The IPCC Working Group II released their latest report in February 2022. It once again tells the familiar story about how today’s civilization has been built on ways of life that have accelerated the decline of nature to the detriment of humans and ecosystems.

As an example of the devastating impact of global warming, scientists said on Friday March 25, 2022 that an ice shelf the size of New York City has collapsed in East Antarctica after record high temperatures. This marks the first time in human history that an ice shelf collapsed in the region, which had long been considered stable and less vulnerable to climate change. If the water frozen in East Antarctica melts, it would raise sea levels more than 160 feet around the world.

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How time flies!  It has been a year
Since my S.Y.S* message to you
Sadly, it fell on collective deaf ears
Science is clear, can’t misconstrue
(* Save Your Selves/Species/Soul)
https://www.rhymingprose.com/2021/07/24/an-s-y-s-save-your-selves-species-soul-message-from-mother-earth/

Can’t you see impacts of no action?
Your cavalier attitude towards climate
is nothing but shameful, self-defeating
Evidence is all around, can’t debate

Change is now on positive feedback
Extreme weather events, more extreme
Fires, draught, hurricanes, storms….
Signals are clear, as clear as can be

Permafrost is melting all over
Releasing sequestered carbon
Resulting in even more warming
Ergo more melting – feedback in action

Where is the sense of urgency?
Serious action, long overdue
Hurling towards the tipping point
You act as if you don’t have a clue!

More talk and little action,
a recipe for sure disaster
Slide towards “dooms day”
gaining speed, getting faster

Latest IPCC Report, same message
Mitigation efforts remain offtrack
Act now, show a sense of urgency
Little time, must not lay slack

While enough blame to go around,
leadership missing from rich countries
Impact of climate inaction, sadly
will last over many centuries

Damage to Earth’s atmosphere
is a “tragedy of the commons”
Climate change – an Existential threat
A problem begging for real solutions

Most dire consequences of inaction,
you will see in your lifetime
Your grandchildren will live it
Not acting now is an epic crime

All I can say is good luck!
Don’t you say you have not been forewarned!
Love and best wishes from Mother Earth.

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To the Class of 2050

Your grandparents could have prevented
Earth from becoming an unlivable planet
Sadly, they refused to change behavior
“It is human caused” was not their tenet

“Drill baby drill” was their refrain
Even small sacrifices, met disdain
Their profligacy then, now your bane
This despite having intelligent brain!

“We love you” claim, sounds hollow
If they did, would have shown restraint
from releasing more green-house-gases
Wanton use of fossil fuel, didn’t constrain

All that was needed of them
was simple changes in lifestyle
Instead, they acted with impunity
Treating atmosphere as unfragile

I am hopeful, you won’t repeat
their selfishness, mistakes and follies
You must deal with consequences
Sadly, a story full of melancholies.

Trust me, I feel your pain
Best wishes.