75 Comments

McKibben is proposing an end run, or a Hail Mary pass, and I think it’s bold as well as strategic. Business as usual hasn’t worked for us as Putin’s continuous aggressions push us and the free world into a nuclear corner. If the Biden administration and Congress could exhibit the courage,bravery, and leadership we see in the Ukrainians, step out of the box, do a 180, and swiftly execute an energy takeover, we might have a future without fear and despair always at our doorstep. These past 11 days have been horrifying- everyone feels it. I think whatever the economic sacrifices would be, we need to step up and fast. You’ve done a fantastic job covering this crisis Ari, keep the faith!!

Expand full comment

The short term solutions are so complex. It is easy for some to say we are willing to pay higher prices at the pump if in the long run we are supporting Ukraine. But that may not be an option for some, especially those even more reliant on Russian oil in Europe. Not to mention how this may set off unstable Putin.

I loved your interview with McKibben. We need more of him in this world!! Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is really the way to address the bigger issues long term (doesn’t answer the short term hell we are in now). I do think the world is moving in the right direction, but we have a long way to go. I can remember 10 years ago, my yoga teacher was reading articles about green energy from the WSJ in class, and people walked out. Today, many of them are driving Teslas. There continues to be such resistance to even contemplating green energy, especially in our big car, big oil country, but slowly slowly, people are waking up.

Great reporting on Ukraine all last week and tonight, Ari. Thank you!

Expand full comment

Hi Ari and thanks for today’s newsletter on an important issue that is linked to this horrible war in Ukraine.

Banning oil from Russia seems like a double edged sword (damn if you do, damn if you don’t)…well mostly for Germany. But harsher sanctions are needed to stop Putin and his atrocities against the Ukrainians…sanction that will hit Putin the most.

It would have been nice if we don’t rely on oil so much. We definitely need to move onto renewable energy so that the United States don’t have deal with Saudi Arabia or the Koch brothers. #StandWithUkraine

Expand full comment

I saw that McKibben interview; I didn't realize we were at a point where shifting to renewable energy was more feasible. I'm all for finding whatever will be the most effective deterrent to Putin. If it helps the enviroment, even better.

Expand full comment

Right, a possible "two-fer" (in the long run)

Expand full comment

Of course we should ban all oil from Russia but it will only mean something if Europe and all other countries do it also. I understand President Biden is working with Venezuela do work with their oil reserves so obviously he is wisely prepping for the upcoming ban. We need to keep a list and available videos of those - like Manchin- calling for a ban when many of them will be crying when the prices go up. Saudi Arabia needs us a great deal more than we do them. We need to halt all weaponry sales to them until they decide to work with us. Good interview Ari.

Expand full comment

The US gets about 3% of its oil from Russia. We could all immediately curtail our own personal use of gas by 3%, support the Ukranians, and clear the air all at the same time.

Expand full comment

Ban Russian Oil, l agree the more you hit them where it hurts the better, Puntin does not care for his own people nor the rest of the world! We need to stop funding these people!

Expand full comment

Ari, like you, if not now—when? It’s easy to be philosophical, if you’re not the ones ducking and dodging missles, walking and toiling 12-15-24 hours with kids and elderly parents; sons, husbands and granddads left to fight a tyrannical psychopath, never to return to the life they’re leaving behind or perhaps to encounter the paths of persons left behind. Supposedly, Gen. Sherman said, “War is Hell!” For sure, the world cannot continue to let one dictator encroach, murder and destroy countries, at a whim. Putin has threatened nuclear attacks and oil restraints far too many years, for us to find ourselves at this same immobilizing, hostage door. I’m for none use of Russian oil. Somebody will be injured financially, no matter the decision. Meanwhile, Ukrainians are paying the highest costs, with their lives. So, if not now—WHEN?!

Expand full comment

What a reasonable thesis Ari but how does it fit for people who want instant gratification or instant results? I personally love the idea of efforts to preserve the world for generations yet to come but I believe many do not nor do they value peace I will be so happy if Biden and Zelensky get recorded in history as a transformative presidents who shifted the world. I will keep my fingers crossed

Expand full comment

Yes the timing is a major factor

Expand full comment

Stop funding the enemy!

Expand full comment

Ari, thanks for your great efforts. I have been involved in spreading the word regarding the need for renewable energy sources since the 1970's when people were saying solar and wind were impracticable. But time is running out for pulling back on our dependence on oil and gas. And now with the terror launched by Putin against Ukraine it is critical that we ban the purchase of Russia's oil. Today, I shut off my oil service and contributed to several agencies. But this is nothing compared to what is necessary. We must stop this madness by any means. Today is the day of the Russian Revolution when the people ended the reign of the czar, ironically a more compassionate and compromising person than Putin. We must all do whatever we can do to save Ukraine. I am 74 years old, but I would like to go to Ukraine to fight. Those who stormed the Capitol with their cries for freedom in a country where they can vote and protest should stop driving and go to Ukraine to fight in a real cause for freedom.

Expand full comment

Excellent reporting. I'm starting to believe nothing will break through the decades of denying global climate change by the GQP. It's impossible to save your ass and your face at the same time.

Expand full comment

Ari, watching "The Beat" earlier today took me back to the '70's, 26 yrs after the end of WW II.. when travelling by steam train down to London, to visit our nanny! What was left of that once great city now a skeleton, flashing by our window! As the train grew closer to our destination it only got worse....I remember my twin & I, walking down the hill to nanny's house! What a shock I got looking @ her street/mostly bombed-out houses, with brick-walls only held-up with huge, blackened, beams to prevent them toppling down on anyone passing by....US!

This was brought on by your great, distinct, journalism & I was so taken back to my (own such memories), just watching that 11 year old boy travelling w/ only a 'phone # on the back of his hand too get him safely to his only relatives....THIS WAS WAR AT IT'S WORSE; brought upon innocent children/adults by another DICTATOR named A. HITLER!

Vlad. Putin is repeating history....let's hope (HE) ends up like Hitler did!

Expand full comment

Hopefully, sooner!

Expand full comment

First I'd like to say thanks for all the coverage on this madness. That footage of the women and her two kids being killed was heart wrenching. I can't imagine what all those people are going through. Scary as hell. Kudos for all that are helping, feeding & taking all of them in. Can't we do something to Putin - Like fire tons of smoke bombs on him and tell him their full of Covid-19.

Maybe take a few dozen tanks and drive up to his house.... but then again that might scare him enough to nuke us. But I do think they need to start reporting the truth of whats going on over loudspeaker in Russia..

Expand full comment

Sue, I'm reading your latter paragraph & thinking, "if-only-this-were-possible"!

Expand full comment

I saw your interview with McKibben on The Beat. Excellent! Please keep focusing on this! The US maintains its focus on fossil fuels.

Expand full comment

Thanks Sandy 🌍

Expand full comment

Saw the New York Times picture of the Ukrainian family of four killed while running to safety. It is heartbreaking.. This family and so many others are dead because of one dictator wanting more power. At this point something needs to be done to stop this atrocity. 🙏 #StandWithUkraine

Expand full comment

Hi V, it is heart wrenching. Can’t watch too much of it, makes me helpless and angry. I just don’t get some mindsets; how we permit ONE idiot to maim and destroy. Even here, in the prior administration. Instead of corralling the one idiot, others desired to be like him. Perhaps, instead of looking outward, maybe I should look inward. Something must be wrong with me.😳😂

Expand full comment

Hi Diva, I feel exactly the same as you. I'm not watching too much of the coverage. I find myself getting angry and frustrated. Not only at what is happening in Ukraine, but our own American politicians taking advantage of the situation to further their political agenda. They are evil and have no souls. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's getting harder every day.😳🙏 (Good night!!!)

Expand full comment

😂I hear you. For many of them, nothing is sacred-but they’re all religious (wink-wink). Everything is political. Nauseating!

Expand full comment

V... ditto that comment :)

Expand full comment

Hello, diva.....I very much doubt that there's (ANYTHING) wrong w/u :)

Expand full comment

Hi Bernie. Happy touching bases. Wondered where you were…Yes, all of this is ferocious. Read about your post-war experiences. A sad sight to see-can’t even imagine. Great reconnecting. Be well!

Expand full comment

Diva, I apparently had (two) T.I.A's on consecutive days... have been home from hospital a while! I'm just HAPPY to be able to convey this too you; after what seemed (my OWN) kind of war!!!! I'll be around, o.k?

Expand full comment

V....I believe those who watched that specific scene, have your same thoughts! "Bernie"

Expand full comment

Hi Bernie, its one picture I will never forget. It brought me to tears, then it made me angry.

Expand full comment

PRECISELY, who wouldn't :)

Expand full comment