The new Chuckwalla National Monument enhances an 18-million-acre corridor spanning four states and abutting the Colorado River. Plus, a roundup of positive environmental news.
Thank you, Amanda, for sharing so much optimism in dark times; we all need that. Somehow I had missed the establishment of the Chuckwalla National Monument. It’s a decision that makes me happy, it’s a part of the US where I have travelled many times. It needs protection, now more than ever. And thank you for mentioning my article 😊. As a Dutchman, I also enjoyed reading the history of making Dutch cities bike-friendly; it describes the 1970s until now, so it brought back memories of a lifetime. This line I wanted to share: “Similar bicycling rates in the United States would save a staggering 125,000 lives each year.”
I was intrigued to discover those statistics as well. For some reason, I'd always assumed the Dutch were big into cycling because they were the first to understand global warming!
Amanda, this may be my favorite amongst your excellent posts. Despite having a lot to do this morning, I stopped the presses and dug into several of the highlighted stories attached to your main post. I’m feeling a sense of hope, tempered by some trepidation in this political climate. If the orange one cancels the newly protected desert, I imagine he’ll return as one of the threatened lizards in his next life. Of course, the noble chuckwallas will likely insure that he remains under the rock where he was hatched. Andy Revkin’s YouTube talk was a special treat—I will replay it later to be sure I absorb all of what he says. And yes, love is the critical element in saving this planet.
Amazing post, Amanda, and much needed right now. I am ashamed to say I am in the “turn away” camp as well, not just bc of mental health and lack of time, but also because the news makes me feel helpless and out of control. I was just talking to my mom about this today and am reminded that it’s a privilege and irresponsible and completely sticking my head in the sand. It’s also isolating and unsupportive to my friends and family who are keeping up and being re-traumatized on a daily basis. I can make arguments for both sides but I’m going to do better at not turning away and I appreciate your tips for putting up shields with the bad and meditating on the good. Thank you.
I hope we can all continue to share our various coping mechanisms. It's going to be a long four years. I have a feeling a movement will materialize soon that we can all latch onto.
I hope so! I worry that the confusion and moving around social media platforms is reducing our ability to unite. Doesn’t mean we can’t or that we shouldn’t leave Meta. I am fully supportive of those who do and I myself am most likely going to. It’s concerning that our posts could be used against us. Also concerning that organizing any movement usually happens on social media. We are disorganized without it.
Thank you, Amanda! This is just what the US and the world need right now—a panacea to the fear, hate, bullying. There is still so much good in the world. We must focus on that, turning apathy into action and fear into hope.
Thankyou for all of the positive stories. We musn't lose sight of all the positive work being done, especially when the bad news seems to be everywhere you turn.
Also, thankyou for the shout out it was very kind of you! Cheers!
"All of these changes have had an incredible impact on The Netherlands. In the 1970s about 500 children were dying from car fatalities per year. Four decades later in 2010, 14 children died, a decrease of about 97%."
I just saw fatality numbers here in Chicago. There have been 9 pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in January. So far. It's the 27th. Mostly hit and run. We turned a busy, dangerous intersection in a residential neighborhood into a sweet, park-like calming circle and less than 2 mo later it was reverted back. One of car culture's loudest supporters lives in the neighborhood. He would rather see children at risk than give us an inch. We keep fighting.
I hope you succeed. A woman died just a block from us two days ago, and on a street that's very calm. I teach my child, who walks to school, "Treat every car like it's trying to kill you." Pedestrians and drivers both look at their phones around here. 😟
Thank you, Amanda, for sharing so much optimism in dark times; we all need that. Somehow I had missed the establishment of the Chuckwalla National Monument. It’s a decision that makes me happy, it’s a part of the US where I have travelled many times. It needs protection, now more than ever. And thank you for mentioning my article 😊. As a Dutchman, I also enjoyed reading the history of making Dutch cities bike-friendly; it describes the 1970s until now, so it brought back memories of a lifetime. This line I wanted to share: “Similar bicycling rates in the United States would save a staggering 125,000 lives each year.”
I was intrigued to discover those statistics as well. For some reason, I'd always assumed the Dutch were big into cycling because they were the first to understand global warming!
Amanda, this may be my favorite amongst your excellent posts. Despite having a lot to do this morning, I stopped the presses and dug into several of the highlighted stories attached to your main post. I’m feeling a sense of hope, tempered by some trepidation in this political climate. If the orange one cancels the newly protected desert, I imagine he’ll return as one of the threatened lizards in his next life. Of course, the noble chuckwallas will likely insure that he remains under the rock where he was hatched. Andy Revkin’s YouTube talk was a special treat—I will replay it later to be sure I absorb all of what he says. And yes, love is the critical element in saving this planet.
And this, Julie, may be my favorite comment of yours!🤣
Glad you checked out the YouTube video.
Amazing post, Amanda, and much needed right now. I am ashamed to say I am in the “turn away” camp as well, not just bc of mental health and lack of time, but also because the news makes me feel helpless and out of control. I was just talking to my mom about this today and am reminded that it’s a privilege and irresponsible and completely sticking my head in the sand. It’s also isolating and unsupportive to my friends and family who are keeping up and being re-traumatized on a daily basis. I can make arguments for both sides but I’m going to do better at not turning away and I appreciate your tips for putting up shields with the bad and meditating on the good. Thank you.
I hope we can all continue to share our various coping mechanisms. It's going to be a long four years. I have a feeling a movement will materialize soon that we can all latch onto.
I hope so! I worry that the confusion and moving around social media platforms is reducing our ability to unite. Doesn’t mean we can’t or that we shouldn’t leave Meta. I am fully supportive of those who do and I myself am most likely going to. It’s concerning that our posts could be used against us. Also concerning that organizing any movement usually happens on social media. We are disorganized without it.
Thank you, Amanda! This is just what the US and the world need right now—a panacea to the fear, hate, bullying. There is still so much good in the world. We must focus on that, turning apathy into action and fear into hope.
Wholeheartedly agree! Thanks for reading. 🙂
What a trove of great resources and good news. Thanks for compiling it.
You're welcome 🙂
Thankyou for all of the positive stories. We musn't lose sight of all the positive work being done, especially when the bad news seems to be everywhere you turn.
Also, thankyou for the shout out it was very kind of you! Cheers!
You're welcome. I always enjoy your photography 🙂
Thankyou! 😃
"All of these changes have had an incredible impact on The Netherlands. In the 1970s about 500 children were dying from car fatalities per year. Four decades later in 2010, 14 children died, a decrease of about 97%."
I just saw fatality numbers here in Chicago. There have been 9 pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in January. So far. It's the 27th. Mostly hit and run. We turned a busy, dangerous intersection in a residential neighborhood into a sweet, park-like calming circle and less than 2 mo later it was reverted back. One of car culture's loudest supporters lives in the neighborhood. He would rather see children at risk than give us an inch. We keep fighting.
I hope you succeed. A woman died just a block from us two days ago, and on a street that's very calm. I teach my child, who walks to school, "Treat every car like it's trying to kill you." Pedestrians and drivers both look at their phones around here. 😟