I can’t even begin to imagine how you’re feeling. This looks and sounds like a nightmare. Unfortunately, I have Latin American family members who, scared by what’s happened in Venezuela, see anything progressive as a threat. I beg them to stop looking at this as a black-or-white situation and to think ahead of what policies based on short-term gains for a few can do in the long term for the whole population and ecosystems. We can’t survive on a planet depleted of resources. The time to act is now
Silvia, your comment hits on a crucial point: the fear-driven, binary thinking that paralyzes progress. It’s easy to dismiss environmental protections as “progressive” or “socialist” when the immediate struggles of poverty and instability dominate the conversation. But as you rightly said, this isn’t about ideology—it’s about survival. Short-term gains for a few will only deepen the crisis for everyone else. When ecosystems collapse, it’s not just the forests that burn—it’s the future. We need to move beyond fear and see the bigger picture before it’s too late.
It must be remembered that a large portion of China’s GHG output is from making stuff for the USA. It would be interesting to tease out that number. The US might still be on top, effectively. One reason for exporting manufacturing from the US to China and others was obviating US environmental regulations.
Your point about globalized manufacturing shifting emissions to countries like China is valid, but it doesn’t absolve anyone of responsibility. The climate crisis is a collective failure, and pointing fingers at who’s “effectively on top” misses the point. The U.S., China, and every nation profiting from this system are complicit. What matters now is action, not blame-shifting. While the U.S. outsourced its pollution, it didn’t outsource its accountability. And neither did Argentina, where our leaders are actively dismantling protections while the country burns.
The fires in Patagonia aren’t just a local tragedy—they’re a global warning.
I feel your pain and fear, Ricky. Why are you not in BC? As the climate crisis becomes ever more emergent, the fat cats will do anything and everything to blind the general public to what's coming just around the corner, so they can concentrate their efforts on squeezing every last cent out of us before it's too late and we're all just running for our very lives. This shyte is real and your heartfelt piece should drive that fact home to even the most credulous. BTW, the US is not the world's largest producer of GHGs, only the "per capita" largest. China leads in overall numbers. You are not alone and please stay/get to safety. Your faithful correspondent in Marietta, Ohio, Gregg.
It’s true—this is a deeply painful moment, but it’s also a call to action. While the fires and the policies fueling them are devastating, there’s still hope in the resilience of communities, the bravery of firefighters, and the growing awareness of what’s at stake.
Even in the face of destruction, there’s room to rebuild and fight for a better future.
I can’t even begin to imagine how you’re feeling. This looks and sounds like a nightmare. Unfortunately, I have Latin American family members who, scared by what’s happened in Venezuela, see anything progressive as a threat. I beg them to stop looking at this as a black-or-white situation and to think ahead of what policies based on short-term gains for a few can do in the long term for the whole population and ecosystems. We can’t survive on a planet depleted of resources. The time to act is now
Silvia, your comment hits on a crucial point: the fear-driven, binary thinking that paralyzes progress. It’s easy to dismiss environmental protections as “progressive” or “socialist” when the immediate struggles of poverty and instability dominate the conversation. But as you rightly said, this isn’t about ideology—it’s about survival. Short-term gains for a few will only deepen the crisis for everyone else. When ecosystems collapse, it’s not just the forests that burn—it’s the future. We need to move beyond fear and see the bigger picture before it’s too late.
Southern winds from Patagonia,
Ricky
I’m with you in this battle
It must be remembered that a large portion of China’s GHG output is from making stuff for the USA. It would be interesting to tease out that number. The US might still be on top, effectively. One reason for exporting manufacturing from the US to China and others was obviating US environmental regulations.
Hi there Stan!
Your point about globalized manufacturing shifting emissions to countries like China is valid, but it doesn’t absolve anyone of responsibility. The climate crisis is a collective failure, and pointing fingers at who’s “effectively on top” misses the point. The U.S., China, and every nation profiting from this system are complicit. What matters now is action, not blame-shifting. While the U.S. outsourced its pollution, it didn’t outsource its accountability. And neither did Argentina, where our leaders are actively dismantling protections while the country burns.
The fires in Patagonia aren’t just a local tragedy—they’re a global warning.
We need solutions, not excuses.
Southern winds from Patagonia,
Ricky
I feel your pain and fear, Ricky. Why are you not in BC? As the climate crisis becomes ever more emergent, the fat cats will do anything and everything to blind the general public to what's coming just around the corner, so they can concentrate their efforts on squeezing every last cent out of us before it's too late and we're all just running for our very lives. This shyte is real and your heartfelt piece should drive that fact home to even the most credulous. BTW, the US is not the world's largest producer of GHGs, only the "per capita" largest. China leads in overall numbers. You are not alone and please stay/get to safety. Your faithful correspondent in Marietta, Ohio, Gregg.
Hi there Gregg! I’m traveling to BC on April! So still a couple more months here in Patagonia, quite heartbreaking situation here…
Oh, and I meant largest historical emitter not today’s largest one with the US.
Thanks for the unconditional support and for always staying sharp!
Southern winds (still) from Patagonia,
Ricky
So deeply, bone crushingly, sad.
Thank you, Mergi, for your heartfelt comment.
It’s true—this is a deeply painful moment, but it’s also a call to action. While the fires and the policies fueling them are devastating, there’s still hope in the resilience of communities, the bravery of firefighters, and the growing awareness of what’s at stake.
Even in the face of destruction, there’s room to rebuild and fight for a better future.
Southern winds from Patagonia,
Ricky