Matariki refers to a cluster of stars (the Pleiades) that appears on the horizon at dawn near the winter solstice here in the southern hemisphere. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Maori lunar calendar. It is marked by gathering with family, marking the loss of loved ones during the year, and sharing food (to severely over-simplify).
In most places, the economy is the most important issue to the electorate. People vote their pocketbooks. I heard recently that in Israel the most important issue has long been security because of the threats to their safety. McKibben points out that the ever-increasing impacts of climate change to every aspect of life on this planet including the most dire economic and physical threats ought to make it the most important issue for everyone on it. His logic is irrefutable. But sadly the human race’s capacity for selfishness and self-delusion will almost certainly result in its own demise along with the world’s unspeakably spectacular ecology, the stewardship for which we have proven to be so unworthy.
Yet, oddly, indigenous peoples have always known…what we do to this planet, to that which sustains us, we ultimately do to ourselves. Unfortunately our own leaders are also much more focused on their own pocketbooks. Look no further than the current POTUS.
Just thank you, Bill McKibben. I was at your talk in Chicago the night after DT won his first “presidency.” Having given my husband, a very early fan of yours (and all things about climate understanding) your books as presents, I have revered you and James Hansen for years and constantly remind Americans of the importance of climate to their plans and their children. Living with my husband for 10 years on a small boat in the canals and rivers of France (1901-1911) I came to see Americans as “the bad teenagers on the block” in relation to wars and climate change.
Again thank you for the battle you wage for our lives.
Absolutely! Climate is the most urgent topic. Thank you for making it freely available.
Have you considered some shorter posts to bring in more subscribers? I have found that densely, but well written, shorter posts engage a wider audience and hold the attention of many who have limited time or limited attention span.
Thank you so much for all your work through all these years for awareness and action. I'm not sure how you hold it all together, but all you say in this article is excellent...and helpful...and I will try to include some of it in my next obsessive letter to local newspapers....
Thank you for your years of devotion. I first started following you in 2008 after meeting you in Woodstock Vt. I would love to have you watch some of the Carbon Cowboy reels online and to hear what you think. Also, it is under Roots So Deep. These ranchers and farmers are building topsoil quickly, which is very efficient way at capturing carbon. Green spaces attract water and thus build more carbon rich soil, sequestering it rapidly and efficiently.
Trump MAGA et al: what a strange and sickening multiplying factor in humankind’s headlong rush over the cliff. I don’t think Shakespeare or Hollywood or Atwood could have come up with a more devious and deviant cast of malefactors. Sigh…I wish it all was only a script.
(Some cheerleading). And in electric aircraft news this week, was a 5 passenger all-electric flight from East Hampton Airport to JFK Airport accomplished in a production aircraft. This is about 90 miles and 2 hours of driving by car. See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_ecz1YIulk
I love that you gave a shout-out to Vayve Mobility Eva, an Indian solar car predicted to be available in India in late 2026. I hope you will also consider looking into the USA car company Aptera in southern California, that plan to have their first solar vehicles on the road in late 2025. It is taking them a long time, but I believe the company has a lot of integrity and is building a vehicle unlike any other. Please check them out: www.aptera.us Thank you
I have followed Aptera sporadically since I first saw an article on it in the early 2000s. When I found out that it was back as a solar variant in 2019, I resumed following the progress. As I watched videos I became more and more interested in the vehicle. I made a point to watch videos both in support of Aptera and those that are critical of the concept. One thing I have noticed is the transparency that Aptera has demonstrated in both its progress and setbacks.
As I continued to watch the videos I became more and more interested in becoming an investor, active supporter and reservation holder. I knew it was a risk and could end up losing what I invested. The one thing that has kept me positive and hopeful, is the steady- albeit slow progress. The monthly updates show the progress and determination of the Aptera team to get the vehicle from dream to reality. The Aptera is more than just another EV, it is a demonstration of great engineering and an evolution into making efficiency by design a priority. Most of today’s vehicles are designed as if they are paying homage to the horse drawn carriage. They are big and boxy and end up needing a lot of energy to just push the air out of the way to move. The Aptera is designed to slice its way through the air instead of having to push large volumes of air out of its way. This observation is not just mine, it is also stated by the founders of Aptera. It is not just a deduction from observation, it is supported by computer tests which are now being proven by the current ongoing validations (1, Data results start at minute marker 1:50).
One number to look at when it comes to efficiency is the drag coefficient. The lower the drag coefficient the less energy is needed to start to move an object from a stationary object to an object in motion. The lower the drag coefficient also means less energy is needed to keep an object in motion once it has started. If you do a google AI search you can find the average coefficients per type of vehicle. Modern cars have a drag coefficient between 0.25 and 0.30. SUVs and Trucks have coefficients between 0.35 and 0.45 (2). The Aptera has a calculated drag coefficient of just 0.13 (3). This means that the Aptera requires a lot less energy to get the vehicle moving and to keep it moving. Dr. Elie explains the aerodynamics of the Aptera in a youtube video at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtv7olmjqos.... The information about Aptera starts at minute maker 1:26. The drag coefficient is based on computer calculations. It could change during real world testing. So far the real world testing and validations are showing that the results are close to, if not better than the computer analysis. (1)
The solar panels enable the Aptera to charge off the grid, reducing if not eliminating the reliance on charging from electricity that may be generated from fossil fuels. The solar panels were engineered from scratch because there wasn’t anything on the market that met Aptera’s needs. The solar panels were designed specifically for vehicles focusing on efficiency, durability, and flexibility. They were engineered to withstand the harsh elements of nature. They have undergone rigorous testing and are now being sought after by companies that want to use their product for their applications. (5)
Aptera is not for everyone but I feel it has an important role in moving towards mobile efficiency and having less of an overall impact on the environment. It was recently announced that Artemis will be unveiled in a live streaming event on June 27th at 3 pm PT. I encourage everyone to tune in to see the unveiling of Artemis. Artemis represents the vehicle that will be eventually in production. You should be able to view it at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@ApteraMotors . If that link does not work go to https://aptera.us/ and click on the “WatchonYoutube” Link.
I also encourage everyone to research into the company, watch all the videos on Aptera, both for and against, and decide for themselves. Personally I think it is a worthwhile and good investment. Aptera is planning a trip across the US showcasing their vehicle. I encourage everyone to go see the vehicle in person and ask lots of questions.
Back in 2016, Information is Beautiful last updated their graphic depicting how much additional CO2 could be safely released in order to keep the Earth’s temperature at a reasonable level to support life as we know it.
Well, we’ve obviously blown through those numbers, the graphic did not include methane emissions, and the effects of temperature on human existence were understated.
Maybe it’s time for an updated graphic that depicts just how little time we have left in the race to destroy our environment.
Today's publication may be the most comprehensive and explanatory brief discussion of climate disaster. Nearing my life's end, I have lived in the best of times compared to what's to be. My tears are for the future lives of our Earth!
Bill McKibben was the keynote speaker at the 2008 Stegner Symposium at the University of Utah. At the time, I and a younger colleague had long discussions about what we could do about reducing our carbon footprints. We attended the keynote and Bill’s talk lit a fire under us. After all, we are engineers. In 2009 we jointly purchased PV panels and installed them onto our roof tops as grid-tied systems. In 2011, we both added to our systems. I finalized our system in 2013 with a total of 7800 watts. During the ensuing years, these electrical generators have provided clean and reliable energy with many Mwh donated to the community. Neighbors saw what we were doing and installed rooftop systems. We have an electric car and just weeks ago installed a cold-climate air-source heat pump (as well as our next-door neighbor). While none of these installations are happening fast enough, Bill McKibben’s writing keeps motivating me and helps me stay focused on reducing our carbon footprint.
Shortest Day in New Zealand today. We call it Matariki
Does Matariki just mean “Shortest Day » in Maori or does it translate into another term?
Happy Matariki anyway!
Matariki refers to a cluster of stars (the Pleiades) that appears on the horizon at dawn near the winter solstice here in the southern hemisphere. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Maori lunar calendar. It is marked by gathering with family, marking the loss of loved ones during the year, and sharing food (to severely over-simplify).
Thank you for your answer. Sorry for my late reply, but I did not notice it before today.
Greetings from Belgium 🇧🇪
In most places, the economy is the most important issue to the electorate. People vote their pocketbooks. I heard recently that in Israel the most important issue has long been security because of the threats to their safety. McKibben points out that the ever-increasing impacts of climate change to every aspect of life on this planet including the most dire economic and physical threats ought to make it the most important issue for everyone on it. His logic is irrefutable. But sadly the human race’s capacity for selfishness and self-delusion will almost certainly result in its own demise along with the world’s unspeakably spectacular ecology, the stewardship for which we have proven to be so unworthy.
Yet, oddly, indigenous peoples have always known…what we do to this planet, to that which sustains us, we ultimately do to ourselves. Unfortunately our own leaders are also much more focused on their own pocketbooks. Look no further than the current POTUS.
I think this is an indigenous concept—We don’t inherit the world from our ancestors. We borrow it from our grandchildren.
Thanks Bill for an excellently written piece.
Just thank you, Bill McKibben. I was at your talk in Chicago the night after DT won his first “presidency.” Having given my husband, a very early fan of yours (and all things about climate understanding) your books as presents, I have revered you and James Hansen for years and constantly remind Americans of the importance of climate to their plans and their children. Living with my husband for 10 years on a small boat in the canals and rivers of France (1901-1911) I came to see Americans as “the bad teenagers on the block” in relation to wars and climate change.
Again thank you for the battle you wage for our lives.
Bill,
Absolutely! Climate is the most urgent topic. Thank you for making it freely available.
Have you considered some shorter posts to bring in more subscribers? I have found that densely, but well written, shorter posts engage a wider audience and hold the attention of many who have limited time or limited attention span.
We have to reach outside of our silos!
https://longcovidjourney2wellness.substack.com/
Thanks for all that you do Bill.
Thank you so much for all your work through all these years for awareness and action. I'm not sure how you hold it all together, but all you say in this article is excellent...and helpful...and I will try to include some of it in my next obsessive letter to local newspapers....
Bernice Mennis
This article is among the best you've ever written, Mr. McKibben. Thank you.
Best sunweek sun so far too.
Happy solstice.
Thank you for your years of devotion. I first started following you in 2008 after meeting you in Woodstock Vt. I would love to have you watch some of the Carbon Cowboy reels online and to hear what you think. Also, it is under Roots So Deep. These ranchers and farmers are building topsoil quickly, which is very efficient way at capturing carbon. Green spaces attract water and thus build more carbon rich soil, sequestering it rapidly and efficiently.
Incredible all that you’ve shared! Many thanks!
Trump MAGA et al: what a strange and sickening multiplying factor in humankind’s headlong rush over the cliff. I don’t think Shakespeare or Hollywood or Atwood could have come up with a more devious and deviant cast of malefactors. Sigh…I wish it all was only a script.
Very complex story of climate collapse: too many humans using to many natural resources and producing too much pollution. Questions?
(Some cheerleading). And in electric aircraft news this week, was a 5 passenger all-electric flight from East Hampton Airport to JFK Airport accomplished in a production aircraft. This is about 90 miles and 2 hours of driving by car. See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_ecz1YIulk
Cheered me up too! Put a picture on last week’s newsletter—they said it took eight bucks of electricity, east Hampton to jfk!
The sky 💥 is 🍁 falling 🌠.
The sky 💥 IS 🍁🌠 falling ?? 🐔 Chicken Little was 👍 right!! ?? That's why he ❌🤞 crossed the 🛣️ road 🛣️.
I love that you gave a shout-out to Vayve Mobility Eva, an Indian solar car predicted to be available in India in late 2026. I hope you will also consider looking into the USA car company Aptera in southern California, that plan to have their first solar vehicles on the road in late 2025. It is taking them a long time, but I believe the company has a lot of integrity and is building a vehicle unlike any other. Please check them out: www.aptera.us Thank you
Aptera Opinion Piece
I have followed Aptera sporadically since I first saw an article on it in the early 2000s. When I found out that it was back as a solar variant in 2019, I resumed following the progress. As I watched videos I became more and more interested in the vehicle. I made a point to watch videos both in support of Aptera and those that are critical of the concept. One thing I have noticed is the transparency that Aptera has demonstrated in both its progress and setbacks.
As I continued to watch the videos I became more and more interested in becoming an investor, active supporter and reservation holder. I knew it was a risk and could end up losing what I invested. The one thing that has kept me positive and hopeful, is the steady- albeit slow progress. The monthly updates show the progress and determination of the Aptera team to get the vehicle from dream to reality. The Aptera is more than just another EV, it is a demonstration of great engineering and an evolution into making efficiency by design a priority. Most of today’s vehicles are designed as if they are paying homage to the horse drawn carriage. They are big and boxy and end up needing a lot of energy to just push the air out of the way to move. The Aptera is designed to slice its way through the air instead of having to push large volumes of air out of its way. This observation is not just mine, it is also stated by the founders of Aptera. It is not just a deduction from observation, it is supported by computer tests which are now being proven by the current ongoing validations (1, Data results start at minute marker 1:50).
One number to look at when it comes to efficiency is the drag coefficient. The lower the drag coefficient the less energy is needed to start to move an object from a stationary object to an object in motion. The lower the drag coefficient also means less energy is needed to keep an object in motion once it has started. If you do a google AI search you can find the average coefficients per type of vehicle. Modern cars have a drag coefficient between 0.25 and 0.30. SUVs and Trucks have coefficients between 0.35 and 0.45 (2). The Aptera has a calculated drag coefficient of just 0.13 (3). This means that the Aptera requires a lot less energy to get the vehicle moving and to keep it moving. Dr. Elie explains the aerodynamics of the Aptera in a youtube video at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtv7olmjqos.... The information about Aptera starts at minute maker 1:26. The drag coefficient is based on computer calculations. It could change during real world testing. So far the real world testing and validations are showing that the results are close to, if not better than the computer analysis. (1)
The solar panels enable the Aptera to charge off the grid, reducing if not eliminating the reliance on charging from electricity that may be generated from fossil fuels. The solar panels were engineered from scratch because there wasn’t anything on the market that met Aptera’s needs. The solar panels were designed specifically for vehicles focusing on efficiency, durability, and flexibility. They were engineered to withstand the harsh elements of nature. They have undergone rigorous testing and are now being sought after by companies that want to use their product for their applications. (5)
Aptera is not for everyone but I feel it has an important role in moving towards mobile efficiency and having less of an overall impact on the environment. It was recently announced that Artemis will be unveiled in a live streaming event on June 27th at 3 pm PT. I encourage everyone to tune in to see the unveiling of Artemis. Artemis represents the vehicle that will be eventually in production. You should be able to view it at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@ApteraMotors . If that link does not work go to https://aptera.us/ and click on the “WatchonYoutube” Link.
I also encourage everyone to research into the company, watch all the videos on Aptera, both for and against, and decide for themselves. Personally I think it is a worthwhile and good investment. Aptera is planning a trip across the US showcasing their vehicle. I encourage everyone to go see the vehicle in person and ask lots of questions.
Works cited
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvpn7cteW5U&t=106s...
https://www.google.com/search...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtv7olmjqos...
https://www.google.com/search...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtv7olmjqos... - Relevant information starts at minute marker t 1:26
https://aptera.us/telo-trucks-partners-with-aptera/
Back in 2016, Information is Beautiful last updated their graphic depicting how much additional CO2 could be safely released in order to keep the Earth’s temperature at a reasonable level to support life as we know it.
https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/how-many-gigatons-of-co2/
Well, we’ve obviously blown through those numbers, the graphic did not include methane emissions, and the effects of temperature on human existence were understated.
Maybe it’s time for an updated graphic that depicts just how little time we have left in the race to destroy our environment.
Today's publication may be the most comprehensive and explanatory brief discussion of climate disaster. Nearing my life's end, I have lived in the best of times compared to what's to be. My tears are for the future lives of our Earth!
Bill McKibben was the keynote speaker at the 2008 Stegner Symposium at the University of Utah. At the time, I and a younger colleague had long discussions about what we could do about reducing our carbon footprints. We attended the keynote and Bill’s talk lit a fire under us. After all, we are engineers. In 2009 we jointly purchased PV panels and installed them onto our roof tops as grid-tied systems. In 2011, we both added to our systems. I finalized our system in 2013 with a total of 7800 watts. During the ensuing years, these electrical generators have provided clean and reliable energy with many Mwh donated to the community. Neighbors saw what we were doing and installed rooftop systems. We have an electric car and just weeks ago installed a cold-climate air-source heat pump (as well as our next-door neighbor). While none of these installations are happening fast enough, Bill McKibben’s writing keeps motivating me and helps me stay focused on reducing our carbon footprint.
I remember that night very well, with the great Terry Tempest Williams. Thanks for all your good work!