Michael Cooper

Just a retired guy volunteering for a better world

[Prof. Katharine Hayhoe @KHayhoe]

This week’s Talking Climate is a mega-edition, a deep dive into the hot and contentious topic of AI and climate.

💚 Good news: AI and machine learning are already helping scientists process vast amounts of data, improve climate and energy modeling, protect wildlife, detect wildfires, and more. It can even accelerate the low-carbon transition, if used wisely.

😡 Not-so-good news: Today’s AI systems are driving rapid growth in energy and water use, are largely powered by fossil fuels, and are concentrating pollution and health burdens in vulnerable communities ... all while operating with little transparency or oversight.

⚖️ What you can do: The deeper I go, the more I realize the real issue isn’t whether individuals choose to personally use AI nor not. Rather, it’s how these systems are built, powered, and regulated -- because AI isn't going away and tech won’t regulate itself.

✊🏼 Bottom line? Public pressure and smart policy are essential if AI is going to support, rather than undermine, a livable climate. Which means that, once again, our voices are the most powerful force we have to shape the future we want to live in.

If you’ve been wondering whether AI is a climate villain, a climate tool, or both, this edition’s for you. I've included many links to other resources, references and experts so you can go as deep as you'd like.

As always, share what you learn - and let me know what you think! https://t.co/XMTkCtsf3Y

[Sheldon Whitehouse @SenWhitehouse]

Trumpsters trying to dismantle the Atmospheric Research Center for his polluter donors is like trying to turn off the fire alarms to protect the arsonists. The corruption is unbelievable. https://t.co/wIWuFqC5Fo

[EldersClimateAction @eldersclimate]

If you’re traveling this holiday season you can still take responsibility for your emissions through the Trees for Travel program. Buy trees to offset your trip, support forest restoration in Kenya, and help fuel ECA’s work at the same time. Learn more: https://t.co/EucM3o3l1v

[Citizens' Climate Lobby @citizensclimate]

🚨 Registration is now OPEN for CCL’s Fall Virtual Conference — Sharper Than Ever: CCL’s Next Chapter (Nov 14-15)

Learn about permitting reform, reconnect with our values, and sharpen your advocacy skills.

Save your spot: https://t.co/hQi0jE7TaB

[Cory Booker @CoryBooker]

Leaders like Trump and Pete Hegseth should listen to and learn from those they have the honor of commanding, instead of giving them meandering nonsensical lectures.

[Mike Hudema @MikeHudema]

In 2010, the world produced 275 million tonnes of plastic. By 2030 that number is set to double.

We have the solutions. It's time to end plastic pollution.

#ActOnClimate #oceans #useless #buyless #wasteless

[United Nations @UN]

Today, the UN family mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall.

The scientist, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace worked tirelessly for our planet and all its inhabitants, leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity and nature.

[Citizens' Climate Lobby @citizensclimate]

Do you hear that? It's the sound of American energy bills skyrocketing 🚀

We need clean energy sources to meet our increased power demands.

[Yale Program on Climate Change Communication @YaleClimateComm]

Fossil fuel companies helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for Trump’s campaign in 2024. Now those same companies are receiving billions in tax cuts from the federal government, according to the New York Times. https://t.co/wBVUV0YXF8

[UN Climate Change @UNFCCC]

Misinformation is a top global threat in the next 2 years – according to the @wef.

This includes "climate delay", questioning the scientific consensus behind climate change & solutions.

Every fact you share builds the trust we need for collective action. #FactsMatter

[Prof. Katharine Hayhoe @KHayhoe]

Alberta may be known for its oil and gas, but it’s also home to some inspiring climate leadership. From award-winning innovation to climate equity efforts and the very real impacts of a warming world, here’s some of what I saw and learned while I was there on one of my bundled trips last month.

Read the full newsletter here: https://t.co/Aqs7k4qAqq

[Arkansas Citizens' Climate Lobby @ArkansasCCL]

Yesterday in our nation's capital, Arkansans were getting ready for talking to our Senators and Congressmen about clean energy policies. Today they are on the Hill visiting the offices of all 6 members of Congress.

[Arkansas Citizens' Climate Lobby @ArkansasCCL]

Just do it! Be on the right side of history. We need clean energy policy. All the offices of Arkansas federal lawmakers are being visited today by our fine members of these excellent volunteers. Please support them.

[Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 @chefjoseandres]

A waste of food. A waste of lives. A waste of American resources and power.

We must find a way to buy and distribute this food on behalf of the American people…I will pay for it personally.

@realdonaldtrump @marcorubio what happened to your Christian faith? "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…”

[CALL TO ACTIVISM @CalltoActivism]

REMINDER: A brave South Florida weatherman interrupted his weather forecast LAST MONTH to expose Trump’s dangerous budget cuts - saying they’ve crippled his ability to accurately predict weather conditions.

This is what happens when you vote for morons:

[Michael Cooper @Cooper4climate]

@SenTomCotton And I need you to vote NO. Arkansans need you to vote NO! This bill hands future energy dominance to China, by cutting our future of a reliable, secure, and inexpensive energy infrastructure off at the knees!

[Dr. Leah C. Stokes [email protected] @leahstokes]

The Senate Republicans' plan: kill jobs of the future, jack up energy bills, tax wind and solar projects, and create shortages during a time of surging electricity demand. Don't be surprised if we see blackouts if this big terrible bill passes.

[Climate Central @ClimateCentral]

"New heat record for June of 46°C was set Saturday in the town of El Granado, according to Spain's national weather service."

CSI shows this heat was made 3x more likely by climate change — & in much of Spain, would've been almost impossible without it.

https://t.co/BKIczr5QMT