In January 2025 I stumbled on a single issue of a “CO2 Newsletter”, from 1981, at the National Archives. My first reaction, which I remember well, was of bafflement and amazement. How could such an extraordinary publication exist, and how could it have been so unjustly forgotten by History?
From 1979 an American geologist, William N. Barbat, had poured his heart, soul and considerable intelligence into trying to galavanise politicians, bureaucrats, energy companies, campaigning groups etc into taking carbon dioxide build-up seriously.
He clearly was across the then latest science, could join the dots and – above all – could do the very hard work of synthesising and communicating what he was learning. I am still, a year and a half later, in awe, because I am old enough to remember the pre-internet (indeed, pre-personal computer) world, and just how much hard work was involved.
A friend who works on climate history (whom I’ve never met and probably never well) was equally enthused. We plotted to get more issues via official sources. Fortunately, I was, via a kind journalist, able to contact Barbat’s daughter. Within a few weeks I had a complete set of the 18 newsletters in my possession, and, crucially, permission to digitise and put online.
I had by this time been doing “All Our Yesterdays” for almost four years, and was getting both discouraged and bored. The Newsletters gave me a reason – and a ‘structure’ (or at least a rhythm and a timetable!) to keep going.
I would, I thought, upload and publicise an issue of the Newsletter every three weeks or so through 2026. Then I realised it would be even better if I could get people to write commentaries to accompany these releases. I wanted the list of commentators to be gender balanced, and if at all possible, not entirely white. I am fantastically grateful to each and every person who has written a commentary [links here]. They are all excellent.
The Newsletters have now reached a wide audience – each issue gets well-received on Bluesky (I abandoned Twitter a while back, obviously), and given me renewed enthusiasm for All Our Yesterdays.
Now, I am asking people who have “enjoyed” (well, appreciated!) the Newsletters – what more can be done to get them the audience they deserve? How can their existence – and content – help more people?
I am keen to hear your ideas…
What I have got so far
Academically
- Write at least two articles about Barbat and the Newsletters
Social media
- Short videos to accompany each release
- A longer (10m?) video about the context and scope of Barbat’s work).
What else?