Volume 229, November 28, 2022


Top Gun at COP27, “It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot.”


Perhaps the biggest success coming out of the UN Climate Talks (COP27) was the one least likely to succeed – the creation of a Loss and Damage Fund. To be held responsible for another's loss and damages, such a fund should have been a nonstarter in a society quick to litigate. And it nearly was when some rich nations attempted to divide developing countries.


Pakistan succeeded in keeping countries united, for their diplomats had witnessed the devastation and floods causing $30 billion of damages and economic losses. They were experienced in maintaining discipline in the group of 77 (which essentially includes all developing nations led by Pakistan) and savvy in attempts to turn the Alliance of Small Island States against others and accept a narrow fund. Fortunately, the G77 remained strong and did not stray from its message which is that Loss and Damage is not charity, It's about climate justice.


Much credit for successfully setting up a Loss and Damage Fund is also due to civil society pressure from more than 1,900 organizations from 130 countries.


"Pakistan led from the front, but civil society pressure gave power to negotiators inside the conference rooms to fight harder," said Harjeet Singh, the global political director at Climate Action Network.


UN Climate Secretary Antonio Guterres closing remarks were spot on, saying: "The red line we must not cross is the line that takes our planet over the 1.5-degree temperature limit... We can and must win this battle for our lives."


However, he misconstrued the skilled and collaborative work of the COP27 delegates and advocates to perpetuate a real problem when he also stated: "It will take each and every one of us fighting in the trenches each and every day."


Fighting climate change must not be about people fighting with people. This metaphor makes us quick to lay blame, scapegoat, and make it personal. My actions are better than yours, and I hate you for not doing it my way.


Rather, we are all on the same side, fighting to reduce the burden of too much carbon in the atmosphere. As in COP27, we will only succeed by working with respect for others and in concert with one another.


If we must use military analogies, think Top Gun, where we all are skilled stewards flying fast in formation. It's not the destination. The exhilaration of fast flight, the air beneath our wings, and the fellowship of achievements as a tight team keeps us on course, returning to COP meetings and striving for a healthier planet.


It's not the plane, it's the pilot. Roger that.


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At the Ocean River Institute, we don’t just talk about the need to fight climate change. We’re using all of our knowledge about the threats we face to develop solutions and press others to take bold actions. 


And bold action is exactly what the world needs in the fight against climate change. Who's in your corner?

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Publications:


"Biden’s game-changing administrative actions for climate at COP27." illuminem Voices, November 19, 2022


"Taking action to improve plight of right whales." Boston Herald, November 9, 2022


"Revival Coffee in Somerville takes up the Natural Lawn Challenge." The Somerville Times, August 27, 2022


"For eco groups, less lawn fertilizer is key to water crisis." By Dustin Luca, Salem News August 12, 2022


More carbon capture, better water retention and greener emerald bracelets for Dedham.” The Dedham Times, August 12, 2022.


“Emerald Bracelets to Solve Three Of The World’s Greatest Environmental Problems.” by Rob Moir, The Environmental Magazine, June 21, 2022


"Of Mousy and Elephantine Cycles, Managing the CLIMATE CRISIS after Glasgow COP26." The Eden, March 2022



“Lincoln resident promotes natural lawn care,” Concord Journal, Aug 3, 2021


Zumi’s host Natural Lawn Care for Healthy Soils Challenge,Ipswich Chronicle Transcript, Aug 10, 2021


Peabody peak capacity generator need not burn fossil fuels,” The Salem News, Aug 5, 2021 


30% preserved or restored by 2030,” The Salem News, Sep 29, 2021


Pogie deaths, a Mystic River mystery,” Boston Herald, Oct 4, 2021


Remember the right whales with a special day,” CommonWealth, Oct 29, 2021


Retreating Arctic Sea Ice, Sea Ice Formation, and the Stronger Flow of the Gulf Stream” Seven Seas November 2021


"Rob Moir, PhD, Science Advocate," Forbes, Oct/Nov 2021

We succeed by working together with other organizations and communitity groups. The Ocean River Institute is the only organization that raises a cacophony of diverse voices to decision-makers. When you speak out on any one of our campaigns, you are heard.  Thanks to those of you who took the time to make a pledge and write a comment. You are opening the doors of committees and the minds of politicians who are just looking for a way forward to climate justice.


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