Climate Change: Accelerated Timeline

A NASA-led analysis found that the global sea level rose faster than expected in 2024, mostly because of ocean water expanding as it warms, or thermal expansion…combined with meltwater from land-based ice such as glaciers. More new research suggests more than half of global cropland areas could lose suitable crops under a warming scenario of 2ºC. The study mapped how climate change could reshape areas suited for 30 major crops across four warming scenarios — from 1.5ºC to 4ºC.

It’s pretty clear that rising temperatures, a melting Arctic and increasing global water and resource scarcity are behind Trump’s threats to annex Canada and Greenland, both of which are home to significant reserves of critical minerals, called rare earth elements, that can withstand extreme cold and pressure changes, making them essential for the space industry, technology and green energy sector. And it’s not just minerals, but massive reserves of oil and gas, both onshore and offshore, are attracting U.S. interest. A geopolitical storm is brewing in the Arctic, accelerated by climate change and a play for global domination of Arctic land, coastline and trade routes that provide access to those massive reserves of critical minerals, oil, gas and water.

Trump created an international firestorm on Thursday after suggesting that “NATO might have to get involved” to help the United States invade Greenland in the interest of “international security” — while questioning Denmark’s claim to the autonomous territory…Chair of Denmark’s Defense Committee Rasmus Jarlov: “We do not appreciate the Secr. Gen. of NATO joking with Trump about Greenland like this. It would mean war between two NATO countries. Greenland has just voted against immediate independence from Denmark and does not want to be American ever.”

The U.S. Department of Defense tabled a new Arctic Security Strategy last summer in light of increasing security threats associated with the opening of the Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage. If the U.S. claimed the Northwest Passage and the Panama Canal, it would control both major sea routes accessing North America and would represent a significant power grab. Controlling the passage requires a military and strategic presence within the Arctic, which has historically been dominated by Russia.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency announced they are “reconsidering” 31 climate and environmental protections. EPA Secretary Lee Zeldin called it a “dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion.” In response, Sunrise Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay issued the following statement: “This is a fuck-you to anyone who wants to breathe clean air, drink clean water, or live past 2030.” At the very least, it’s a fuck-you to anyone not rich enough to buy a high-tech, underground bunker with the best air filters, artificial light, and aquaponic greenhouses. I’d love to see something in the news about bio-engineered nanobots that, released into the stratosphere, eat CO2 and fart oxygen before harmlessly decomposing themselves.