bookmark_borderSevere Turbulence

[Verse 1]
Poor Singapore
One passenger no more
No doubt thrown about
Onto heaven’s route

[Chorus]
Severe turbulence
Increase your insurance
Growing odds
A visit with God

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
Singapore, no more
Business as before
Tossed like a baby-doll
First up, then the fall

[Chorus]
Severe turbulence
Increase your insurance
Growing odds
A visit with God

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
Hit the ceiling
Left reeling
Now conceding
Profuse bleeding
Tossed and torn
I tried to warn…

[Chorus]
Severe turbulence
Increase your insurance
Growing odds
A visit with God

[Outro]
Fly high
Risk to die

A SCIENCE NOTE
In the air, the increasing mass of the rain will intensify wind turbulence. Professor Paul D. Williams of the University of Reading, UK, said, “Turbulence is chaotic (chaos theory). Turbulence is known famously as the hardest problem in physics.” In their study Evidence for Large Increases in Clear-Air Turbulence Over the Past Four Decades, Prof. Williams and his team found “Climate change has caused turbulence to double in the last 40 years” and is expected to double or triple again in the next decades.

The impact of intensified turbulence is becoming increasingly evident. On May 20, 2024, a Singapore Airlines flight from London Heathrow to Singapore made headlines when severe turbulence caused one passenger’s death and left many others injured. This incident underscores the growing risks associated with climate change-induced turbulence and highlights the urgent need for the aviation industry to adapt to these new challenges.

The increasing frequency and intensity of clear-air turbulence pose significant concerns for flight safety and passenger comfort. As global temperatures rise, changes in atmospheric dynamics are expected to create more unstable air masses, leading to a higher occurrence of turbulence. This not only affects flight safety but also has economic implications for airlines, including increased fuel consumption and maintenance costs due to turbulent flights. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing research, improved forecasting models, and enhanced safety protocols to mitigate the effects of climate change on aviation.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderTotal Crime

[Verse 1]
Total waste of space
Total waste of our place
Major oil
Nature’s spoil

[Chorus]
This time
It’s a crime
A Total crime
Of all time

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
Total brought on the pain
Total bringing on violent rain
Fossil fuel fools
Greed’s tool

[Chorus]
This time
It’s a crime
A Total crime
Of all time

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
Oui, oui
We, we
We have a right
To life
We have to fight
Your strife
Oui, we

[Chorus]
This time
It’s a crime
A Total crime
Of all time

[Instrumental, Piano, Bass]

[Outro]
This time
It’s a crime
A Total crime
Of all time

A SCIENCE NOTE
May 21, 2024 — A criminal case has been filed against the CEO and directors of the French oil company TotalEnergies, alleging that its fossil fuel exploitation has contributed to the deaths of victims of climate-fueled extreme weather disasters.

The case was filed in Paris by eight individuals harmed by extreme weather, along with three NGOs. The plaintiffs believe this to be the first criminal case filed against the individuals running a major oil company. The public prosecutor who received the file has three months to decide whether to open a judicial investigation or dismiss the complaint.

The case aims to establish the alleged criminal liability of TotalEnergies’ directors and major shareholders for deliberately endangering lives, involuntary manslaughter, neglecting to address a disaster, and damaging biodiversity. If proven, such crimes are punishable by imprisonment and fines.

TotalEnergies has frequently been targeted by climate cases, with eight known cases, most of which remain active. Climate change litigation against companies and governments is increasing, with many hundreds of cases filed globally.

Notable European successes for climate campaigners include Shell being ordered by a Dutch court to almost halve its carbon emissions by 2030, a decision currently under appeal. Recent successes also include the European Court of Human Rights ruling in April that the Swiss government had failed to cut the country’s emissions adequately, and a UK High Court decision in May declaring the government’s climate action plan unlawful.

One plaintiff in the TotalEnergies complaint, known as William C, lost his mother in the floods brought by Storm Alex in southeastern France in 2020. “I am defending the honor of my mother, who died because of a climate disaster,” he said. “The choices that Total and its shareholders make at the annual general meeting will have a decisive impact on our lives in the future.”

Traditional economics is based upon the “costs and benefits” to society. Since there are no known long-term benefits of climate change to society, the Age of Loss and Damage economics focuses on the exponential costs of climate change to society.

Loss and damage litigation against oil companies and governments will change world economics.

— from The Age of Loss and Damage / Brouse (2023)

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderPass (Through the Hourglass)

[Verse 1]
When I see life
Passing through the sunlight
I’m thankful
With all my might
[Bridge]
And, I just might
Get this one right
[Chorus]
Take advantage
Of this chance (Let’s dance!)
The post-modern age
Dance (Give us a chance)
(Dance)

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
When I see time
Pass through the hourglass
Grasp our prime
Before we pass
[Bridge]
And, we just might
Get this one right
[Chorus]
Take advantage
Of this chance (Let’s dance!)
The post-modern age
Dance (Give us a chance)
(Dance)

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Verse 3]
When I see you
Pass through
I see me
Grasp our prime
Before out time
[Bridge]
And, we just might
Get this one right
[Chorus]
Take advantage
Of this chance (Let’s dance!)
The post-modern age
Dance (Give us a chance)
(Dance)

[Outro]
This chance (Let’s dance!)
The post-modern age
Dance (Give us a chance)
(Dance)

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

bookmark_borderVultures or Buzzards?

I ain’t carrion carry-out, yet!

[Verse 1]
Suddenly, there were six…
Maybe seven
Vultures hovering over me
Not clear what they could see
But, clearly troubling to me
[Bridge]
Troubling
Down doubling
I’ll stick around

[Chorus]
Out-of-my-head
I said
I’m not dead
At least you can bet,
Not yet

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
At least six
Maybe seven…
In my head, I said
“Am I going to heaven”
It’s hard to tell, this could be….
Troubling
[Bridge]
Troubling
Doubling down
On sticking around

[Chorus]
Out-of-my-head
I said
I’m not dead
At least you can bet,
Not yet

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Verse 3]
At least six
Maybe seven…
Wait!
[Break]
Eight!
The rate…
is troubling
[Bridge]
Troubling
Doubling down
On sticking around

[Chorus]
Out-of-my-head
I said
I’m not dead
At least you can bet,
Not yet

[Outro]
Troubling
Doubling down
On stickin’ ’round

A SCIENCE NOTE
Vultures primarily eat carrion, which is the decaying flesh of dead animals. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up dead animal remains, thus preventing the spread of diseases. Vultures are scavengers and have highly acidic stomachs that allow them to safely digest putrid and contaminated meat, including bones and hides. They typically feed on:

  • Large mammals: Such as deer, cattle, and other livestock.
  • Small mammals: Including rodents and smaller animals.
  • Birds: Both wild and domestic, if they come across their carcasses.
  • Reptiles and amphibians: Occasionally, if the opportunity arises.

Different species of vultures may prefer different types of carrion, but their primary diet consists of dead and decaying animal flesh.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

bookmark_borderTravelin’ (What a Trip)

Travelin’, what at trip
Travelin’, let ‘er rip

[Verse 1]
Travelin’, what a trip
Traveling, quite a bit
Through space-time
Time and space
With the human race
Setting the pace

[Chorus]
If they only knew
Where they were going
Foolishness
Would be less showing
(Longing for knowing)

[Verse 2]
Doesn’t matter who you are
If you gravel afar
If you’ve got a home
Or living on your own

[Bridge]
Moving through space-time
Time and space
With the human race
Setting the pace

[Break]
I am.
I think;
therefore,
Once more

[Verse 3]
Travelin’, what a trip
Traveling, quite a bit
Through space-time
Time and space
With the human race
Setting the pace

[Bridge]
Life, a profound journey
For you? (For me.)
I am
(Spacetime) continuum
Interconnectedness
Of time and space
The human race (setting the pace)
Al la carte
Descartes
In part
You and me
Shaping destiny

[Chorus]
If they only knew
Where they were going
Foolishness
Would be less showing
(Longing for knowing)

[Outro]
I am.
I think;
therefore,
Explore!

ABOUT THE SONG
This song explores themes of existence, the journey through life, and the nature of the spacetime continuum. Let’s break down the lyrics to interpret its meaning:

Verse 1

“Travelin’, what a trip Traveling, quite a bit Through space-time Time and space With the human race Setting the pace”

The first verse sets the scene for a journey, both literal and metaphorical. The mention of “space-time” and “time and space” refers to the four-dimensional continuum in which all events occur, emphasizing the intertwined nature of time and space. The “human race setting the pace” suggests that humanity is actively moving forward, shaping its own destiny.

Chorus

“If they only knew Where they were going Foolishness Would be less showing (Longing for knowing)”

The chorus reflects a sense of existential questioning. It implies that if people understood their ultimate destination or purpose in life, they would act with more wisdom and less folly. The “longing for knowing” highlights a deep desire for understanding and meaning.

Verse 2

“Doesn’t matter who you are If you gravel afar If you’ve got a home Or living on your own”

This verse suggests that the journey through life is universal, affecting everyone regardless of their circumstances. Whether one travels far (“gravel afar”), has a stable home, or lives independently, the experience of moving through space-time is a shared human experience.

Bridge

“Moving through space-time Time and space With the human race Setting the pace”

The bridge reiterates the themes of movement and progress within the spacetime continuum. It emphasizes the collective journey of humanity.

Break

“I am. I think; therefore, Once more”

This break references René Descartes’ famous philosophical statement, “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”). It underscores the concept of self-awareness and existence. The addition of “Once more” suggests a recurring cycle or continuous journey of self-discovery and existence.

Verse 3

“Travelin’, what a trip Traveling, quite a bit Through space-time Time and space With the human race Setting the pace”

The final verse repeats the opening lines, reinforcing the idea of life as a journey through the dimensions of time and space, with humanity collectively navigating and influencing this journey.

Overall Interpretation

The song portrays life as a profound journey through the spacetime continuum, emphasizing the interconnectedness of time and space. It reflects on the universal human experience of searching for meaning and understanding. The repetition of traveling “through space-time” with “the human race setting the pace” highlights the active role humanity plays in shaping its destiny. The philosophical elements, such as the reference to Descartes, add depth to the contemplation of existence and self-awareness.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

bookmark_borderThundercloud

(Oh, my!)
We’d better take cover

[Verse 1]
Moisture infiltration (saturation)
Enhanced convection (connection)
Menacing looking (shocking!)
Looking menacing (shocking!)

[Chorus]
Mother shouts out-loud
Thundercloud (the crowed cowed)
The crowd cowed (Thundercloud)

[Bridge]
Thundercloud!
(Hail hail)
Blunder in thunder
(Hail Hail)
Frightening in lightning
(Fail, fail)

[Verse 2]
Higher temperature (for sure)
Increased moisture (more, more)
After where that heat’s been
We’re in for a wind whoppin’

[Chorus]
Mother shouts out-loud
Thundercloud (the crowed cowed)
The crowd cowed (Thundercloud)

[Bridge]
Thundercloud!
(Hail hail)
Blunder in thunder
(Hail Hail)
Frightening in lightning
(Fail, fail)

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Saxophone, Bass]

[Bridge 2]
Ominous cumulonimbus
Can hear it coming
A mile away
Thundercloud
Can see you looming
Reign on my day
… on our parade
Send aid

[Chorus]
Mother shouts out-loud
Thundercloud (the crowed cowed)
The crowd cowed (Thundercloud)

[Bridge]
Thundercloud!
(Hail hail)
Blunder in thunder
(Hail Hail)
Frightening in lightning
(Fail, fail)

[Outro]
Thundercloud!
(Hail hail)
Thundercloud!
(Hail hail)

A SCIENCE NOTE
“Cumulonimbus clouds are menacing looking multi-level clouds, extending high into the sky in towers or plumes. More commonly known as thunderclouds, cumulonimbus is the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning.” (Meteorological Office Government of the UK)

Climate change is having several significant impacts on cumulonimbus clouds, which are the towering, anvil-shaped clouds associated with thunderstorms and severe weather. These impacts stem from changes in atmospheric dynamics, moisture content, and temperature patterns. Here are the key ways in which climate change is affecting cumulonimbus clouds:

1. Increased Intensity and Frequency of Thunderstorms:

  • Warmer Atmosphere: A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to more intense thunderstorms. As temperatures rise, the amount of water vapor in the air increases, providing more fuel for the formation of cumulonimbus clouds.
  • Enhanced Convection: Higher temperatures can lead to stronger convection currents, as warm air rises more vigorously. This results in more powerful updrafts within cumulonimbus clouds, which can enhance their vertical development and increase the likelihood of severe weather events such as heavy rainfall, hail, and tornadoes.

2. Changes in Cloud Dynamics and Structure:

  • Higher Cloud Tops: With more energy available in the atmosphere, cumulonimbus clouds can grow taller. Higher cloud tops mean more intense thunderstorms, as the potential for severe weather phenomena such as lightning, hail, and heavy rain increases with the height of the cloud.
  • Larger Anvils: The anvil tops of cumulonimbus clouds, which form when the rising air reaches the stable layer of the stratosphere and spreads out, may become larger and more pronounced. This is a result of increased vertical development and stronger upper-level winds that can spread the cloud tops over a larger area.

3. Increased Moisture Content:

  • Enhanced Precipitation: As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture. This leads to an increase in the amount of precipitation produced by cumulonimbus clouds. More intense rainfall events are becoming more common, contributing to flooding and other related impacts.
  • Heavier Downpours: The increased moisture content in the atmosphere means that when cumulonimbus clouds do form, they have the potential to release more water in shorter periods. This can lead to heavier downpours and flash flooding.

4. Impact on Severe Weather Patterns:

  • More Frequent and Severe Thunderstorms: The increase in available moisture and atmospheric instability due to climate change can lead to more frequent and severe thunderstorms. This is particularly evident in regions that are already prone to such weather patterns.
  • Hail and Tornadoes: The conditions that favor the formation of hail and tornadoes—strong updrafts, significant moisture, and atmospheric instability—are likely to become more common as the climate warms. This means that cumulonimbus clouds may produce more severe hailstorms and tornadoes.

5. Regional Variations:

  • Changes in Storm Tracks: Climate change can alter the typical paths that weather systems follow, affecting where cumulonimbus clouds and associated severe weather events are most likely to occur. Some regions may see an increase in thunderstorm activity, while others might experience a decrease.
  • Seasonal Shifts: The timing of severe weather seasons may shift, with some areas experiencing earlier or later onset of conditions conducive to cumulonimbus cloud formation and severe thunderstorms.

Scientific Observations and Projections:

  • Empirical Evidence: Observations have shown trends toward more intense and frequent heavy rainfall events, which are often associated with cumulonimbus clouds. Studies also indicate changes in the frequency and intensity of severe weather events linked to climate change.
  • Climate Models: Models project that as global temperatures continue to rise, the impacts on cumulonimbus clouds will become more pronounced. These models suggest an increase in the intensity and frequency of severe weather events driven by enhanced atmospheric moisture and instability.

Climate change is influencing cumulonimbus clouds by increasing their intensity, altering their dynamics and structure, and enhancing the moisture content in the atmosphere. These changes contribute to more frequent and severe thunderstorms, heavier rainfall, and a greater likelihood of severe weather phenomena such as hail and tornadoes.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderCumulonimbus Clouds

[Verse 1]
I saw the cloud
Towering taller
Inadvertently, thought aloud
is this cumulonimbus…
Overtaking us?

[Verse 2]
The taller it grew
Darker and darker, too
Bringing on a storm
The kind that’ll do you harm
[Break]
Sound the alarm

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Chorus]
If we make it irreversible
We’ll make it impossible
If we feed the feedback loops
[Break]
Oops!

[Bridge]
We’re bound to collide
With the other-side
Rife with post-modern strife
The other side of life

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Verse 3]
Still, the cloud…
Towering taller and taller
Blatantly, shouted out-loud
This cumulonimbus…
Is overtaking us?
Bringing on a storm
The kind that’ll do you harm
[Break]
Sound the alarm

[Chorus]
If we make it irreversible
We’ll make it impossible
If we feed the feedback loops
[Break]
Oops!

[Outro]
We’re bound to collide
With the other-side
Rife with post-modern strife
The other side of life

A SCIENCE NOTE
“Cumulonimbus clouds are menacing looking multi-level clouds, extending high into the sky in towers or plumes. More commonly known as thunderclouds, cumulonimbus is the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning.” (Meteorological Office Government of the UK)

Climate change is having several significant impacts on cumulonimbus clouds, which are the towering, anvil-shaped clouds associated with thunderstorms and severe weather. These impacts stem from changes in atmospheric dynamics, moisture content, and temperature patterns. Here are the key ways in which climate change is affecting cumulonimbus clouds:

1. Increased Intensity and Frequency of Thunderstorms:

  • Warmer Atmosphere: A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to more intense thunderstorms. As temperatures rise, the amount of water vapor in the air increases, providing more fuel for the formation of cumulonimbus clouds.
  • Enhanced Convection: Higher temperatures can lead to stronger convection currents, as warm air rises more vigorously. This results in more powerful updrafts within cumulonimbus clouds, which can enhance their vertical development and increase the likelihood of severe weather events such as heavy rainfall, hail, and tornadoes.

2. Changes in Cloud Dynamics and Structure:

  • Higher Cloud Tops: With more energy available in the atmosphere, cumulonimbus clouds can grow taller. Higher cloud tops mean more intense thunderstorms, as the potential for severe weather phenomena such as lightning, hail, and heavy rain increases with the height of the cloud.
  • Larger Anvils: The anvil tops of cumulonimbus clouds, which form when the rising air reaches the stable layer of the stratosphere and spreads out, may become larger and more pronounced. This is a result of increased vertical development and stronger upper-level winds that can spread the cloud tops over a larger area.

3. Increased Moisture Content:

  • Enhanced Precipitation: As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture. This leads to an increase in the amount of precipitation produced by cumulonimbus clouds. More intense rainfall events are becoming more common, contributing to flooding and other related impacts.
  • Heavier Downpours: The increased moisture content in the atmosphere means that when cumulonimbus clouds do form, they have the potential to release more water in shorter periods. This can lead to heavier downpours and flash flooding.

4. Impact on Severe Weather Patterns:

  • More Frequent and Severe Thunderstorms: The increase in available moisture and atmospheric instability due to climate change can lead to more frequent and severe thunderstorms. This is particularly evident in regions that are already prone to such weather patterns.
  • Hail and Tornadoes: The conditions that favor the formation of hail and tornadoes—strong updrafts, significant moisture, and atmospheric instability—are likely to become more common as the climate warms. This means that cumulonimbus clouds may produce more severe hailstorms and tornadoes.

5. Regional Variations:

  • Changes in Storm Tracks: Climate change can alter the typical paths that weather systems follow, affecting where cumulonimbus clouds and associated severe weather events are most likely to occur. Some regions may see an increase in thunderstorm activity, while others might experience a decrease.
  • Seasonal Shifts: The timing of severe weather seasons may shift, with some areas experiencing earlier or later onset of conditions conducive to cumulonimbus cloud formation and severe thunderstorms.

Scientific Observations and Projections:

  • Empirical Evidence: Observations have shown trends toward more intense and frequent heavy rainfall events, which are often associated with cumulonimbus clouds. Studies also indicate changes in the frequency and intensity of severe weather events linked to climate change.
  • Climate Models: Models project that as global temperatures continue to rise, the impacts on cumulonimbus clouds will become more pronounced. These models suggest an increase in the intensity and frequency of severe weather events driven by enhanced atmospheric moisture and instability.

Climate change is influencing cumulonimbus clouds by increasing their intensity, altering their dynamics and structure, and enhancing the moisture content in the atmosphere. These changes contribute to more frequent and severe thunderstorms, heavier rainfall, and a greater likelihood of severe weather phenomena such as hail and tornadoes.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderSome Summer

[Verse 1]
Some summer showed
A bit too soon
Should have known
Might wanna wait
For spring flowers to bloom

[Chorus]
Forgot it’s not
Summer yet
Yet, it’s so hot
Wanna bet
[Break]
This can’t go on
For long (no, not for long)
It’s wrong, wrong, wrong
(so wrong, so long)

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
More summertime
It’s way too soon
Man’s greatest crime
A little too late
Foreboding does loom

[Chorus]
Forgot it’s not
Summer yet
Yet, it’s so hot
Wanna bet
[Break]
This can’t go on
For long (no, not for long)
It’s wrong, wrong, wrong
(so wrong, so long)

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
Atmosphere rearranges
Jet stream changes
Blocking pattern position
Primate climate mission
Heat accumulation
Saturation

[Chorus]
Forgot it’s not
Summer yet
Yet, it’s so hot
Wanna bet
[Break]
This can’t go on
For long (no, not for long)
It’s wrong, wrong, wrong
(so wrong, so long)

[Outro]
This can’t go on
For long (no, not for long)
It’s wrong, wrong, wrong
(so wrong, so long)

A SCIENCE NOTE
Climate change is causing summer-like weather to start earlier in the year through several interconnected mechanisms related to the overall warming of the Earth’s climate system. Here are the key factors contributing to this phenomenon:

1. Rising Global Temperatures:

  • Increased Greenhouse Gases: The accumulation of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the atmosphere traps more heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
  • Warmer Springs: As average global temperatures increase, the transition from winter to spring becomes warmer, causing spring temperatures to resemble those typically associated with early summer.

2. Changes in Seasonal Patterns:

  • Shifted Seasons: The warming climate is causing shifts in the timing of seasons. Spring arrives earlier and lasts longer, effectively extending the warm period of the year and bringing summer-like conditions sooner.
  • Earlier Plant Phenology: Plants and trees are budding and blooming earlier in response to warmer temperatures, indicating the earlier onset of spring-like conditions that can quickly transition to summer-like weather.

3. Altered Atmospheric Circulation:

  • Jet Stream Changes: The jet stream, which is influenced by the temperature gradient between the equator and the poles, can become more wavy and less stable due to Arctic warming. This can lead to prolonged periods of warm weather in certain regions, contributing to an earlier start to summer-like conditions.
  • Blocking Patterns: High-pressure systems, known as blocking patterns, can become more common and persistent with climate change, leading to extended periods of clear skies and warm temperatures.

4. Heat Accumulation in Oceans and Land:

  • Ocean Heat Content: The world’s oceans have absorbed a significant amount of the excess heat from global warming. This stored heat is gradually released, influencing coastal and nearby inland temperatures and contributing to earlier warm weather.
  • Land Surface Warming: Land surfaces, especially those with low moisture content, can heat up quickly. Reduced snow cover and earlier snowmelt due to warming temperatures also contribute to earlier warming of the land surface.

5. Feedback Mechanisms:

  • Snow and Ice Melt: Reduced snow and ice cover decrease the Earth’s albedo (reflectivity), causing more solar energy to be absorbed by the surface rather than reflected back into space. This accelerates warming and leads to earlier onset of warm weather.
  • Soil Moisture Reduction: Warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns can reduce soil moisture, which in turn allows the land to heat up more quickly, leading to earlier and more intense summer-like conditions.

6. Human Activities:

  • Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban areas tend to be warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities, buildings, and infrastructure. This effect can amplify early warming trends in cities, contributing to an earlier start of summer-like weather.

Scientific Observations and Models:

  • Empirical Data: Observations and temperature records indicate a trend towards earlier onset of warm weather. This includes earlier spring thaws, longer growing seasons, and higher spring and early summer temperatures.
  • Climate Models: Climate models project that, as global temperatures continue to rise, the trend of earlier and warmer springs will persist, leading to more frequent and intense early summer-like weather conditions.

The combination of rising global temperatures, altered seasonal patterns, changes in atmospheric circulation, heat accumulation in oceans and land, and various feedback mechanisms are causing summer-like weather to start earlier in the year. These changes are consistent with the broader impacts of climate change on the Earth’s climate system.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderPittsburgh May?

Pittsburgh May?
Pittsburgh will…
Pittsburgh did in May

[Verse 1]
Converged on three rivers
Primate change delivers
Mister, another twister
Oh, no, tornado

[Chorus]
Extreme weather events
Prosperity prevents
Our lease on peace
Fossil fools, cease!

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Verse 2]
Fourteen twisters in May
Bring multiples of dismay
And it ain’t over yet
We responsible, you bet

[Chorus]
Extreme weather events
Prosperity prevents
Our lease on peace
Fossil fools, cease!

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
More moisture
Altered jet streams
And dreams
The facts,
Sifting storm tracks
Come and see
Tornado Alley

[Chorus]
Extreme weather events
Prosperity prevents
Our lease on peace
Fossil fools, cease!

[Outro]
Pittsburgh May?
Pittsburgh will…
Pittsburgh did in May

A SCIENCE NOTE
(May 2024)
“14 tornadoes become most on record in May for NWS Pittsburgh, surpassing 1985 tornado outbreak”
The recent tornadoes in or near western Pennsylvania are now the most on record by the National Weather Service Pittsburgh in May.

Climate change’s impact on tornadoes in the Pittsburgh area, and more broadly across the northeastern United States, involves complex and evolving dynamics. While the relationship between climate change and tornado activity is still an area of active research, there are some observed and projected trends that can be discussed:

1. Changes in Tornado Frequency and Intensity:

  • Shifts in Tornado Alley: Traditionally, “Tornado Alley” refers to the central part of the United States, particularly in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. However, recent studies suggest that the frequency of tornadoes may be increasing in the southeastern and northeastern United States, including areas like Pittsburgh.
  • Intensity: Some research indicates that while the overall number of tornadoes might not significantly increase, the intensity of tornadoes could be affected by changing atmospheric conditions. Increased atmospheric instability and moisture levels due to warming temperatures can contribute to more severe weather events.

2. Environmental Factors Influencing Tornadoes:

  • Increased Moisture: Warmer temperatures lead to more moisture in the atmosphere. Increased humidity can contribute to the formation of severe thunderstorms, which are a prerequisite for tornadoes.
  • Jet Stream Changes: Climate change can alter the patterns and strength of the jet stream. Changes in the jet stream can influence the frequency and paths of storm systems, potentially impacting tornado activity in the Pittsburgh area.
  • Storm Tracks: There is evidence that the tracks of storms are shifting, possibly due to changes in the climate system. This can bring severe weather, including tornadoes, to areas that were previously less affected.

3. Local Observations and Trends:

  • Historical Data: Analysis of historical tornado data in Pennsylvania and surrounding states shows variability in tornado occurrences. Some years have seen higher-than-average tornado activity, while others have been quieter.
  • Recent Events: Pittsburgh and surrounding areas have experienced tornadoes in recent years, with some events causing significant damage. These occurrences, coupled with anecdotal reports of more severe thunderstorms, suggest a potential shift in local weather patterns.

4. Preparedness and Mitigation:

  • Improved Forecasting: Advances in meteorological science and technology have improved the ability to predict and warn about tornadoes. Enhanced radar systems, better models, and more sophisticated warning systems help mitigate the impacts of tornadoes.
  • Community Preparedness: Increased awareness and preparedness efforts are essential in regions experiencing changing weather patterns. Communities in and around Pittsburgh can benefit from updated building codes, better emergency response plans, and public education on tornado safety.

5. Research and Uncertainty:

  • Ongoing Studies: The exact link between climate change and tornado activity remains an active area of research. Scientists continue to study how global warming influences the atmospheric conditions that lead to tornado formation.
  • Uncertainty: While trends and patterns are emerging, there is still significant uncertainty regarding long-term predictions. Climate models are improving, but tornadoes are influenced by a multitude of factors, making precise forecasts challenging.

In summary, while the direct impact of climate change on tornadoes in the Pittsburgh area is still being studied, there are indications that changing atmospheric conditions could influence the frequency, intensity, and distribution of tornadoes. Increased moisture, altered jet streams, and shifting storm tracks are some of the factors that may contribute to more severe weather events, including tornadoes, in the region. Improved forecasting and community preparedness are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with these changes.

 

CLIMATE CHANGE

Global warming has inflicted irreversible damage on our environment, a consensus echoed by nearly all scientists. Indeed, climate change poses a profound challenge. Our planet is witnessing conditions that increasingly jeopardize human habitation. The critical question now is whether we can adapt swiftly enough. “We are not saying that the Earth’s temperature is just going to rise. In general, as energy is added to a system, the fluctuations in the system increase. So, we expect more storms, more droughts, more wildfires, more floods, more fluctuations of all kinds. What we are saying is that weather conditions will become more volatile (Extreme Weather Events) due to the impact of humans,” said Mukherjee and Brouse.

Human-induced climate change is a dynamic component of an intricate and unordered system, as per chaos theory. This implies that global warming is accelerating exponentially in a complex manner. Over the period from 1992 to 2023, we have presented compelling evidence, proposed remedies to mitigate climate change, and amassed valuable information through the engagement of millions with this climate model. Your participation has been invaluable. The incontrovertible data underscores that human-induced climate change is rapidly deteriorating our habitat.

This climate model / experiment employs chaos theory to comprehensively consider human impacts and projects a potential global average temperature increase of 9℃ above pre-industrial levels. Global warming is a consequence of elevated thermal energy in the climate system, which comprises various subsystems. Chaos theory underscores the intricate and nonlinear nature of dynamic systems. Human well-being is compromised above a 1.5-degree temperature rise, rendering much of the Earth uninhabitable. A 9-degree Celsius increase would bring the Earth close to a wet-bulb temperature incapable of sustaining human life.

What Can I Do? There are numerous actions you can take to contribute to saving the planet. Each person bears the responsibility to minimize pollution, discontinue the use of fossil fuels, reduce consumption, and foster a culture of love and care. The Butterfly Effect illustrates that a small change in one area can lead to significant alterations in conditions anywhere on the globe. Hence, the frequently heard statement that a fluttering butterfly in China can cause a hurricane in the Atlantic. Be a butterfly and affect the world.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderDown or Around?

[Verse 1]
The day winds down
Or does it really wind around?
(Down or around, around or down)

[Bridge]
The sun goes down
Or do we really go around?
(Down or around, around or down)

[Chorus]
Is it tomorrow today
Half a turn away
It must be yesterday
Somewhere…
Yet, I’m unaware

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
The sun rises
In the East…
Or at best
Sets in the west
Or at least
As one sees
Relativity

[Bridge]
The sun goes down
Or do we really go around?
(Down or around, around or down)

[Chorus]
Is it tomorrow today
Half a turn away
It must be yesterday
Somewhere…
Yet, I’m unaware

A SCIENCE NOTE
Humans believed that the Sun revolved around the Earth for much of recorded history, with this geocentric model being prevalent from ancient times until the early modern period. This belief lasted approximately 1,400 years, from the development of the geocentric model in ancient Greece until the widespread acceptance of the heliocentric model in the 17th century.

Key Points in the History of the Geocentric Model:

  1. Ancient Greece:
    • The geocentric model was formalized by the Greek philosopher Claudius Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. His work, the Almagest, outlined a detailed geocentric system that remained the authoritative reference for over a millennium.
  2. Middle Ages:
    • The Ptolemaic system was widely accepted and taught in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions during the Middle Ages. It was integrated into Christian, Islamic, and other worldviews.
  3. Renaissance and Early Modern Period:
    • In the 16th century, the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus proposed the heliocentric model, where the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. His work, “De revolutionibus orbium coelestium,” published in 1543, challenged the geocentric model but did not immediately overturn it.
  4. 17th Century:
    • The heliocentric model gained empirical support through the observations of astronomers like Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Tycho Brahe. Galileo’s use of the telescope to observe celestial bodies provided strong evidence against the geocentric model.
    • Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and Isaac Newton’s law of universal gravitation further solidified the heliocentric model.
    • By the late 17th century, the heliocentric model had become widely accepted among scientists and scholars, effectively replacing the geocentric model.

Conclusion:

The belief that the Sun revolved around the Earth persisted from ancient times until the heliocentric model was scientifically validated and widely accepted in the 17th century. Therefore, this misconception lasted for over 1,400 years before being corrected through advancements in astronomy and physics.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

bookmark_borderHurling Through Space

(Blip.)
[Instrumental, Synthesizers, Bass]
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 1]
Which is moving faster (past Her)
The Earth or the sky (Why?)
Or is rather
More of tie (Why?)

[Chorus]
Hurling through space (our place)
In a path with the sun (run, run)
But wait, I’m not done
We run around the sun
During every bit
We orbit
Our star
So, far…
And, just for fun
We spin (and spin)
All of this
On our axis

[Bridge]
So….

[Instrumental, Guitar solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
Which is moving slower (Know Her?)
The Earth or the sky (Why?)
The thought sower
Wants to try

[Chorus]
Hurling through space (our place)
In a path with the sun (run, run)
But wait, I’m not done
We run around the sun
During every bit
We orbit
Our star
So, far…
And, just for fun
We spin (and spin)
All of this
On our axis

[Bridge]
So….

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass Runs]

[Bridge]
So….
What do I know
I try
Close to a tie
Or a bye
In any event,
I’m present
In the movement
The human race race
Through space

[Chorus]
Hurling through space (our place)
In a path with the sun (run, run)
But wait, I’m not done
We run around the sun
During every bit
We orbit
Our star
So, far…

[Outro]
And, just for fun
We spin (and spin)
All of this
On our axis

A SCIENCE NOTE
How fast is the sun traveling through space?
The Sun, along with the entire solar system, is traveling through space at a substantial speed. Here are the details:

  1. Orbital Speed Around the Galactic Center:
    • The Sun orbits around the center of the Milky Way galaxy. It travels at an average speed of about 220-230 kilometers per second (approximately 490,000 to 514,000 miles per hour).
    • It takes the Sun about 225-250 million years to complete one orbit around the Milky Way’s center, a journey known as a galactic year or cosmic year.
  2. Movement Relative to Nearby Stars:
    • In addition to its orbit around the galactic center, the Sun moves relative to the average motion of nearby stars in the local standard of rest (LSR). This motion is approximately 20 kilometers per second (about 45,000 miles per hour) towards the constellation of Hercules.
  3. Movement with the Milky Way:
    • The entire Milky Way galaxy, including the Sun, is also moving through space. It is moving towards the Andromeda Galaxy at about 110 kilometers per second (about 246,000 miles per hour).

These movements are the result of complex gravitational interactions and the dynamic nature of our galaxy and the universe. While these speeds might seem incredibly fast, the vast distances in space mean that such motions are not noticeable from our everyday perspective on Earth.

How fast is the Earth orbiting the sun?
The Earth orbits the Sun at an average speed of approximately 29.78 kilometers per second, which is about 107,000 kilometers per hour (or roughly 66,600 miles per hour). This speed allows the Earth to complete one full orbit around the Sun in about 365.25 days, defining the length of a year.

  • Orbital Path: The Earth’s orbit is an ellipse, so the speed varies slightly over the course of a year. The Earth moves fastest when it is closest to the Sun (perihelion) and slowest when it is farthest from the Sun (aphelion).
  • Perihelion: Around early January, Earth is closest to the Sun, and its orbital speed can increase to about 30.29 kilometers per second (109,000 kilometers per hour or 67,600 miles per hour).
  • Aphelion: Around early July, Earth is farthest from the Sun, and its orbital speed can decrease to about 29.29 kilometers per second (105,000 kilometers per hour or 65,200 miles per hour).

The average speed of 29.78 kilometers per second is a result of the balance between the gravitational pull of the Sun and the inertia of the Earth’s motion.

How fast is the Earth spinning on its axis?
The Earth spins on its axis at a rate that varies depending on your location. Here are the specifics:

  • Equator: At the equator, the Earth’s rotational speed is about 1670 kilometers per hour (1037 miles per hour). This is the fastest speed due to the larger circumference.
  • Poles: At the poles, the rotational speed is effectively zero because you are standing on the axis of rotation.

To understand this more clearly:

  • Circumference: The circumference of the Earth at the equator is about 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles).
  • Rotation Period: The Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one full rotation (specifically, about 23.93 hours, which is why we have a leap year to account for the extra time).

This rotational speed causes the Coriolis effect, which influences weather patterns and ocean currents. The sensation of this rotation is generally imperceptible to us due to the constant speed and the vast size of the Earth.

Which is moving faster, the earth or the sky?
The concepts of the Earth moving and the sky moving are related to different reference frames, so let’s break it down:

  1. Earth’s Movement:
    • Rotation: The Earth rotates on its axis at about 1670 kilometers per hour (1037 miles per hour) at the equator.
    • Orbit: The Earth orbits the Sun at approximately 107,000 kilometers per hour (66,600 miles per hour).
  2. Sky’s Movement:
    • Perception of Sky Movement: From our perspective on Earth, the sky appears to move because of the Earth’s rotation. This apparent motion is about 15 degrees per hour, causing the stars, the Sun, and the Moon to rise in the east and set in the west.
  3. Actual Motion of Celestial Bodies:
    • Stars and Milky Way: The stars in our galaxy, including the Sun, are moving through space as part of the Milky Way’s rotation. The Sun orbits the center of the Milky Way at about 828,000 kilometers per hour (514,000 miles per hour).
    • Galactic Motion: The Milky Way itself is moving through space, which adds additional motion to everything within it.

Which is Moving Faster?

  • In terms of relative speed from our point of view on Earth, the Earth’s rotation and orbit dictate what we perceive.
  • In terms of absolute speed through space, the Sun (and therefore the Earth, as it is part of the solar system) moves much faster through space compared to the rotation and orbit speeds of the Earth itself.

So, while the Earth’s rotation is faster than the perceived motion of the sky (which is actually a result of the Earth’s rotation), the Sun’s journey through the galaxy means the Earth is moving very fast through space. Thus, on an absolute scale, the Earth (as part of the solar system) is moving faster through the galaxy than it is rotating on its axis or orbiting the Sun.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

bookmark_borderFirst Light

(Ahhhhhhhhh, ahhhhhhhhhh)

[Verse 1]
Born just after midnight
Didn’t know if I’d ever
See sunlight
(Born in the middle of the night)

[Bridge]
And then that first day
Came my way
I thought, Alright!
First light

[Chorus]
The day I saw the light
I waited out the night
In delight, I saw the light
Dawns daylight, my first insight

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Verse 2]
Soon, day turned to day-to-day
(Today, today)
Tried not to let the thrill fade away
(Not fade away, away)
(Not a day)

[Bridge]
Ever since that first day
Came my way
Still thankful
For first light

[Chorus]
The day I saw the light
I waited out the night
In delight, I saw the light
Dawns daylight, my first insight

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 3]
Days turned to months
And months to years
(and years and years)
And until this day
Won’t let the thrill fade away
(Not fade away, away)
(Not a day)
(No way)

[Bridge]
Ever since that first day
Came my way
Still thankful
For first light

[Chorus]
The day I saw the light
I waited out the night
In delight, I saw the light
Dawns daylight, my first insight

[Outro]
(Not fade away, away)
(Not a day)
(No way)

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

bookmark_borderRapidly Riding on the Rapids

[Verse 1]
Who knows
When you’re caught up in the throws
How it goes
Rapidly riding on the rapids
Wonder how quid pro quo did
Did the problem rid?
(Or was it hid)

[Bridge]
If things weren’t already frightening
Here comes the thunder and lightning

[Chorus]
Instability in the atmosphere
I fear it’s everywhere
The increased intensity is clear
Look there, there, and there

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
Who knows
When you’re caught up in the gears
With dues in arrears
Rapidly riding on the rapids
Wonder how quid pro quo did
Did the problem rid?
(Or the bid hid)

[Bridge]
If things weren’t already frightening
Here comes the thunder and lightning

[Chorus]
Instability in the atmosphere
I fear it’s everywhere
The increased intensity is clear
Look there, there, and there

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Drum Fills]

[Bridge]
A little more cash (stash)
For a lot more trash (fast)
Voters thrashed (trashed)
Truth trashed (thrashed)
Carbon bribe (cried)
Devil’s bride (died)

If things weren’t already frightening
Here comes the thunder and lightning

[Chorus]
Instability in the atmosphere
I fear it’s everywhere
The increased intensity is clear
Look there, there, and there

[Outro]
Aware? There, there, there!

A SCIENCE AND ECONOMICS NOTE
“Quid pro quo,” a Latin term meaning “something for something,” refers to a mutual exchange where one party provides something in return for something else from another party. In the context of governments’ climate policy, quid pro quo can manifest in several ways:

Policy and Legislation
Within a country, lawmakers might support climate-related legislation in exchange for concessions in other policy areas. This can involve political bargaining where support for green initiatives is traded for support on unrelated legislation or local projects.

Political Support and Lobbying
Governments might craft climate policies that favor certain industries or sectors in exchange for political support, campaign contributions, or other forms of influence. This can lead to policies that are beneficial to particular stakeholders but may not always align with the most effective or equitable climate strategies.

Such arrangements can lead to compromises that dilute the effectiveness of climate action or create inequalities in how the burdens and benefits of climate policies are distributed. Political quid pro quo usually lands us in rough waters, up the river, and without a paddle.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderBreathlessness

(Huh, huh, huh)
Huh, huh, huh

[Verse 1]
How could this humidity
Be getting to me
Not ready
Already

The air’s so think
Moisture laden slick
One things for sure
Increased vapor

[Chorus]
Do you find it hard to believe
It makes it hard to breathe
It’s getting so hot
You’re better off not

[Verse 2]
Has the deadly heat
Got you beat
Water in my air
Too much to bear

’cause this humidity
Is getting to me
Already
Really not ready

[Chorus]
Do you find it hard to believe
It makes it hard to breathe
It’s getting so hot
You’re better off not

[Verse 3]
Argh! This humidity
Is killing me
Can’t steady
It’s deadly

[Bridge]
Breathlessness
Helplessness
Seize
Breathe
If I could,
I would
Breathlessness
Helplessness

[Chorus]
Do you find it hard to believe
It makes it hard to breathe
It’s getting so hot
You’re better off not

[Outro]
Breathlessness
Helplessness

A SCIENCE NOTE
Heat and humidity make it harder to breathe for several reasons:

  1. Increased Air Density and Moisture Content:
    • Humid air contains more water vapor, which displaces oxygen molecules. As a result, the air has fewer oxygen molecules per breath, making it feel harder to get enough oxygen.
  2. Thermoregulation Stress:
    • The body relies on evaporative cooling (sweating) to regulate temperature. High humidity reduces the evaporation rate of sweat, making it harder for the body to cool down. This can lead to overheating, which strains the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
  3. Heat Stress on the Body:
    • High temperatures cause the body to work harder to maintain a stable internal temperature. This increased effort can lead to faster, shallower breathing, making it feel like you can’t catch your breath.
  4. Increased Respiratory Rate:
    • The combination of heat and humidity can cause an increase in respiratory rate as the body attempts to cool down. Faster breathing can lead to a feeling of breathlessness or discomfort.
  5. Airway Reactivity:
    • For individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, heat and humidity can exacerbate symptoms. Humid air can cause the airways to become more reactive and constricted, leading to difficulty breathing.
  6. Cardiovascular Demand:
    • The cardiovascular system has to work harder in hot, humid conditions to pump blood to the skin for cooling. This added strain can make it harder for the respiratory system to keep up, resulting in a feeling of breathlessness.
  7. Psychological Factors:
    • High heat and humidity can create a sense of discomfort and anxiety, which can make breathing feel more difficult. This psychological stress can compound the physical challenges of breathing in such conditions.

The combination of high heat and humidity imposes additional stress on the body’s thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, making it feel harder to breathe.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

A song about The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderCrepuscular Rays

(Nice, oh so nice)
(Look twice, so nice)

[Verse 1]
You, yes, you
A breakthrough
Like the first light
In the twilight

[Chorus]
Crepuscular rays
Adding light to my days
Crepuscular rays
Bringing light in so many ways

[Instrumental, Flute Solo, Piano, Bass]

[Verse 2]
You, yes, you
Bring the light
Making day out of night
Love what you do
(I do)

[Chorus]
Crepuscular rays
Adding light to my days
Crepuscular rays
Bringing light in so many ways

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
Scattering of sunlight (Alright!)
Particles in the atmosphere (Steer)
Sunlight streams beam
Scenes of sunbeams
Fulfill dreams

[Chorus]
Crepuscular rays
Adding light to my days
Crepuscular rays
Bringing light in so many ways

[Outro]
Sunlight streams beam
Scenes of sunbeams
Fulfill dreams

A SCIENCE NOTE
The first rays of light that break through the clouds are often referred to as “crepuscular rays.” These rays appear to radiate from a single point in the sky and are typically seen during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. The term “crepuscular” comes from the Latin word “crepusculum,” meaning “twilight.”

Crepuscular rays are caused by the scattering of sunlight by particles in the atmosphere, and they are accentuated when there are breaks in the clouds, allowing the sunlight to stream through in visible beams. These rays can create a dramatic visual effect and are sometimes poetically referred to as “sunbeams” or “God rays.”

In addition to crepuscular rays, when these beams of light appear on the opposite horizon, typically just after sunset or just before sunrise, they are called “anticrepuscular rays.” These rays are less commonly seen but can be equally striking.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous