Is it just me or do politicians get weird and wild when the weather gets extremely hot? I’m talking about the oil-slicked climate-change-denying governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, and this record-breaking heat wave hitting the Midwest and Northeast.

On Monday, Louisian’s well-known Catholic governor signed a law granting him control over the state’s board of ethics just as it was about to punish him for not disclosing a couple of freebie flights to Hawaii provided by one of his biggest oil and gas campaign donors.

Gov. Landry has a long list of alleged and proven unethical behavior going back 15 years.

A New Orleans-based criminal watchdog group called his behavior “political quid pro quo.”

Then, on Wednesday, while it was 94 degrees in Baton Rouge, he signed a law forcing every state school and college to display a copy of the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting in 2025.

The ACLU has already filed a lawsuit.

I’m no religious scholar, but aren’t the commandments a guide to help humans live more ethical, moral and righteous lives?

The Mardi Gras Moses, as I shall refer to him from now on, has spent most of his political career defending his oil and gas industry campaign donors, all while Louisiana faces deadly hurricanes and suffers from the worst air and water pollution in the country.

I’m curious if his version of the Ten Commandments was brought down the mountain by John Rockefeller.

Right now, the Gulf of Mexico is the hottest it’s ever been, providing fuel for more powerful hurricanes that often find their way to places like coastal Louisiana and Texas, leaving death and destruction in their wake.

Extreme heat also creates other deadly weather events, such as droughts, forest fires, and flash floods. Even now, places like Vermont and Maine are experiencing record-breaking temperatures. There are plenty of guides on how humans should prepare for extreme weather.

But what about our most vulnerable family members?

This week in The Meltdown, we look at how to prepare our pets for the rapidly changing extremes of climate change. We flag the Pope’s 10 Green Commandments and offer a beautiful guide on how those in the LGBTQ community can maintain their mental health in the face of all the haters.

Before you read on, please feel free to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. And share this newsletter with your friends if you think they’ll enjoy it.

Drizzle

Meteorologists forecast this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season to be one of the most active and dangerous on record. Tropical Storm Alberto has already smashed into Mexico’s northern Gulf Coast, killing three people. If we are to be prepared, this year is the time. But please don’t forget about our furry family members.

Pets often suffer the most during climate disasters. Hurricane Katrina was particularly deadly for animals, with up to 150,000 pets and millions of other animals believed to have perished. Broadcasters nationwide transmitted heartbreaking images of stranded cats and dogs. Congress changed the law in 2006 to better prepare state and federal authorities to handle pets. However, it doesn’t guarantee anything.

With Americans owning more cats and dogs than ever before and a major hurricane season bearing down on us, there’s no reason not to get a headstart preparing your animals for the worst.

Here are some small things to consider when thinking about your pet’s safety:

Disaster kits for pets: As you would for any family member, assembling a dedicated disaster kit for your pets is essential. Include necessities such as food, water, medications, and comfort items like their favorite toy or blanket.

Preparedness plans: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan that includes your pets. Research and note down pet-friendly shelters and hotels. A well-thought-out plan can prevent the heart-wrenching decisions pet owners faced during Hurricane Katrina.

Mental health: The mental strain disasters impose on animals can be severe. It’s crucial to recognize and address your pet’s stress and trauma. Maintain as much of their normal routine as possible and provide them with comfort and reassurance during and after the disaster.

READ MORE: Is your pet ready for hurricane season and extreme weather?

Compost Dump

Now, back to the Mardi Gras Moses. He once refused to help investigate widespread accusations of child sex abuse within the New Orleans Archdiocese, so I figured he might listen to the top man at the Vatican on climate change and the environment.

In 2015, the Pope released a version of the Ten Commandments to help preserve the planet for future generations.

Earth, our common home: Recognize Earth is in peril and actively care for it, as God loves His creation.

Hear the poor: Listen to people experiencing poverty, who disproportionately suffer from environmental crises, underscoring the moral urgency.

New ways of living: Adopt a new approach to economics and politics that prioritizes the common good and sustainable management of our shared home, earth.

READ MORE: The Pope’s 10 Green Commandments for preserving the environment

Talking of the common good

In honor of Pride Month, Reckon is rolling out a Pride Guide every week in June. Given the rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation and rhetoric across the country, we recognize the urgent need to address the challenges faced by our community. Our weekly guides aim to provide practical resources, coping mechanisms, and expert advice to help individuals navigate these difficult times and prioritize their wellbeing, pleasure and success because we take care of us.

The Meltdown is no stranger to the traumas of climate change or how it deeply affects members of the LGTBQ community. Just look at the governor of Louisiana’s intensely anti-LGBTQ record. His brother is a gay man who lives in New Orleans.

This week’s Pride Guide is for people just like Nicholas Landry, who no doubt want to maintain their mental wellness during these anti-LGBTQ times, where family may not be a safe space. And while you’re at it, check out our previous guides on how to find those safe spaces and how to party safer with sex, substances and self-care.

Thanks for reading The Meltdown. Please sign up, share, and be nice to people. Send environment and climate tips to: charress@reckonmedia.com

See you next week.