Hey, it's that time of year for my seasonal poem A Christmas Peril. When I originally wrote this, in 2008, it seemed to many people that it expressed a distant possibility, but was a cute fairy tale.

Even then, also in 2008, I had done some back of the envelope calculations that suggested to me the possibility that human civilization could be wiped out, perhaps even humanity could go extinct, as early as 2035. But I didn't expect any one would believe it.

Now, less than twenty years later, I feel almost embarrassed circulating it because I hope most people can easily see how it pales against the stark and aggressive reality that the Climate Crisis is.

As for 2035? Well, I hope we have at least that long, but I'm a little worried we don't. Acceleration is a weird thing. Civilization may seem solid, but there are things that could happen (crop failures are the one I'm looking to) that could cause everything to unravel really quickly.

Maybe I should be updating my poem. But, for now, this is what I have to offer. Please read it if you haven't, and share it with family and friends as part of your holiday season. Mastodon boosts count as part of that, if you're of a mind to. :)

Happy holidays, everyone. The Climate Crisis isn't a very happy thought, but it underscores the importance of savoring civilization, stability, family, and friends while you can. I'd like to be wrong. But I wouldn't bet money on it.

nhplace.com/kent/Writing/A-Chr…

The poem is available in three languages (English, Spanish, and Portuguese) with several audio tracks.

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