Earth Day 2026
And 2027 et. seq.
This true-color image shows North and South America as they would appear from space 35,000 km (22,000 miles) above the Earth. The image is a combination of data from two satellites. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument aboard NASA’s Terra satellite collected the land surface data over 16 days, while NOAA’sGeostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) produced a snapshotof the Earth’s clouds.
Image created by Reto Stöckli, Nazmi El Saleous, and Marit Jentoft-Nilsen, NASA GSFC
It’s difficult to see through the fog of war to a less embattled future. We, the planet and all our fellow species, are beset by powerful megalomaniacs intent on destroying us and the world. They really do not care if the planet becomes unable to sustain life, because they believe they can keep their compounds safe.
That’s a laugh line if you like. Derisive, sardonic, but true.
What can we do?
First of all, we need to review our definition of “we.” If we include the governing bodies of nations and non-governmental organizations that are committed to restoring democracy, the earth, and the rule of law, our possibilities increase. We can make informal and formal coalitions; we can aid and abet one another.
We can remember that what we do today creates tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. Assume you live in a small apartment in the inequality sector of a sprawling city, and you have no trees, birds, or garden space. Mrs. Li Xinyi, who lives in San Francisco’s Chinatown, taught me this: If you have a six-inch square flat space, some water, and a roll of paper towels, you can sprout seeds for your salad. Alfalfa, bean, clover, you can just do it and take that you evil sonsofbitzes that want to deprive us of joy and health and oxygen. Xinyi means “Joyful heart.”
Too small?
We can email the presidents of all the nations that will send delegates to COP 31 and insist that the Global Climate Action Agenda lead with a Fossil Fuel offramp plan.
The Fossil Fuel offramp is structured, international plan to phase out the production and consumption of coal, oil, and gas to meet global climate targets. As of April 2026, namely Rat Now, over 50 nations are gathering to create concrete, actionable, and cooperative roadmaps for this transition, motivated by the need to meet the 1.5°C warming target, reduce economic reliance on volatile markets, and improve security.
Key elements of this “offramp” strategy, driven by the UN and coalitions of progressive nations, include:
A Global “First-Ever” Exit Conference: In April 2026, nations (including Colombia, the Netherlands, and others) met to specifically discuss the phase-out of fossil fuels, reflecting frustration with slower consensus-based UN climate negotiations.
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: A proposed international mechanism that would legally bind nations to stop expanding fossil fuel exploration and set a timeline for winding down existing production.
A Just and Orderly Transition: The strategy emphasizes “economic liberation” for developing nations, creating debt relief mechanisms and a Global Just Transition Fund to ensure they can diversify their economies without being trapped by old fossil fuel revenues.
Ending Subsidies: The plan seeks to redirect the nearly $1 trillion spent annually on fossil fuel subsidies towards renewable energy infrastructure.
Targeted Reductions: The UN calls for wealthy nations to phase out coal by 2030 and others by 2040, alongside a 45% reduction in total carbon emissions by 2030.
Ending Financial Support: Stopping public funding for new fossil fuel extraction projects and shifting investments toward clean energy alternatives.
Fossil Fuel Treaty +6
This approach is crucial as studies show that current government plans for production would keep output in 2030 at double the rate required to avoid a climate crisis.
So, that sounds like a plan.
Let’s let them know we support them.
And make some sprouts.
The greatest joy in the world is in restoring the earth.
Golden, thank you..