chasing answers newsletter #62

Back home, The hottest week ever?, My favorite books on climate

“If working apart we’re a force powerful enough to destabilise our planet, surely working together we are powerful enough to save it.” - Sir David Attenborough

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Happy Sunday!

I just returned home from vacation, and now it's time to play catch up.

Whenever I'm preparing for a vacation or catching up at work after taking one, I always wonder if it's worth it.

So, I did a little research to see if they actually have any benefit other than the good memories and photo ops, and it turns out they do.

Here are some benefits you can reap from taking some time away. 

1. They reduce stress - Even with the work of preparing for the trip and catching up afterward, science says there is still an overall reduction in stress when we go on vacations. This can lead to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and a boost in our mood.

2. They stimulate creativity - Even after returning home to our regular routines, our exposure to new experiences and cultures can continue to help spark new ideas.

3. They can enhance productivity - The rest and relaxation gained from vacations can lead to enhanced productivity by improving our focus and performance once we return to work. 

So, if you're like me and sometimes wonder if vacations are worth the work that goes into them, you can relax. Science says they are.

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The Hottest Week Ever?

According to the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction, this past week set new records for average global air temperature.

Monday set a record of 17.01C, only to be surpassed on Tuesday by a new record of 17.18C.

It's worth noting that the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said they could not validate the numbers, as they only monitor global temperatures and records on a monthly and annual basis, not daily.

But they did have this to say.

"We recognise that we are in a warm period due to climate change, and combined with El Nino and hot summer conditions, we're seeing record warm surface temperatures being recorded at many locations across the globe."

You can check out the complete article in The Guardian here.

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My Favorite Books on Climate

There are a lot of books out there on climate change, and if you are new to the space, it can be difficult figuring out where to start. 

These books are 3 of my favorite and are a great place to start. Think of it as the climate activist starter pack.

1. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed To Reverse Global Warming - Paul Hawken

   This book covers the 100 most effective ways to reverse global warming. That may sound like a lot, but the optimism and science-backed research make it an incredibly entertaining read.

2. Regenesis: Feeding the World Without Devouring the Planet - George Monbiot 

   Farming is one of the greatest contributors to climate change. Regenesis tackles this problem and offers solutions to feeding billions of people without destroying our planet.

3. Doughnut Economics - Kate Raworth 

   There is no more significant contributor to climate change than our economic system itself, and Doughnut Economics takes a deep look at how we can change this system so that the planet can prosper, as well as every person on it.

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   Photo(s) of the Week

   I decided to play around with black and white on this pic of a rose covered in morning dew.

   

   I hope you all have a great week!

   If you want to see more of my work, please visit chasinganswers.co.

   Thank you for reading, and if you liked what you read, please share.

   randy