And it’s not just that these … doing. For decades, Big Oil companies internally forecast exactly how their fossil fuel products would drive increasing heat, and how we would experience these changes ….
So, here we are, folks. We’ve officially lived through the hottest summer on record, and if you’re anything like me, you might be wondering if the sun is trying to send us a message—or perhaps it’s just having a particularly bad day. But in all seriousness, this isn’t just a case of the sun being cranky; it’s a glaring reminder from our planet that climate change is real, it’s here, and it’s not going anywhere unless we do something about it.
Let’s rewind a bit. Back in 1984, Exxon executives were warned about the consequences of climate change. Yes, you heard that right—1984! That’s before we had smartphones, the internet was just a baby, and mullets were still considered fashionable. Exxon’s own scientist, Henry Shaw, laid out a pretty grim forecast in his presentation titled “CO2 Greenhouse and Climate Issues.” He mentioned things like “redistribution of rainfall,” “detrimental health effects,” and “population migration.” Sounds like a fun summer, right?
Fast forward to today, and we’re experiencing exactly what they predicted. Record temperatures, wildfires, floods—Mother Nature is throwing a party, and we didn’t even get an invite. It’s like she’s saying, “Surprise! You thought you could ignore me? Think again!” And while we’re all sweating through our shirts, Big Oil is sitting back with their iced coffees, having a laugh at our expense. They knew what was coming, and yet they kept pumping out fossil fuels like it was 1999.
It’s infuriating to think that these companies had all the information and chose to ignore it. They didn’t just drop the ball; they threw it out of the stadium and then built a giant wall to keep us from getting it back. And now, as temperatures soar, we’re left to deal with the consequences of their negligence. The irony is thick enough to cut with a knife: they had the chance to adapt our civilization to a warmer planet or to curb their fossil fuel use, but they opted for business as usual.
Now, some might argue that it’s too late to fix this mess. But here’s the thing: it’s never too late to make a change. Sure, we can’t turn back the clock to 1984 and slap some sense into those executives (although wouldn’t that be a sight to see?), but we can still take action today. We can advocate for renewable energy, reduce our own carbon footprints, and hold these companies accountable. Because if we don’t, they’ll keep getting away with it, and we’ll be left to sweat it out while they cash in on our misery.
So, what can you do? Start by having those awkward conversations with your friends about climate change. You know, the ones where you mention how your ice cream melted before you could finish it because it was just too darn hot outside. Make small changes like carpooling, using public transport, or even biking to work. Every little bit helps! And if you’re feeling particularly spicy, you can join advocacy groups that are pushing for policy changes.
In conclusion, the hottest summer on record is not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call. We cannot afford to ignore the warnings any longer. Let’s channel our inner climate warriors and take action. Because if Big Oil won’t change, we must. And who knows? Maybe next summer will be a little cooler if we all do our part.
Stay cool, stay informed, and remember: the planet is counting on us!
Inspired by: “We just lived through the hottest summer on record. 🫠” (r/climatechange)