Global Drought
This map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the extent of current drought around the world. (NOAA Image)
A United Methodist Insight Column
Growing up in beautiful Florida before it was damaged by overpopulation, I've always been a weather-watcher. Florida skies are still the most beautiful to me, with their many layers of clouds at various altitudes. One of my favorite weather-science publications is the EarthSky newsletter. Here's a note from its Aug. 26 issue:
"Drought has been crippling many regions of the world in 2022. While the shrinking Lake Mead and Lake Powell in the American West have gotten the lion's share of press coverage here in the U.S., the issue is a global one. The BBC reported 2 days ago that Europe's drought is the worst in 500 years, and several famous European rivers have run dry. China's largest freshwater lake and longest river are also running dry. The Guardian said on August 19 that drought in the Horn of Africa has the potential to push more than 22 million people into starvation. Read about global drought and see images".
So, what can we do? Use less water. Plant vegetation native to your region that doesn't require excess water. Set up home systems to capture rainwater for watering lawns and gardens. Check with your state or local water management department for more ideas.
Most of all, support efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. The global drought situation is only one world need where United Methodists' vow to serve with our "prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness" can be of immediate blessing to the world around us.
Ashes of Star Trek’s Lt. Uhura and others to go to space
Also from EarthSky, here's a note for all us "Star Trek" fans:
Uhura and Scotty
Detail of a publicity photo for "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" shows actors Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) and James Doohan (Scotty). The remains of both actors will be launched into space. (Paramount Pictures Photo; used by permission)
"The remains of actress Nichelle Nichols – best remembered for her historic role as Lt. Nyota Uhura on the first Star Trek TV series, as well as subsequent films – will be launched into space sometime in 2022. Nichols, 89, died July 30, 2022 in Silver City, New Mexico.
"Also on the memorial flight will be remains of fellow Star Trek star James “Scotty” Doohan, the show’s creator Gene Roddenberry and his wife, Majel Barrett Roddenberry, who played multiple roles on various Star Trek iterations. The earthly remains of Apollo-era astronauts Gordon Cooper and Phil Chapman, and film director Douglas Trumbull will also be included on the mission."
One of the most memorable assignments of my journalism career came when I got to interview "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry before a speaking engagement in Tampa, Fla. Later, because of what I wrote about his topic – returning to explore the Moon – he sent me a signed certificate commissioning me as a flight deck officer on the USS Enterprise. Gene wasn't a Christian, but he believed in humans' ability to reach great heights of achievement through tolerance and collaboration. If we would only believe in ourselves, instead of fighting among ourselves, we could make the world of "Star Trek" a reality.
Media Mentions as of Aug. 26, 2022
Czech United Methodists help house Ukrainian refugees - UM News
Arkansas' Largest United Methodist Church Considers Disaffiliation - KUAF
Pastor releases statement on shots fired investigation near Cape Girardeau church – KFVS12
Dallas-area Methodist ministers seek exemption from Texas abortion law – Norman Transcript
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Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. "Crisis Watch" is part of Insight's participation in Covering Climate Now, a global collaboration of some 500 news outlets committed to enhanced reporting on the worldwide climate crisis. To reproduce this content elsewhere, please email Insight for permission.