What hell feels like

[Richard Kerver]

First Thing: Record-shattering heatwave bakes western US amid mega-drought

Good morning.  I write from my oasis of coolth and delight in Clinton.  Up above South Meadow Pond, a quarter mile from Wachusett Reservoir, in an area permanently protected as forest and watershed, atop the glacial hillside.  I have lived in Worcester since 1994 and still do on occasion and like most big cities, they've become a heat island, with all the black asphalt and large buildings.  What I've noticed is, coming here to Tataessetaki Bluespace, a temperature difference of at least 20 degrees.  Worcester - hot, Here - cool.  Its the special magic of living under a forest canopy near a large body of water.  The wind gets funneled up through the bowl to my bluestone porch, strategically placed on the precipice of the bowl.  Any heat in it has been sucked out by evaporation over the reservoir, over the ponds, up through the forest sitting in the bowl.  Its a special grace of nature here.  The birds and wildlife are happy, singing.  During the morning cacophony, I sing back. 

Then there's California and Texas:

This week, 40 million Americans from California to Montana experienced temperatures of 100F (38C) or hotter, while 50 million were under excessive heat warnings and heat advisories, reports Katharine Gammon.

More than 55% of the west is enduring “extreme” or “exceptional” drought conditions. 

• 
  Researchers say the heatwave is being fuelled by climate breakdown and it is expected to worsen in the future.

• A mega-drought is drying up rivers, threatening salmon stocks and reservoir levels. America’s largest reservoir, Lake Mead, on Wednesday registered its lowest level since it was filled in the 1930s.

• ‘This is really, really bad’: Maanvi Singh speaks to climate researchers about the crisis.

• Nasa says the Earth is trapping an “unprecedented” amount of heat, as a study has found that “energy imbalance approximately doubled” between 2005 and 2019.
  

I have to imagine what hell feels like, as I'm one of the lucky ones.  My sorrow goes out to all those 40 million.  I've only been screaming about the climate/energy dilemma for thirty years.  It feels good to scream.  Then I return to my oasis and sing, restore my heart & feeling, get happy.  I do not feel guilt, as I've done everything imaginable to aver this catastrophe, and more.  I pray the devil does not set his/her eyes on New England.  Be well.

[Richard Kerver]

Tim, thanks for the note.  FYI, I'm currently living in an 80 sq ft tent contraption made to withstand a New England winter (which it did).  My philosophy of life suggests giving ample space to all the native inhabitants whose home I have invaded, and then give my self just enough cover from the weather.  In my 80 sq ft I have everything to remain comfortable.  A tiny electric space heater is all it takes to stay warm.  The 500 sq ft bluestone porch I consider "outdoor space", a concept that Christopher Alexander emphasised in his books, including "A Pattern Language".  My ceiling is a tree canopy.  Walls are a forest.  

I'd be happy to help you build a small house on wheels here if that appeals to you.  All the tools & knowhow you'd need.  Wheels for when you find your dream location.  FYI, while RV's are disallowed in most towns & cities for "living", a small house on wheels is something quite different.  

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Hagopian, Timothy" <thag...@worcester.edu>
To: worcester-cl...@googlegroups.com 

Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:14:02 -0400
Subject: Re: [EXT] [Worcester Climate Action] What hell feels like

Excellent...thanks for that well written email. Let's hope your words inspire many to live with less, use less energy, & teach others to do the same. That, and population control, seem to be critical issues to act on immediately. 

My main contribution is living at 45 to 55 deg F inside temps during the winter months here in Worcester. One grows used to it with proper clothing (and electric heat pads for the feet). On a bright winter day, the windows let in enough sun to bring it to 62 during the day...a real treat. Taking a long walk in the cold will heat you up too so more motivation to exercise. My 15 pv panels on my roof get me to net zero on electricity and that is with an extra freezer, some use of a heat pump (for heat and a/c), but with no use of a dryer (clothes dry fine when hung) and minimal use of a washer. 

My next goal is to have a small house built to passivhous standards...and check into geothermal heat pumps for heating it and an orangery. 

On another note, I have a new solar attic fan still in its box which I do not need...made in USA...for sale. 
thag...@worcester.edu

[Richard Kerver]

I like the style of Earthships, its passive solar sunk in the ground, all DIY with like-minded folks, maker-style.  The design works well to moderate temperatures.  As any builder knows, 3-4 feet below ground and the temperature is relatively constant.  Here in New England around 50-55 degrees.  In the deserts of Arizona, around 70-80 degrees.  Varies by region.  

The home I designed and am building will be half in the ground, tucked into the north side of the knoll, with the bowl to the south.  It faces into the ravine carved by millenia of rain & runoff.  Northside entrance faces the south facing pollinator garden I've nurtured over the past several years.  50+ native flowering plants - perennial, biennial and annuals, which I add to a bit more every year.  

Topside of the custom home will be a timber-frame with custom fireplace.  In the Timeless Way of Building, near forested lands, it is customary to heat a home with fire.  Perfected by the Finnish, its heat-sink mass with a quick/hot burn, so the stone & masonry absorb the heat and let it off over 24 hours.  My site is not suited for passive solar unless I cut the trees and I'm not going to do that.  Near the state forests, I have access to an unlimited amount of wood.  Still solar, albeit stored in the tissue & fiber of trees.  Ash goes into the pollinator garden.  

I'm still looking for partners to finish the house and take up residence here, if any one's interested or knows someone who is.  All services are in - driveway, well, septic system, electricity, internet.  I'm perfectly comfortable living as I do, but the house design is small by most standards and grants ~400 sq ft per person with shared kitchen.  Come visit & I'll share the plan set.  See if it suits.  Here is the photo album of the Zen Tea House now under construction:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/KUZ8Vpt4gCAqKvqC7

On Fri, Jun 18, 2021 at 4:03 PM Flibbert, Mary <mfli...@worcester.edu> wrote:

Hey Tim,

This is my dream home.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5voBFW1fQPs

Mary Flibbert

History, Political Science and Philosophy

508 929-8162 or 8406

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

“Either America will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States.” –W.E.B. Dubois

INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE

TO MAKE A CHANGE,

YOU FIRST NEED TO BE INFORMED

The greatest threat to our planet 

is the belief that someone else will save it

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