Unfortunately, I don't know if it would be possible for another species to reach our level of technology or civilization. We built up our society off of easily accessible energy resources (surface-level coal being our first source of industrial energy). This energy excess allowed us to develop other sources of energy, solar, wind, nuclear, etc. But if you tried starting from zero again, you could never get to this point, at least along the same path, as you need a high level of technology to access any available energy resources. Thus, if any new species took our place, they could only ever rise to the level of the pre-industrial revolution.

For sure. I think trying to preserve these tools is a bit of a waste of time. But extending their lifespan is always a win in my book

It's also ridiculous how many products are just trucking water around from one place to another with a little big of active solution mixed in. We need more 'just add water' products available.

The only disease to be fully eradicated, 5 million people can live every year who otherwise would have died had we not defeated this disease

Just look at Missouri, votes for minimum wage increases and an abortion amendment but reelected GOP candidates across the board. The dems lost because of a mix of elitism and the fact that they were governing at a time when incumbants globally are being kicked out due to post-covid economies.

The atomization of decision-making allows entrenched interests to disrupt progress. If you've ever been to a city planning meeting, you can see how NIMBY homeowners block transit upgrades or affordable housing. Sometimes consensus is impossible

I figured there were some issues like that, I think I'm more into the general idea than this specific execution

I'm from a big wind state. It's absurd to me how unpopular wind farms have been among rural folk. It brings jobs and revenue and has a relatively small land foot print. I just don't get why people don't like them, except for culture war stuff :/

Some bills republicans are spending their legislative energy on: Liberty in Laundry Act, Refrigerator Freedom Act, Stop Unaffordable Laundry Standards (SUDS) Act.

Definitely a valid critique of Mondragon in the modern era, its commitment to the 10% ratio has atrophied somewhat. It's still something that ebbs and flows, for example there is a current push to transfer 35,000 non-member workers in their retail coop into full members (from a total of 50,000 workers). From numbers I've seen, 85% of employees are still members, which is pretty good.

I am really heartened by how solar continues to punch higher and higher above projections year-after-year.

That's a great point, I didn't consider the tech tree that leads to bikes also makes cars more likely :/

Look at your state's and Brokerage's Escheatment policies and procedures. My brokerage will send out a letter prior to taking any actions (and I'd assume they'd also send an email, but idk). Phone calls to the brokerage checking in on the account or direct deposits all count as activity (though with the phone calls, I'd confirm the account number to make sure they're talking about the right account). https://www.investor.gov/...

Also, lots of state and local governments in the US have strong renter protections.

Who wouldve thought hosting COP in a petrostate would've led to a conflict of interest!?

If you ever find yourself with small logs or large branches, I recommend looking into Hugelkultur, which similarly involves building mounds of compostable organic material around large pieces of wood, which allows for the slow breakdown and release of nutrients over time

Poplars and willows are fairly fast growing. Plus there are perennial grass feedstocks

Plus China is repeating our mistakes and building out a massive amount of car-centric infrastructure. Huge disappointment given the amount of resources and wonderful transit they have in major cities

Exactly. I grew up on a farm and there's no way a regular bus route would efficiently service us. Cars are still necessary but their usage can be greatly reduced.

For instance, in Europe most suburban/rural households can get by with one car. And in urban areas no car lifestyle is very easy to pull off

I really hope this forum doesn't fall down that rabbit hole