Sunday Best: The world is on fire

This is what climate change looks like in 193 countries.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story December 19, 2021 For many people, the concept of global warming can often feel abstract — a distant scenario that they don't have to worry about right now. But as these 193 stories show, climate change is already affecting every country in every corner of the world. In Kuwait, temperatures have reached a record 127.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Mexico City is sinking, Botswana is losing its 2,500-year-old baobab trees, and sandstorms in Sudan have left some residents digging their way out of their front doors. This isn't some dystopian future. This is now. "Open your eyes," the editorial board says. "We have failed." Now we must limit the destruction. Programming note: This newsletter will be off for the next two weeks, returning Jan. 9. — Jennifer Brown Khalil Hamra/Associated Press Guest Essay My Son Is Not Alone. Millions of Young People Commit His Crime. Alaa is a political prisoner in Egypt because he dared to dream of another world. By Laila Soueif No Ideas Paul Krugman The Year of Inflation Infamy Maybe the real takeaway should be how little we know about where we are in this strange economic episode. By Paul Krugman Jorge Colombo Guest Essay The 'West Side Story' Remake We Didn't Need We need the resources to craft our own stories, not more accurate retellings of narratives that weren't even meant for us. By Yarimar Bonilla Eleanor Davis Jessica Grose Overturning Roe Will Make Miscarriage Care Worse The worst day of your life could become more painful and more dangerous. By Jessica Grose The New York Times; photographs by Holloway and davidevison, via Getty Images Guest Essay What Makes Me a Monster Stalin had it. So did Pablo Escobar. And my psoriasis has led me to live a life in shadows.  By Sergio del Molino EDITOR'S PODCAST PICK American Enterprise Institute Timeless Wisdom for Leading a Life of Love, Friendship and Learning The ethicist Leon Kass discusses the ingredients for a meaningful life. By 'The Ezra Klein Show' Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Subscribe Today New York Times Opinion curates a wide range of views, inviting rich discussion and debate that helps readers analyze the world. This work is made possible with the support of subscribers. Please consider subscribing to The Times with this special offer. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Sunday Best from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018