What we've been reading

Unnatural causes

Americans are increasingly concerned about the climate crisis. They also increasingly recognize something beyond nature is at play. Beyond that, it’s still a mess. These are the latest findings from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication .?

Might AI help? maybe not so long as it uses so much power that it keeps old coal plants running.?

How to subsidize it

Mother Jones has thoughts on the state of US philanthropy. “Whether America’s ultrarich bankroll noble causes or reprehensible ones, all major philanthropists have two things in common. First, their giving buys them perks, unrivaled access, and significant sway in the academic, business, government, and nonprofit realms. Second, they enjoy huge tax breaks. That is, you and I subsidize their giving without getting any say in how that money is spent.”

This article is part of a January series on the American Oligarchy which, whether you agree or not, and whether you are an oligarch or not,? is well worth sacrificing your weekend to.?

Lonely at the top, and succor in the mountains?

Turns out leaders often fail when they are not happy being in the top job. Think twice about taking on that CEO stint, says the Atlantic. But if the pressure is too high, a trip to Bhutan - which is planning the first mindfulness city, may help.

Also about slopes, in a way

Public approval of unions is at its highest since 1965, but union membership is at lts lowest, says Axios. This is as good an invitation to read about philosophy and incoherence as we've seen.

Books that Obama once recommended

We got our hands on a used copy of a book that made it to Barack Obama’s Summer?2021 Reading List, if the back cover praise is to be believed. Through a series of stories mixing fact and fiction, the author weaves scientific discoveries with historical and personal catastrophes. The book is entitled? ‘When we cease to understand the World, and you’d be excused for feeling that way right now.?