have a positive impact.
5. Promote Trains: Encouraging train travel over short-haul flights can reduce carbon footprints.
6. Combine Errands to Save Gas: Simple lifestyle changes, like combining errands, can lead to substantial fuel savings.
7. Wash Clothes and Dishes in Cold Water: Using cold water for washing is a small change that can lead to significant energy savings.

 Famous last words...

July, 2024

He who destroys a good book, kills reason itself.

- John Milton in his anti-censorship pamphlet.

Zigzagging Through July: A Modern Odyssey of Catastrophes and Oversights

As we navigate the treacherous waters of July, it's as if we're aboard a Titanic of calamities, careening through waves of unprecedented disasters and technological blunders. 

Our world has turned into an Olympic arena of extremes—hotter, bigger, earlier for wildfires; faster, higher, and wetter for floods. 

Every month sets new records, each one more staggering than the last.

Wildfire and Weather Woes

Consider Hurricane Beryl. This beast of a storm has set a new benchmark, becoming the earliest Category 4 Atlantic hurricane on record, surpassing Hurricane Dennis from July 8, 2005. 

Meanwhile, July 22, 2023, has etched itself into history as the hottest day ever recorded, with an average global temperature of 17.16°C (62.88°F). 

Edmonton, Canada, has been smothered under a blanket of smoke, prompting city officials to activate extreme weather responses for both poor air quality and unbearable heat. Residents flocked to recreation centers, libraries, and indoor pools, where N95 masks were distributed to those in need.

The Unseen Threat: Emerging Variants

Amid these environmental crises, a new invisible enemy lurks. The KP.2 and KP.3 COVID-19 variants are spreading insidiously, with symptoms that include sneezing, congestion, headaches, sore muscles, nausea, and sheer exhaustion. 

Despite this, a visit to several German hospitals revealed a startling sight: not a single doctor wore a protective mask. It's as if they've missed the memo about the ongoing threat. 

The advice remains unchanged: masks, social distancing, hygiene, and boosting your immune system are critical. These precautions will be our reality for years to come.

The Digital Achilles' Heel

In an era where digital dependence is the norm, a recent fiasco underscores the need for caution. 

CrowdStrike Holdings Inc., a cybersecurity giant, sent out a routine update intended to enhance features and fix bugs. 

Instead, it unleashed a global IT catastrophe due to a defect in the update for Microsoft Windows users. 

Hospitals, banks, insurers, airlines, grocers, emergency service providers and countless others were thrown into chaos...

This incident is a stark reminder of why pilots insist on hard copies of essential protocols. When it comes to health and wealth, there's no room for error.

A Call for Preparedness and Prudence

As we brace ourselves against the barrage of climate extremes, viral threats, and digital vulnerabilities, the message is clear: preparedness and prudence are paramount. 

The world may be spiraling through a series of records and mishaps, but our response can make all the difference. 

Whether it’s ensuring proper use of masks and maintaining hygiene or demanding robust backup plans for digital systems, we must stay vigilant.

Pro-Life in every sense, we advocate for safeguarding both our health and our infrastructure. 

Let this be a call to action: in the face of relentless challenges, our resilience and foresight will be our greatest assets.