[Coral-List] Something to celebrate

[Bruno, John]

Dear friends and colleagues,

The US Senate recently passed what will be by far the most far-reaching and impactful climate change legislation in US history. Independent models indicate the measures will reduce emissions in the US to ~40% of 2005 levels by 2030 (https://rhg.com/research/inflation-reduction-act/). I am thrilled by this massive win for coral reefs, the planet, and humanity. And I wanted to congratulate and thank our community for all of our efforts over the years in explaining to the public and policy makers why carbon emissions are such a critically important issue. Starting with Peter Glynn, Tom Goreau, Barbara Brown, and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, thousands of us have been inspired to help make this happen in countless ways - including through our science, outreach, and advocacy.

I know the bill isn't perfect and that there's a lot more to do on carbon emissions and there are certainly other problems to address. We as a community have been very critical of our inability to speak with one voice and advance the policies we think are important. I believe that's been healthy and simply reflects how much we care (and the dread we all feel watching what we love decay before our eyes). But let's take a short break from our worry, negativity, and infighting to celebrate a massive achievement that we played a small part in. Well done people! Let's have a toast, take a victory lap, then get back to it.

Cheers,

John

John Francis Bruno
Professor, Dept of Biology
UNC Chapel Hill
www.johnfbruno.com<http://www.johnfbruno.com>