Moments Before Midnight

Scientists, from mycologists to anthropologists to climatologists, have concluded that human behavior is negatively impacting global climate. However, they are still debating whether the sixth extinction is about to begin or is already underway.

The previous five mass extinctions were all caused by cataclysmic shifts in climate, brought on by volcanism, asteroid impacts, or other natural causes. This time, the speed of the extinction is increasing rapidly without any particular event other than human activity. For example, studies agree that we will all see the extinction of the noble elephant, not in decades but in years, entirely due to human activity.

Scientists have sketched various scenarios about how the world will look after we have eliminated not only most of Earth’s flora and fauna but also humans. Needless to say, none of these would be healthy environments for the survivors.

The planet’s ecosystem isn’t the only climate that is changing. In the past few decades we have seen a shift in the political climate, as well. If leaders dismiss the severe ramifications of their insular positions, or don’t understand the importance of how we are negatively affecting the planetary ecosystem, then we will slide further into an abyss too deep to extract ourselves. As intelligent creatures, we have to take action now to change our routines and policies, our addiction to oil and coal and resolutely commit to help not only our species to survive but the rest of the inhabitants of Earth, as well.

To that end, the twenty-six poets in this volume describe their feelings about what is happening in the country and the world. As we observe the increasing hatred, intolerance, xenophobia, paranoia and fear, we know it’s a time to speak out. We have to stand up for underrepresented people, dwindling animal and plant diversity, clean water and air and the continuing message of oneness.

It’s only moments before midnight on the doomsday clock and time is running out…