The human year of 2022 has been tragic in so many ways. It is a relief that it is ending and we can only hope that 2023 is, at the very least, somewhat better.
The tragic consequences of climate change, including wildfires, inland flooding, severe snowstorms, deadly tornados and, of course, Hurricane Ian, have reminded us that our stewardship of Earth has been inadequate at best. Then there have been the frequent mass shootings and horrendous crimes that have led the news on a weekly basis. The steady decline of the stock market has worried many Americans and the dysfunction of our political system offers little hope that life will improve in the U.S. Finally, the Russian war in Ukraine, the bombastic threats from China and the dangerous shenanigans of North Korea's missile king threaten the stability of human civilization.
Of course, all of these problems are human-induced. Too many of us consuming too much and seeking too much power, combined with too little effective leadership, are destroying our society and our planet. Nature offers our most reliable retreat from human carnage and we should seek her calming embrace whenever possible. Best wishes to all for 2023.
