Atmos

07/11/2023

The wars of nature and of nations share surprising toxic roots.⁠
⁠
Over evolutionary time, human beings have utilized poisons from other species—to our benefit and our detriment. The complex chemicals produced by plants are woven into human history, from global conflict to modern medicine. ⁠
⁠
Co-opting poison isn’t uniquely human or modern; species ranging from monarchs to chimps do it too. But our distinctly human abilities enable us to use and abuse toxins in ways that extend far beyond what any other animal could do. Our capacity to innovate, manufacture, and pursue abundance at all costs separates us from the pack and may ultimately be our Achilles' heel. ⁠
⁠
For Atmos, Noah Whiteman, author of “Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature’s Toxins,” breaks down a few lessons learnt from his latest book. Click below to read the full story.

Evolutionary biologist Noah Whiteman writes about poison: how the wars of nature and the wars of nations share surprising toxic roots.

07/11/2023

The world is still taking shape.

Our planet as we know it has been etched across eons. Its tectonic plates have shifted and collided over the course of hundreds of millions of years, forming and reforming in new contours and combinations.

In this week’s edition of The Overview, Willow Defebaugh reflects on finding wholeness amidst fracture.

For billions of years, our planet's crust has fractured and reformed. What can the Earth teach us about creating wholeness amidst fragmentation?

07/11/2023

Can spellcasting spark climate action?

On the night before ’s ship Fennica was set to head north into the Arctic to find new oil sources, Justine Norton-Kertson along with 20 other witches gathered on the shores of the Willamette River to cast a spell: “Spirits of the West, aid our plea, guard these waters, let them be. In unity and might, we join and fight, Fennica, in port, your mission abort…”

The next day, Norton-Kertson headed down to the port in a final attempt to stop the oil expedition. What they found confirmed what they knew to be true—magic works in mysterious ways.

For Atmos, the self-proclaimed eco-witch shares how communal spellcasting and spirituality can spark climate action. Read the full story below.

An eco-witch shares how communal spellcasting, spirituality, and witchcraft can spark momentum in the fight against climate change.

07/11/2023

Unlike the colonial perspective, Indigenous cultures accept the spiritual realm as part of our reality, writes Atmos columnist Ruth H. Burns. Her ancestors have long known that objects can be so much more than they appear.

Unlike the colonial perspective, Indigenous cultures accept the spiritual realm as part of our reality, writes Atmos columnist Ruth H. Burns.

02/11/2023

The environment can be a place to heal.

Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, the first Palestinian executive director of the Arava Institute, an Israel-based academic institute focused on transboundary climate solutions, explains how environmental cooperation can help with regional stability, especially in crisis times.

Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, the first Palestinian executive director of the Arava institute, an Israel-based academic institute focused on transboundary climate solutions, explains how environmental cooperation can help with regional stability, especially in crisis times.

01/11/2023

When hope feels lost, we turn to faith.

In this week’s edition of The Overview, Willow Defebaugh reflects on finding the light within.

01/11/2023

Can spellcasting spark climate action?

On the night before Shell's ship Fennica was set to head north into the Arctic to find new oil sources, Justine Norton-Kertson along with 20 other witches gathered on the shores of the Willamette River to cast a spell: “Spirits of the West, aid our plea, guard these waters, let them be. In unity and might, we join and fight, Fennica, in port, your mission abort…”

The next day, Norton-Kertson headed down to the port in a final attempt to stop the oil expedition. What they found confirmed what they knew to be true—magic works in mysterious ways.

For Atmos, the self-proclaimed eco-witch shares how communal spellcasting and spirituality can spark climate action. Read the full story below.

An eco-witch shares how communal spellcasting, spirituality, and witchcraft can spark momentum in the fight against climate change.

13/09/2023

A society built on immoderation has proven to be toxic for both us and the planet. So what is the antidote? Willow Defebaugh explores the complexities of poison in the latest edition of The Overview

A society built on immoderation has proven to be toxic for both us and the planet. So what is the antidote?

13/09/2023

As climate change causes increased seismic activity, ancestral teachings about earthquakes continue to provide life-saving knowledge to modern day Indigenous folks, writes Ruth H. Burns.

13/09/2023

Guided by celestial bodies in the sky, dung beetles fertilize the land, nourishing their surroundings and engineering flourishing ecosystems. Read below about these truly remarkable creatures.

Guided by celestial bodies in the sky, dung beetles fertilize the land, nourishing their surroundings and engineering flourishing ecosystems.

13/09/2023

Oh, the lessons that can be learn from a compost heap. From accidental wasp stings to nurturing an ecosystem of ants, slugs, and worms, writer Romany Williams redefines composting as a pathway to greater environmental responsibility and spiritual growth.

Writer Romany Williams redefines composting as a pathway to greater environmental responsibility and spiritual growth.

13/09/2023

After years of defending sacred land, Margarito Díaz, a water defender and shaman representing the Wixárika Indigenous people in Mexico, was assassinated in his sleep. Protecting the planet should not cost lives. Read more below.

Exploring the assassination of one Pe**te Guardian, Margarito Díaz, who is also a water defender and shaman representing the Wixárika Indigenous people in Mexico.

13/09/2023

Geometric, self-similar patterns known as fractals can be found all throughout nature: in snowflakes, galaxies, and even our own DNA. How can we apply their wisdom to enacting change within ourselves and the world?

Geometric, self-similar patterns known as fractals can be found all throughout nature: in snowflakes, galaxies, and even our own DNA.

13/09/2023

Allegations that the UK was retracting the £11.6 billion it had promised to put towards tackling the climate crisis has made clear just how ineffective government pledges can be in reversing global heating.

Allegations that the UK was retracting the £11.6 billion it had promised to put towards tackling the climate crisis has made clear just how ineffective government pledges can be in reversing global warming.

12/09/2023

Many Black Americans are moving to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica for a life free from discrimination. But the steady influx of expats to the town is resulting in development and displacement, making Black expats’ search for sanctuary that much more complicated.

The influx of Black American expats to Puerto Viejo is resulting in development and displacement, complicating their search for paradise.

12/09/2023

A pipeline set to tear through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains has been given the governmental seal of approval, but protestors will not back down.

The fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline intensifies as Congress overreaches to thwart judicial action.

12/09/2023

At the war-torn remains of his property, a Ukrainian farmer spoke to Atmos about loss and perseverance in the wake of the Russian invasion.

At the war-torn remains of his property in Ukraine, a farmer spoke to Atmos about loss and perseverance in the wake of the Russian invasion.

12/09/2023

In a new photographic series, photographer Vivek Vadoliya and stylist James Lalthanzuala capture Delhi’s dancers and metalheads, dressed exclusively in secondhand and found objects, to reimagine discarded objects not as trash—but as treasure.

Head to the link below for more.
https://atmos.earth/a-glimpse-inside-delhi-punk-scene/

11/08/2023

The pursuit of extreme storms, like the weather industry, is a space dominated by white, straight, cis-men. But there’s much to learn from changing weather patterns in the fight for trans equality.

Storm chasing is a space dominated by white, straight, cis-men. But there’s much to learn from extreme storms in the fight for trans equality.

09/08/2023

For Virgilio and Malena Martinez, developing a menu at Central means tuning into nature, collaborating with Indigenous communities, and voyaging across Peru’s vertiginous altitudes.

At Central, the best restaurant in the world, Virgilio and Malena Martinez incorporate nature and Indigenous history into their menu.

08/08/2023

For our latest partnership with The Hayward Gallery, we asked some our contributors to respond to the prompt “Dear Earth”—the title of The Hayward's summer exhibition—through images or words. This is what they had to share.

Head to the link here to see more: https://atmos.earth/atmos-x-hayward-digital-exhibition/

08/08/2023

Do you believe in aliens? 👽🛸

Indigenous Peoples have long been aware of the otherworldly. The fact it's just making headlines is further "proof of Indigenous erasure," says Atmos columnist Ruth Burns.

Read more below.

Indigenous people have known of the existence of alien creatures for thousands of years, long before recent "UAP sightings".

08/08/2023

Overtourism, pollution, and climate change are killing the 200,000-year-old “lungs of the planet.” Manu San Felix is fighting to save them.

07/08/2023

The benefits of walking cannot be underestimated.

Scientific research has revealed the profound impact of walking in nature on our mental well-being. As we wander amidst the trees, breathe in the fresh air, and connect with the natural world, our minds find solace and tranquility. So next time you’re feeling stuck or need to clear your mind, consider getting outside and moving.

Click the link to read more: https://atmos.earth/benefits-of-walking-and-thinking/

07/08/2023

The anthropological concept known as participation mystique invites us to be one with our environment. What better way to practice it than with a walk through the woods?

Participation mystique invites us to be one with our environment. What better way to practice it than with a walk through the woods?

07/08/2023

In Gareth McConnell’s newly released book, The Horses, the photographer offers up a collection of cosmic photographs that offer an intimate glimpse into the enigmatic world of these majestic creatures.

Read more: https://atmos.earth/a-mythical-anthology-of-horses/

07/08/2023

Researchers have discovered a 40-million-year-old whale species—one that could beat blue whales as the heaviest animal of all time.

In a new study, researchers discovered a 40-million-year-old whale species—one that could oust blue whales as the heaviest animal of all time.

28/07/2023

Your morning cup of tea 🫖

Tea has been used across the globe for centuries. Whether for medicinal, ceremonial, or ritualistic practices, sipping tea can be a grounding act—a reconnection to the Earth and a reminder to be present.

In this week’s edition of The Overview, Willow Defebaugh reflects on her weekly practice.