The climate crisis will huff and puff, but these innovators are finding ways to stay standing
As the children's story warns, many homeowners will learn the hard way that their shelter is no match for the huffs and puffs, or floods and fires of an overheating planet, so we must take inspiration from the Third Little Pig, who built a house so strong, it became shelter for the others — and a base of wolf eradication.
When my little boy was born in 2020, that old story took on new relevance every time I'd kiss him goodbye to go cover another unnatural disaster. I wondered: Where should he live? What kind of building? What about air and water? What kind of community has the best chance to survive and thrive, come what may?
The result is 'Adaptation Nation: A Climate Crisis Survival Guide,' my global search for the most promising solutions and most resilient communities.
Outside Amsterdam, I strolled the floating Schoonschip neighborhood, which is pioneering innovative ways to live on top of water as sea levels rise. In Florida, I met the NFL wife and mom who was so shaken by her first hurricane, she started an innovative construction company to build disaster-proof domiciles on the Gulf Coast.
As urban wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County, I focused on the homes that didn't burn. I called up the architect for design tips, and we kept going back to Paradise, California, to learn from survivors five years after the Camp Fire turned most of their mountain town to ash.
And in Babcock Ranch, Florida, I leaned what it took to build America's first solar-powered town and how it has survived two major hurricanes without flooding or losing power.
On journeys from London to Silicon Valley, I met dozens of brilliant innovators devoted to rebuilding healthier, wealthier and happier communities from every sector, like the 'fix-a-flat' for leaky homes that can cut heating bills in half and the van-size drones that could move supply chains from the roads to the sky.
Since solar and wind energy now cost less than oil and gas, some Democrats think the way to beat Big Oil is by building better, faster, cheaper alternatives, which just happen to be cleaner and stronger.
'What if we made it so that the thing that had the best unit economics was also best for the planet?' inventor and climate investor Tom Chi asked me.
But just as the Inflation Reduction Act was drawing hundreds of billions of dollars of private investment into clean tech, resilience and Earth repair, America re-elected President Donald Trump — a leader likely to tell our metaphorical pigs that the climate wolf is a myth and straw houses are terrific. Amid protests from Republican districts enjoying the IRA's manufacturing boom, Trump is vowing to kill many of these ideas in the cradle.
Can blue cities and states, nonprofits and good-hearted corporations keep up the fight without any federal help? It's too soon to tell, and before we know it, my son's Generation Alpha will be old enough to tally what's left and wonder what could have been.
The survivors will be the fortunate ones, surrounded by helpers with the wisdom and freedom to adapt and the planning of a Third Little Pig.
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Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
State's record red maple rooted in family legacy
Aug. 9—LAFARGEVILLE — When fertilized with a dash of patriotic fervor rooted in next year's semiquincentennial celebration of our country, a scenario blossoms on the origin of the largest red maple in New York. The New York State Big Tree Register is maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation to recognize trees of record size and to promote an interest in learning about the trees we may come in contact with every day. The majestic tree in LaFargeville, the only tree of any species on the state register in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, as of the summer of 2023 when measured, stood at 84 feet tall. The same family, through generations, has cared for it and admired it. The Big Tree Register notes that the previous record, recorded in 2015, was a red maple in Dutchess County, at 104 feet tall. American Forests, which runs the National Champion Trees Program, is the authority for determining which tree species are eligible for champion status. Nominated trees are measured to calculate a total point score, which is the sum of the tree's height in feet, the trunk circumference in inches at 4.5 feet off the ground, and one quarter of the tree's average crown spread in feet. The circumference of the LaFargeville tree is 226.8 inches, compared to 220 inches of the previous champion red maple. The local red maple also beat the Dutchess County tree in "Crown (canopy) points." County tax records show that the Revolutionary War veteran Conrad Walts, born May 5, 1763, in Montgomery, Orange County, constructed his home on the property he shared with the now-record tree in 1835. Experts say the tree is at least 200 years old. Conrad was young when he joined the cause of the rebels in the Revolutionary War, fought from 1775-1783. His military pension records show he enlisted in the spring of 1779, when he was 13. He served with the 4th New York Regiment for nine months and was discharged Jan. 1. 1780 at Morristown, New Jersey. According to the National Park Service, the 4th New York Regiment, organized in 1777, served to the end of 1780. It included the remnants of various regiments raised for the 1775 Canadian invasions. Originally raised in Ulster, Dutchess, Orange and Suffolk counties, by 1777 the 4th Regiment was recruited from all parts of the state. "There is definitely potential overlap between when the tree was planted and Conrad," said Alexander R. Walts, current owner of the homestead. Conrad was Alex's great-grandfather, times-five. Conrad was 71 in 1835 when he built his home. Perhaps thinking of a legacy, or maybe just wanting to create some shade, he carefully placed the red maple sapling in a hole and tended to it on his land through the years, watching it grow up and out. Or maybe the tree's seed was carried on the wind, or buried by a squirrel and in time, admired by Conrad. Regardless, the result is more than something for the record book, said Walts. "It's as much part of the property's legacy as the buildings and the house," he said. "All of my living relatives who grew up there have fond memories of playing under and in the tree growing up." That legacy is what prompted Walts to talk to experts about how to best care for the tree. In turn, that led him to the DEC's Big Tree Register program, previously unknown to him. "Restoring the house and caring for the landmarks like the tree are what I consider part of the legacy I'll leave behind for my daughter and generations after her," Walts said. Walts was born and raised in Rochester. He and his wife, Katherine (Katie) B. Lenninger moved to LaFargeville a couple of years ago to settle down and to raise a family after skipping around the country — from Florida, Maryland and Texas — for colleges and work. They have an 18-month-old daughter. The couple moved to the LaFargeville area from Houston. "We wanted to be closer to family who are still in upstate New York," Alex said. "We were looking to settle down and start a family and realized we don't need to buy a house; we have one in the family that's been sitting there for quite some time." Katie, a Florida native, is a research meteorologist. Alex is an aerospace engineer who helps support NASA's Human Spaceflight Program at Johnson Space Center in Houston. When not working remotely, they are tasked with revitalizing the family home. "I'm down there just about every day trying to refurbish it and to bring it back to its former glory," Alex said. The home has been empty since the mid-1970s. Alex said the last generation to reside in it was his great-grandfather, Ozro E. Walts. "My grandfather and his siblings were born and raised there but didn't spend their entire lives there." Ozro was born in Theresa in 1893, son of Charles and Ada Fuller Walts. Ozro operated the family farm until retiring in 1974 and died at the age of 91 in 1984 after living for 10 years with his children in Monroe County. His wife, the former Emma Rohrmoser, daughter of a well-known local farmer and cheese maker who was born in Germany, died in 1974. Alex's third-great-grandfather, Nelson G. Walts, who died at the homestead at the age of 75 in 1906, was a Civil War veteran. In 1864, at the age of 33, he enlisted with Company E., 186th New York Regiment of volunteers and was engaged in the war's final battles, including the battle and siege of Petersburg, Virginia. "He escaped without wounds, although his gun stock was shot from his hand and a piece of shell carried away the sleeve of his coat," his Aug. 7, 1906, obituary read in the Watertown Daily Times. One of the six children born to Nelson G. Walts and his wife, Minerva (Simmons), was Nelson E. Walts, who attended Potsdam Normal School and had a long career as a teacher before retiring and becoming a farmer on the homestead. Nelson E. died in 1951 at the age of 87. Alex is the son of Robert H. O. Walts, Rochester, who is the son of the late Robert C. Walts. Alex said that his ancestral home has withstood time rather well. Hemlock, especially old-growth hemlock, is known for its strength, stability and resistance to decay. "It has stayed in its form all these years," Alex said. "Of course, generations here and there have added an addition to the back porch or the front, but the core of the original house is still standing. It has stayed in the family since it was built." Alex recalled visiting the house with his father, especially after his grandfather moved out of it. "We would always come up to work on the house and maintain it to make sure it wasn't going to fall down. Nobody was living there, but we were out at least once a month to check on the place for any issues." The red maple, Alex said, was a constant source of questions for his father and grandfather from people who were impressed by it. "The tree has seen a lot in its time and has survived multiple ice storms, lightning strikes, etcetera." He added, "It's one of those things where the tree is as much part of the history of the property as is the house or anything else there." That includes the Walts family legacy — still growing, still steady, and establishing new roots, on common ground. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
6 communication tips to help fix a mental load imbalance in a relationship
Ask for ownership, not 'help.' Kid's doctor appointment? Booked. Their shoe size? Memorized. School supplies? Added to cart. These small tasks tell a bigger story about the constant, quiet work of raising kids that happens behind the scenes. And for many families, the mental load of anticipating and planning what everyone needs often falls on the mom's shoulders. In the 11th episode of their podcast, After Bedtime With Big Little Feelings, Big Little Feelings founders Deena Margolin, a child therapist specializing in interpersonal neurobiology, and Kristin Gallant, a parenting coach with a background in maternal and child education, discuss the parts of motherhood that feel isolating and chaotic, how to let go of perfection and actually give yourself a break. In this edition of Yahoo's "" column, Margolin talks about the many unseen and unrecognized tasks that moms typically take on, which can create both resentment and burnout. Margolin also shares six simple ways to communicate the mental load you're carrying with your partner so you can team up and help turn things around, as well as the advice she'd give to moms who are trying to do it all. Ever feel like your brain has 52 tabs open and you're juggling back and forth between all of them? That's the mental load of moms: the constant, invisible work of planning, managing and worrying about a family's needs, and it's often done without recognition — or relief. As Cameron Rogers, founder and host of the 'Conversations with Cam' podcast, puts it: 'You still are never not thinking about it all.' So what does the mental load of moms look like? Here are some examples: Planning and remembering: Staying on top of birthdays for family, friends and classmates; scheduling doctor appointments; planning meals and grocery lists; organizing school calendars; sizing up in shoes and clothes when kids have outgrown them; and tracking kids' social-emotional needs are all examples of the running lists, and evolving information that may be swirling inside a mom brain. Anticipating and problem-solving: This can mean everything from anticipating your kid's heading for a meltdown and doing what you can to mitigate it to adjusting the day's plans when your kid wakes up sick. It's prepping backup clothes, snacks or activities for your children and packing (and unpacking) for family trips. Household management: It's restocking the toothpaste, toilet paper and snacks; dealing with laundry needs and changing the bedding; cleaning and maintaining the home; and paying bills and budgeting. Childcare and emotional labor: This includes managing bedtime routines and middle-of-the-night sleep struggles; being your child's 'emotional thermostat' and helping them regulate themselves; teaching values, coping skills and boundaries; and tracking friendship dynamics, class changes and anxiety triggers. Work and school overlap: A tricky part of parenting is managing work deadlines while coordinating child care pickups and drop-offs; keeping track of school projects; communicating with teachers and volunteering at your kid's school — all while balancing career growth and family needs, often at your own expense. Self-silencing and invisible logistics: It's silently absorbing the 'default parent' role; downplaying your own burnout to avoid rocking the boat; and saying to yourself, 'If I don't do it, it won't get done.' 6 ways to communicate about the mental load with your partner Feeling stretched thin? It's time to have a chat with your partner. Try these practical tips to shift the balance and avoid burnout: Pick the right moment. Not mid-meltdown or middle of bedtime chaos. A calm, neutral time when you're both regulated, such as during a walk or a car ride or schedule time for after kids are asleep. Use 'I' statements, not blame. The goal is connection and teamwork, not defensiveness. Try things like, 'I feel overwhelmed because I'm tracking so much behind the scenes.' And, 'I need us to be a team here, and right now, I'm carrying more than I can handle. Let's work together to figure out a system that works for both of us.' Explain what the mental load is. They may not know! 'It's not just the tasks I do — it's the invisible work of thinking about them, planning, remembering, anticipating, worrying and following through start to finish.' And: 'Even when I'm off the clock, my mind isn't.' Give concrete examples. Here are some ideas: 'When school emails come in, I'm the one who reads them, adds events to the calendar, figures out who's bringing what to the party.' Or 'I don't just make the dinner — I also track groceries, plan meals and remember what the kids will actually eat while balancing new exposure foods.' Ask for full ownership, not 'help.' Because 'help' implies it's your job by default. 'I'd like you to fully take over X — from start to finish. That includes noticing when it needs to happen, making a plan and following through.' Revisit and recalibrate often. It's not a one-and-done conversation. Schedule a monthly 'house meeting' to check in on what's working and what's not. This isn't about perfection — it's about equity and teamwork. The biggest help for me was handing over certain tasks to my husband that he deals with from start to finish, which means I have to be comfortable with things not being done exactly how I'd do them! My house also looks like kids live in it — I've let go of evening tidying and instead I find some time to clean up with my kids — it's something we do together. But overall, my house looks very lived in and not perfect, which I totally understand gives certain people anxiety. I also keep in mind that some balls are glass and some are plastic — meaning, choose what you're OK to drop in this chapter of life, knowing it will change as your kids grow and your family needs change too. 10 things I'd say to moms to help lighten the load If I could hand a cheat sheet to moms on how to manage the mental load, here's what would be on it: You can't carry it all — don't try. Write down your tasks. All of them. (Out of your head = less overwhelm.) Delegate the whole task — not just pieces of it. Ask for ownership, not 'help.' Let go of perfection. Done is enough. Use systems such as calendars, routines and shared lists. You don't have to earn rest. Take it. Resentment is a red flag — listen to it. Mental load is real, and it's valid. You deserve a partner, not another dependent. Solve the daily Crossword
Buzz Feed
02-08-2025
- Buzz Feed
19 Bad Gifts People Received That Scream 'You Don't Know Me'
Recently, u/webmasterleo asked r/AskReddit, "What's a gift you've received that made you think, 'They don't know me at all'?" We thought we'd share some of the top responses. "My mother used to gift me jars of Nutella every time I went to visit. I'm deathly allergic to tree nuts. She is aware of this." "My stepmother had very specific taste and didn't value the thought put into little gifts from work clients, neighbours, and well meaning friends." "A self-help book titled How to Be Less Awkward in Social Situations… It was given to me at my own birthday party." "When I was a teenage girl, my grandma gave me size 24 men's camo cargo shorts and faux seal fur mittens." "My grandma's best friend, my very sweet aunt Sally, bought and mailed me a book of Middle Eastern love poetry as a random 'just thought of you' type present, not for my bday or Christmas or anything. The book is in print... I'm completely blind... I regifted it to my Nana last Christmas and she loves it." "Wine at my bridal shower. I was four years sober at the time." "My high school boyfriend (back in the '90s) bought me an outfit from a store he knew I liked. At the time I was about a size 6/8. He bought me size 16 (not that there is anything wrong with that, that outfit would actually fit me now). I exchanged it and we never discussed it. I don't know if he was clueless about sizes, just didn't care, or looked at me and told the sales lady, 'give me the biggest shorts you've got'." "My grandmother gave me a bible one year for my birthday." "Sorry if you are reading this, honey. My husband got me a vacuum on Mother's Day. I don't care that it was on sale and the sales lady made it sound like it was a good idea." "A rolling pin! Like, WTF college boyfriend that eventually became my husband?!" "My boyfriend in high school got me lingerie for Christmas. The top was like a 36C. I was 5'1' and maybe 104 pounds. I didn't even need to wear a bra, my boobs were so small." "My aunt gave me a closet organiser for Xmas when I was 11 or 12. Satin with little pocket things all over. And beautifully embroidered with 'Annemarie' – that's not my name, or anyone in our entire extended family's name. Same year my brother got a single Mars Bar gift wrapped from her. He got the better gift." "My sister-in-law once gave me a nice pen, with her initials engraved on it." "Little dissolving tablets to flavour alcoholic beverages. I don't drink." "Two separate birthdays: 1) A gift card for a steak house (I'm vegetarian), 2) Set of XXL pyjamas (I'm a small)." "My ex gave me an ironing board for my birthday – note that I said 'ex'." "An aunt gave my daughter an NFL team blanket when she was eight. She didn't watch football or even know any teams and this team was 1,500 miles away! Oddest gift ever." "My mother got me an electric leg razor for my 15th birthday. I wanted a jacket from the local professional baseball team, but she decided that was too manly, and I needed a 'girl' gift." "For the last three years my mom has given me these inflatable rafts, like the kind you float down a river in or pull behind a boat on the lake. I don't live near a river and I don't own a boat." H/T to u/webmasterleo and r/AskReddit for having the discussion! Any of your own to add? Let us know in the comments below!
