[GWSG] Babies suffer; and children; and plants; tacos and juice; Exxon's lying rights; WA too hot

[Tilley, Al]

1. Fossil fuels create an array of dangers to babies. The heat brings premature births, increased stillbirths, overly rapid weight gain, and a rise in children’s admissions to emergency rooms. Smoke from wildfires doubles one kind of birth defect, and air pollution from burning fossil fuels reduces fertility. The worst effects are suffered by the most vulnerable.  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jan/15/global-heating-linked-early-birth-damage-babies-health



2. Fear, despair, and grief are rising problems among young people as the climate degrades. A 2017 guide from the American Psychological Association recommends fostering a “belief in one’s own resilience” and an optimistic attitude. While personal actions and changes—say, a decision not to eat meat in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—may not be sufficient to solve the problem, they are yet necessary to a solution, and provide a sense of meaning and worth. The article suggests protest actions.  https://news.yahoo.com/as-global-temperatures-continue-to-rise-climate-anxiety-will-be-a-growing-issue-for-young-people-therapists-warn-100035183.html



3. David Attenborough’s new tv series The Green Planet takes a plant’s view of the world. We are beginning to extend our experience to children and to animals; plants are also coming in for some empathy. The climate crisis begins to broaden in our mind with this augmented awareness of our context.  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jan/14/the-guardian-view-on-the-green-planet-verdant-and-necessary



4. Over 70 Taco Bell restaurants are adding ChargeNet electric vehicle charging stations to their parking lots. The stations feature overhead solar panels which provide shade and shelter from inclement weather. Taco Bell offers vegetarian meals (even vegan, if you can drop the cheese). https://electrek.co/2022/01/15/ev-charging-scheme-raises-6-2-million-in-funding-coming-to-70-taco-bell-locations/



5. ExxonMobil is trying to use the Texas legal system to claim that freedom of speech indemnifies it for lying about its role in causing the climate crisis. It is claiming the right to bring potential litigants under legal investigation. Patrick Parenteau observes that the company means to intimidate potential opponents by making “it cost a lot and be painful to take on Exxon” whether or not the company wins its case.  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jan/18/exxon-texas-courts-critics-climate-crimes



6. Western Australia is experiencing temperatures of over 120F (49C). It is becoming a question whether the region will continue to be habitable. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jan/14/concerns-for-life-in-western-australias-pilbara-after-507c-heat-record-matched

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