MindPrep Reflection: Killer Fog


Reader,

In December 1952, London disappeared.

A temperature inversion trapped coal smoke over the city and visibility dropped to feet.

Smog wasn’t new and “dirty air” was so normal that people had adapted to it.

London relied heavily on coal for a long time. They needed it for home heating, power generation, and industrial operations. And because of the cold, residents were burning more coal to stay warm

However, the coal used was high in sulfur and when burned, it produced:

  • Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
  • Soot (particulate matter)
  • Sulfuric acid droplets
  • Nitrogen oxides

The temperature inversion trapped the smog near the ground and within days, thousands were dead.

No one labeled it catastrophic until it was.

Here’s the lesson: Gradual harm hides inside accepted norms.

What have we normalized that is hiding future problems? Water use in the west? Credit card use? Social media toxicity?

The next crisis may already be visible. It just looks familiar.

By the way, I'm going to use more stories and examples in future issues. TJ tells me that I've become too "teachy."

Bill

Learn from the past, deal with the present, and intercept the future.

Bill @ MindPrep

Four careers over 50+ years. USMC, engineering, consulting, education. Past twenty years have focused on helping leaders become and remain relevant during times of change.

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