Breaking Down: Collapse

2025 was marked with epic losses in the UK and worldwide - from dramatic numbers in certain species, to declared extinctions of others. Don't worry though, Donald Trump ensured it was a good year... for white collar criminals.

I reflect on the changes in weather since I was a kid, and the potential effects it has on the Western US. I read from a blog detailing some of the complaints of the lower basin states, and a quick update on the drought situation in Iran. Experts shed light on concerning phenomenon impacting half of US: 'Lowest level'January 1, 2026 – Coyote Gulch

This week in Fascism #11Homan: “President Trump doesn’t have a limitation on his authority to make this country safe. There’s no limitation.” This is exactly how authoritarian regimes justify abuses of power. : r/lawTrump says election should be canceled and warns there will be 'constitutional movement' - The Mirror USWithdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States – The White HousePentagon to cut Sen. Mark Kelly retirement pay over video: HegsethNervous Trump panics about impeachment if Republicans lose midterms - The Mirror USDepartment of Justice Violates Epstein Files Law By Failing to Inform Congress of Reasons Behind Redactions - MeidasTouch NewsJessica Plichta, a 22-year-old anti-war protester, was arrested live on camera in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 3, 2026. She was speaking to a local news outlet about her opposition to U.S. military action related to Venezuela when police detained her while the broadcast was still ongoing. : r/lawAnother angle of ICE shooting woman in MN (1/7/2025) : r/lawHere ICE are telling everyone was ran over and recovering in hospital… : r/lawRo Khanna, one of the first Democrats in Congress to do so, says "That ICE agent needs to be arrested. He needs to be prosecuted. He needs to be put on trial". : r/lawJacob Frey: "To ICE, get the f--- out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you're doing exactly the opposite." : r/lawUS discussing options to acquire Greenland including using military - White HouseCubans 'scared and nervous' after U.S. attack on Venezuela | Financial Post

Climate "optimism" hasn't worked. We're nowhere near net 0 targets, emissions are growing, and we're barreling towards a world above 2 and 3 degree Celsius. Optimism isn't hoping for the best - it's working towards the best for what's in our control. What is "ours to do"?Was 2025 the year that business retreated from net zero? | Energy industry | The GuardianRecord fossil fuel emissions in 2025 despite renewables buildout, report says : r/collapseThe end of 2025 must be the end of the inane rule of climate ‘optimism’ - resilience

The final installment of the look-back on the first 8 episodes. It's been fun for me to go back through them, and I hope it was insightful for you as well. Back to normal episodes tomorrow!

I take a minute to rant about one way in which my views of collapse have changed over time, and then a quick discussion on episode 7.

A couple of quick thoughts on the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela.

What has changed in the world of our financial system since 2020? I dig in and reflect on that episode here.

Today we get back to looking at the first 8 episodes, specifically episode 5 and my thoughts on Catabolic Collapse, 5 years later.