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Author TK Eldridge's avatar

Nearly two years ago, here in western North Carolina, the mountains came down when Helene hit. My town, Burnsville, in Yancey County, was one of the hardest hit. We're still working to rebuild infrastructure and homes that were simply wiped off the earth by mudslides and raging rivers.

Hundreds of miles from any coast and a hurricane hit the mountains. I know climate change is real and this is not going to be an isolated incident.

Mary Grogan's avatar

A sad commentary on what governments prioritize.

Veronica's avatar

I have the feeling that this metaphore could be applied to every aspect of the entire world. Everything is unstable, crippling and cracking, we are all just waiting the final rupture while dub scrolling our phones

Janey Bennett's avatar

Thank you again. Fine reporting. You are a gift.

Julie Bannerman's avatar

Thank you for this clear-eyed, thoroughly researched, excellent essay.

It’s hard to imagine a President and administration less competent to face reality or even slightly interested in doing so. I’ll never comprehend how millions of our fellow Americans chose this outcome by voting for it or not bothering to vote.

Trump might be failing gradually and then suddenly, but his billionaire and treasonous enablers and operatives are not going to give up unless they see we the people care enough to say no.

Carol Pladsen-Bloom's avatar

You know the difference between walking on grass, concrete sidewalk, asphalt street feels on bare feet? As dark rock previously covered by white, reflecting, snow/ice is exposed, more heat is absorbed. Melting more edges and spreading more broadly.

Steve Brant's avatar

Gradually then suddenly indeed! I feel as if we’re living in one of those disaster movies … like “The Day After Tomorrow”, which was about climate change happening slowly and then suddenly.

The government of the United Stares was portrayed as not being interested in the subject just like today’s isn’t. And that film was made about 20 years ago.

Sometimes Hollywood seeks to educate us not just entertain us. But we have to be open to learning the lesson it’s offering.

I fear we won’t learn what we need to learn in time. But I appreciate your effort to teach us this lesson today!

Maybe it’s time to remake that film?

Jack McGowan's avatar

Seeing the video footage from Nepal is enough for me!

Anita Wotiz's avatar

If, indeed, there is a "gradual" that can be measured via satellite, couldn't this be another example of "AI for good" if someone had the where-with-all to implement it? Now that we've reached the point of no return on the cause. Just a thought.