Global Warming, Endless Growth, and the Extraordinary Power of the Powers of 2

Potluck and Discussion

One of our friends, a physician and scientist, pre-viewed this Meetup's presentation and had this to say:

"That Al Bartlett video is one of the most eye-opening, stunning pieces I’ve ever seen…"

She's not the only one - come see what the fuss is about for a stimulating, eye-opening and enjoyable evening. Watch with fascination as the number 2 loses its innocence before your very eyes!

Al Bartlett (1923-2013) was a physics professor at the University of Colorado who spent the last few decades of his life educating on the insidious magic that takes place when anything doubles over time, i.e., 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 . . . "The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function."

This may sound formal and geeky, but we'll watch a video where Bartlett turns the subject into a funny, clear, insightful and wide-ranging discussion of many of the problems we face in today's global civilization.

When we apply this perspective to climate change, our understanding of climate deepens, especially with respect to positive feedback loops - which are accelerating, exponential phenomena - and their consequences. Adam Sacks, Executive Director of Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, will lead us in a discussion of the implications of the exponential function for addressing climate and related phenomena.

Potluck starts at 6, presentation at 7.

We're a small non-profit so a $10 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away based on ability to pay.

Helen Snively's house is about halfway between Central Square and Inman Square. Take the MBTA red line to Central Square, exit the station walking down Massachusetts Avenue in the direction of Harvard Square (away from Boston). Walk five blocks and make a right on Lee Street, then walk two blocks past Harvard Street and Broadway. Cross Broadway onto Fayette Street (which will be in front of you), walk down Fayette and make your first left onto Fayette Park (a private way). Helen's house is at One Fayette Park, immediately past the first driveway on the right. It's a green 4-family. Come up on the first porch and look for a no. 1 on the door. If you have questions please post to this Meetup, or call Helen at 617 547-1326.