Chapter 1: The Record-Breaking Heat

Recent data has confirmed that 2023 stands as the hottest year ever documented, a conclusion supported by Copernicus. Although this revelation was anticipated, it remains crucial to address it, as the media often overlooks the slow-moving yet devastating nature of climate change.

It is easy to dismiss climate change news, especially when scientists had already forecasted a scorching year. The confirmation of this prediction might seem trivial, yet it underscores an ongoing crisis. Many have likely felt the impacts of extreme weather this year; I certainly did. My year began in Ottawa, Canada, where the Rideau Canal failed to freeze adequately, disrupting its status as the world's largest skating rink. Following this, Canada experienced unprecedented wildfires, which contributed to a staggering 30% increase in global wildfire carbon emissions in 2023.

As I traveled to Spain in late June, the smoke from those fires accompanied me across the Atlantic. While walking the Camino de Santiago, I encountered record-high temperatures, drought, and catastrophic floods in Spain. This pattern of escalating global temperatures persisted throughout the year, culminating in the sight of blooming roses in my Dutch garden as the new year approached.

If you were fortunate enough to reside in an area with fewer extreme weather incidents, you may have kept up with the news. Across various nations, deadly heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms caused immense suffering for millions. The burden of these climate impacts is not shared evenly; the most vulnerable populations in poorer countries often bear the brunt, while affluent individuals in wealthy nations continue to travel by private jets.

Chapter 2: The Alarming Data

Last year saw temperatures nearly 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial averages. If someone were to control the planet's temperature, they would be compelled to normalize it. However, the various stakeholders involved complicate this process. Stopping the burning of fossil fuels would be a sensible first step towards healing our planet.

This year also witnessed unprecedented greenhouse gas emissions, a stark reminder of our collective failure to act effectively. It is as if those in charge are continuously adding layers of blankets to an already overheated patient.

Copernicus reports that 2023 marks the first time every single day within a year has surpassed 1°C above the pre-industrial level of 1850-1900. Almost half of the days recorded temperatures exceeding 1.5°C, with two days in November reaching over 2°C for the first time.

Though my background isn't in climate science, I trust the experts who assure us that this year's extreme conditions are still within expected trends. Yet, a glance at the year’s data compared to previous decades suggests a significant deviation last summer. While it may be premature to draw conclusions, there is a palpable concern that we are entering a new era of accelerated warming.

As any climate scientist will affirm, the time to act is now.

The first video titled "2023 Honda Odyssey / Stubborn for a Reason" provides insights into consumer choices amidst changing climate conditions and may resonate with the themes discussed.

The second video, "Odyssey - Beck & Phoenix Live at The Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle 8/1/2023," showcases how music can rally people around climate awareness and action.