The 13th Bak'tun

As we approach the year 2012, there is an increasing amount of interest online about the ancient Mayan Calendar; about its connection with Dec 21, 2012; and about it somehow heralding the end of the world as we know it.  All of this is very sad and disturbing.  Mainly because it is not right.  Today's post has nothing to do with climate change or global warming, but it does have a lot to do with hope. 

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Were The Mayans Climate Scientists?

Impossible.  Not with the iconic images we currently hold of this long vanished civilisation.  Images of ancient crumbling stone cities with their massive step pyramids; brutal human sacrifices made to strange feathered dragon gods;  and men peering at the night sky from their observatory, making detailed (and impeccible) records of the movements of the constellations.  But while these give colour and life to a world long gone, none of these visuals are needed.  Simply mention the words Mayan Civilisation to anyone and without a moment's hesitation most will think of a particularly complex calendar that happens to have an inconvenient end date in the not too distant future.  

But climate scientists?  Not a chance.

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