I just came across a very good video summarizing the state of climate science. I doubt it will be convincing to committed skeptics or to the funders of the energy ads.

It is a mystery to me, really it is, why so many people are willing to gamble with the future, when we don’t have to.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

What will metro Atlanta be like in 50 years? What are the key issues, trends and opportunities to consider in helping to make our region thrive in the future?

In 2008, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) launched an ambitious initiative, called “Fifty Forward: A Metro Atlanta Futures Forum,” to explore scenarios for metro Atlanta focusing on our region’s future livability, prosperity and sustainability. The initiative was introduced at ARC’s 2008 State of the Region breakfast, where keynote speaker and Seattle futurist, Glen Hiemstra, challenged some 1,000 attendees to determine their preferred future and build short and long-term action steps to reach for their highest goals.

“Fifty Forward is a two-year visioning and planning effort that will convene forums around critical topics to shed light on what’s coming down the pike,” says Sam Olens, former ARC Chairman. “We want our region to be well-positioned for global success, as we travel through the 21st century. We’ve thrived on bold decisions made by our past leaders, and now we want to do our part for the next generation of metro Atlantans.”

Thus far the project has convened forums on seven different issues of importance to the long range future. Check them out here.

earthquake devastation in Haiti is foremost on our minds. Here is a recommended way to help, via Doctors without Borders. The need for medical help is most urgent.

Go to this link to help. Anyone, wherever you are from, can help. (Click through to blog for the link.)

Update – we also like the Hunger Site as an avenue for giving.

And thank you.

When I spoke, I told a few stories about one of my daughters, now in her late twenties. As I watched the video of the emerging leaders in the Tacoma Pierce County business environment, I was struck once again by the determination, energy and vision of this generation. They are a clear-eyed bunch: aware of the challenges we all face, and committed to shaping a vision for their community. It would seem the destiny of the South Puget Sound is in good hands.

I suspect your community is similarly graced with bright and enterprising business men and women.

The well-produced and engaging video is here.

Next Generation Extended Cut from Scott Gribble on Vimeo.

Slowing rainforest depletion is imperative. As the project website states: “If we lose the battle against tropical deforestation, we lose the battle against climate change.”

Futurist.com has joined the business community in partnering with the Prince’s Rainforest Project. On their Partners Page you’ll find the impressive list of organizations, including 3M, CocaCola, Dell, Google, and (fittingly) Amazon.com.uk, who have put their support behind the initiative.

Today, as the campaign is officially launched, we’re joining with them and others in helping send “the biggest SOS to the world.” And if that puts you in mind of a certain “message in a bottle,” you’d be correct.

To join and add your voice (with or without a frog…), sign up here.

As I write, I am watching on the TV (C-Span) Buzz Aldrin as he speaks (recorded) to the anniversary event last night at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum about our future in space. Preceding him was Kris Kraft, who was also a key leader in Apollo. They both go out of their way to recognize the thousands of people who worked in the design studios and the manufacturing floors to accomplish the mission.

Here is a story that Ed used to tell. As they worked on Apollo at Rockwell he instituted a closed-circuit TV program within the company. Each week or each day Ed would go personally to interview someone working on the project – say a person placing screws into the module. Ed would explain how this small act was critical to getting to the moon – instilling in each person a sense of personal mission. He always felt that was one of the most important things he did as director.

Aldrin in his speech just now pointed out that it was 66 years from the Wright brothers first flight to the landing on the moon. From July 20, 1969 if we add another 66 years it will be 2035, and Aldrin advocates missions to asteroids and to Mars by then. Third up is Michael Collins, Command Module pilot. He is also advocating Mars, and points out that when they went to the moon the Earth population was only 3 billion, compared to over 6 billion now, and he calls for better treatment of the planet as he also advocates for space.

When Armstrong and Aldrin landed that day in 1969, I was life guarding at Rooster Rock state park on the Columbia River. I made sure the radio broadcast was sent over the public address system, and we all listened on the beach as Eagle landed. Later I watched the replay with Walter Cronkite. It was a special day.