Nothing about the news that Trump is likely to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord actually changes Tom Waits’ prediction of the Earth’s fate.
Really, we’ve been at the End of the World as We Know It since November. But mostly, the damage being inflicted by Cheeto Mussolini is political. While significant, we could recover politically in a relatively short time (key word being “could”). But when it comes to climate change, everyone alive today will be dealing with it the rest of their lives. (And we already are dealing with its effects, don’t kid yourself.)
Whether Trump makes it official by pulling us out of the Accord, or simply doesn’t fulfill the actions we’ve agreed to take, the climate will continue on its path. The short-sightedness of Trump and the climate deniers is that they think making changes necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change will hurt the economy. Also, their fear of the black President caused them to kill off the Republican idea of a carbon market and the Chicago Climate Exchange was suffocated at birth.
The opposite effect on our economy is the more likely outcome as Germany and China stand to reap the benefits with green technology. In the meantime, we are beholden to the fossil fuel and agriculture interests who want to maintain the status quo.
So, as we take Bluto’s advice while awaiting word from the White House, tonight’s cocktail is the Corn and Oil. Taken from Smuggler’s Cove, the Corn and Oil is:
.5 oz John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum
2 oz Barbados Rum
2-4 dashes Angostura bitters
Add ingredients to an old-fashioned glass and fill with crushed ice. Stir to combine until frost forms on the glass.
Cheers!
Gin & Bitters 