Whatcom Freethinkers

Letters from an American - Nov. 8, 2024

So ANY GUESS what the world will look like in 4 years?
Predictions? Israel? Ukraine? Mass Deportation? Climate Change?

We will start out by introducing ourselves, our personal passions and also share our choice on how to conduct our meeting (2 minutes or less per person).

New Topic: Nature is DONE! It is NOW declining in absorbsion of CO2!
A recent study has revealed that during the Summer of 2023, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels remained stagnant, showing no typical seasonal decline, marking the first time on record where nature's carbon sinks, like oceans and forests, absorbed minimal CO2, indicating a significant weakening in the Earth's ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere; this raises serious concerns about the accelerating impacts of climate change.
Key points:

• Flat CO2 levels:
  Unlike previous summers where CO2 levels naturally dropped due to increased plant photosynthesis, 2023 saw a plateau in concentrations, signifying a disruption in the natural carbon cycle.
• Weakening carbon sinks:
  Scientists attribute this phenomenon to a decline in the effectiveness of natural carbon sinks, primarily the oceans and terrestrial ecosystems, which are now absorbing less CO2 than previously.
• Potential causes:
  Factors like ocean warming, changes in ocean circulation, and extreme weather events may be contributing to the reduced carbon absorption capacity of the oceans.
• Implications:
  This stagnant CO2 trend, if sustained, could lead to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 levels, further exacerbating global warming.

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Freethought ecourages creative solutions, but then this group uses reason, evidence and the scientific method as the only reliable means to prune down answers to our probing questions and common sense solutions to humanity's current problems.
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Normally we never follow through with pre-readings, videos or topics anyway and jump in to whatever subjects pop up during introduction circle. The flavor of conversation is quite varied and unique based on who shows and what those present bring to the table.

Feel free to bring a book or article and your take on the readings. Comments on ever changing current events easily fill our discussions!
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Free Coffee, cream and sweetener will be provided. Just bring yourself and share in great conversation, but if you'll be hungry, feel free to bring your own lunch to eat during our talk.
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Have a future idea or topic? Email me at [email protected] and share!
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Randy Drubek & Monty Vonn – Coordinators