Finite Issue 1 out now & launch party

We just published the final chapter for Issue 1. Issue 1 is without question the finest issue of Finite ever published.

SAVE THE DATE: FINITE LAUNCH PARTY. Tuesday, October 14, 6-8pm at Vulture Space (651 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee). Free snacks, subscription deals, meet the editors and co-hosts

Issue 1 is available here. (The podcast version is here.)

We begin with atrocious statistics on humanity’s access to drinking water and uncover some shocking examples of the collapse of freshwater resources. We cover the source of a quarter of humanity’s greenhouse gas emissions — a source you may never even have heard of.

We start by understanding the Sahel’s desertification crisis, and how this has led to the collapse of Lake Chad. Then, we characterize poverty and water infrastructure in Cameroon. Finally, we meet some of the villains of the story.

The incredible story of how Cameroon’s independence movement took on the French Empire and almost won. We uncover how the French fought back, installed a dictator, and how the French continue to exploit an “independent” Cameroon.

The gripping story of Cameroon’s independence movement, 1945-1957, filling in the gaps we didn’t have space for in Chapter 2.

The global scandal of debt and structural adjustments, how it came to Cameroon and contributed to poverty, underdevelopment, and desertification. Then, a proven anti-desertification model: how the American New Deal beat the Dust Bowl. Finally, the dire situation of rural Cameroonians.

The darkly fascinating cloak-and-dagger story of Ahidjo’s rise to power – with help from the French, of course.

In a very brief bonus chapter, we look at the mystery of Cameroon’s 1983 succession. Why did Ahidjo suddenly resign in 1982 at the height of his power? How did Paul Biya wrest power from a seemingly all-powerful Ahidjo?

When it comes to climate change, mainstream economists and climate scientists couldn’t be more different. How can mainstream economists predict small dents to the economy when climate scientists see existential threats to civilization itself? Perhaps Sahelian desertification and climate change can only be solved if we stop listening to mainstream economists.