My first exposure to the world was looking through the National Geographic magazines at my grandparent's house in the 1950's. At the age of 9 or 10 my parents gave me a Rand McNally World Atlas for Christmas, which I had until it fell apart. Geography and both U.S. and world history were the only classes in high school that I actually got a B grade in, while most the other classes were C's and D's. National Geographic is the only magazine that I still maintain a yearly subscription to and it gives me a look into the many issues confronting the world, especially climate change. Lately I have been reviewing a special edition that came out in April of 2020 on how life on Earth will be in the year 2070. It gives two scenarios--How We Save the World and How We Lost the Planet. I have faith in the younger generation to do what it takes to save the planet. By 2070 I will be 125 years of age and doubt if I will be here to see what the world looks like, but hope the younger generations can do what needs to be done, and that the National Geographic magazine is still around to enlighten future generations.
A collection of stories from the life of Michael Burke. He worked for the Forest Service in Alaska, California, and Oregon. He lives in Oakland, OR. His wonderful wife, Celia, passed in May of 2021
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FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY
It is four years today when Celia left this word, something I think about every day. It is not all sorrow as I think back on her humor, w...
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It is four years today when Celia left this word, something I think about every day. It is not all sorrow as I think back on her humor, w...
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In my early days with the Forest Service we were called upon to fight fires with little choice in the matter, especially on our days off or ...
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One of my most memorable Thanksgivings was when I lived in Eugene from 1991 to 2000. My two children were with me on Thanksgiving of 1992...
Thanks Mike. National Geographic has wonderful photography & informative articles about the world. Never will forget that cover on the young woman from Nepal some 15-25 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed reading that special issue of Natl Geographic on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Sadly, I'm more pessimistic than you. I know how hard it is for different nations to coordinate, collaborate and implement the needed vision to "save" the Earth. I've seen first-hand how slowly the wheels of government turn. While proactive planning certainly is commendable, too many leaders have their hands full with crisis management and there seems to be little continuity or commitment to long-term goals. Good Luck, Mother Nature!
ReplyDeleteUPDATE: It was the Afgan Girl in the red headdress, not the girl from Nepal & she has gained refugee status in Italy now.
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