The dangers of climate change have been spelt out before, but in history, food supply problems lead to de-stabilised political scenarios & regional conflicts.
The evidence and concerns grow daily.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Business slow to respond to climate change
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
TORNADOES and thunderstorms are set to batter Britain at Christmas.
The worst weather is forecast to hit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, leading to appalling road conditions for those travelling to be with family and friends.
Two inches of rain in a single day could see floods across Britain, and stormy seas could breach defences along the west coast, a forecaster said.
An earlier storm, on December 5 or 6, could also see flooding in coastal areas.
Express.co.uk
The IPCC report has spelt out the reality. The "flat-worlders" in denial of this phenomenon should be ridiculed by all concerned. We must fully appreciate that what we are going to experience in the next couple of months in UK, is just the beginning of the climate chaos that our will kids face to a far greater degree.
We must act now as individuals - start seeking to influence those around you, especially businesses you employ.Let your wallet to the talking!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Global Warming Is 'Not Science Fiction' - UN
Updated:17:22, Saturday November 17, 2007
The climate change threat is "not science fiction" and reversing it is the "defining challenge of our age", the UN chief has warned.
Climate change has already begun Ban Ki-moon said the potential impact of global warming is "so severe and so sweeping that only urgent, global action will do".
He was speaking in Valencia, Spain, to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which has issued its latest report after six years of research.
It says the Earth is heading towards a warmer age at a faster pace and warned of inevitable human suffering and the threat of species extinction.
Sky News
The IPCC report released today dispels any doubt that mankind is behind global warming, climate change and the real threat to survival it poses.
The climate change threat is "not science fiction" and reversing it is the "defining challenge of our age", the UN chief has warned.
Climate change has already begun Ban Ki-moon said the potential impact of global warming is "so severe and so sweeping that only urgent, global action will do".
He was speaking in Valencia, Spain, to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which has issued its latest report after six years of research.
It says the Earth is heading towards a warmer age at a faster pace and warned of inevitable human suffering and the threat of species extinction.
Sky News
The IPCC report released today dispels any doubt that mankind is behind global warming, climate change and the real threat to survival it poses.
Thousands thought killed by Bangladesh Cyclone
Update on Bangladesh Cyclone
Bangladesh says that 1,595 people have been confirmed dead in the cyclone-hit south of the country, with the toll from the disaster expected to rise further. Bangladesh said Saturday that 1,595 people had been confirmed dead in the cyclone-hit south of the country, with the toll from the disaster expected to rise further.
"We have so far confirmed 1,595 deaths and still more are coming in," said Salina Shahid of the relief and disaster management ministry control room.
Officials have said they expect "thousands" of bodies to be recovered over the coming days as relief workers reach badly hit areas.
Citizen.co.za
See the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report - Draft copy released 16th November 2007.
It really does make the evidence look beyond sensible doubt. There will always be the ostrich brigade with their heads in the sand and sadly, they will contribute to climate change through their gasps of disbelief at facts.
More than ever, we need to make people aware that global warming must be addressed in our daily lives and we must reduce co2 emissions.
Bangladesh says that 1,595 people have been confirmed dead in the cyclone-hit south of the country, with the toll from the disaster expected to rise further. Bangladesh said Saturday that 1,595 people had been confirmed dead in the cyclone-hit south of the country, with the toll from the disaster expected to rise further.
"We have so far confirmed 1,595 deaths and still more are coming in," said Salina Shahid of the relief and disaster management ministry control room.
Officials have said they expect "thousands" of bodies to be recovered over the coming days as relief workers reach badly hit areas.
Citizen.co.za
See the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report - Draft copy released 16th November 2007.
It really does make the evidence look beyond sensible doubt. There will always be the ostrich brigade with their heads in the sand and sadly, they will contribute to climate change through their gasps of disbelief at facts.
More than ever, we need to make people aware that global warming must be addressed in our daily lives and we must reduce co2 emissions.
John Humphrys is also fed up with our throw away culture.
Plastic bags take 500 years to decay in lanfills. In UK we use 150 million each week!
Modbury in in the South Hams in Devon and is the first town to ban plastic bags for packaging. www.southhams.gov.uk and www.recycledevon.org are sites well worth visiting and Devon (where I am proud to live) leads the UK, if not the World, in its efforts to reduceco2 and limit global warming & climate change.
Well done Devon!
Modbury in in the South Hams in Devon and is the first town to ban plastic bags for packaging. www.southhams.gov.uk and www.recycledevon.org are sites well worth visiting and Devon (where I am proud to live) leads the UK, if not the World, in its efforts to reduceco2 and limit global warming & climate change.
Well done Devon!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Now the Pentagon tells Bush: climate change will destroy us
This story in the Guardian from 2004 is really frightening!·
Secret report warns of rioting and nuclear war
· Britain will be 'Siberian' in less than 20 years
· Threat to the world is greater than terrorism
Climate change over the next 20 years could result in a global catastrophe costing millions of lives in wars and natural disasters..
A secret report, suppressed by US defence chiefs and obtained by The Observer, warns that major European cities will be sunk beneath rising seas as Britain is plunged into a 'Siberian' climate by 2020. Nuclear conflict, mega-droughts, famine and widespread rioting will erupt across the world.
The document predicts that abrupt climate change could bring the planet to the edge of anarchy as countries develop a nuclear threat to defend and secure dwindling food, water and energy supplies. The threat to global stability vastly eclipses that of terrorism, say the few experts privy to its contents.
Article continues
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Disruption and conflict will be endemic features of life,' concludes the Pentagon analysis. 'Once again, warfare would define human life.'
The findings will prove humiliating to the Bush administration, which has repeatedly denied that climate change even exists. Experts said that they will also make unsettling reading for a President who has insisted national defence is a priority.
The report was commissioned by influential Pentagon defence adviser Andrew Marshall, who has held considerable sway on US military thinking over the past three decades. He was the man behind a sweeping recent review aimed at transforming the American military under Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
Climate change 'should be elevated beyond a scientific debate to a US national security concern', say the authors, Peter Schwartz, CIA consultant and former head of planning at Royal Dutch/Shell Group, and Doug Randall of the California-based Global Business Network.
An imminent scenario of catastrophic climate change is 'plausible and would challenge United States national security in ways that should be considered immediately', they conclude. As early as next year widespread flooding by a rise in sea levels will create major upheaval for millions.
Last week the Bush administration came under heavy fire from a large body of respected scientists who claimed that it cherry-picked science to suit its policy agenda and suppressed studies that it did not like. Jeremy Symons, a former whistleblower at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said that suppression of the report for four months was a further example of the White House trying to bury the threat of climate change.
Senior climatologists, however, believe that their verdicts could prove the catalyst in forcing Bush to accept climate change as a real and happening phenomenon. They also hope it will convince the United States to sign up to global treaties to reduce the rate of climatic change.
A group of eminent UK scientists recently visited the White House to voice their fears over global warming, part of an intensifying drive to get the US to treat the issue seriously. Sources have told The Observer that American officials appeared extremely sensitive about the issue when faced with complaints that America's public stance appeared increasingly out of touch.
One even alleged that the White House had written to complain about some of the comments attributed to Professor Sir David King, Tony Blair's chief scientific adviser, after he branded the President's position on the issue as indefensible.
Among those scientists present at the White House talks were Professor John Schellnhuber, former chief environmental adviser to the German government and head of the UK's leading group of climate scientists at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. He said that the Pentagon's internal fears should prove the 'tipping point' in persuading Bush to accept climatic change.
Sir John Houghton, former chief executive of the Meteorological Office - and the first senior figure to liken the threat of climate change to that of terrorism - said: 'If the Pentagon is sending out that sort of message, then this is an important document indeed.'
Bob Watson, chief scientist for the World Bank and former chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, added that the Pentagon's dire warnings could no longer be ignored.
'Can Bush ignore the Pentagon? It's going be hard to blow off this sort of document. Its hugely embarrassing. After all, Bush's single highest priority is national defence. The Pentagon is no wacko, liberal group, generally speaking it is conservative. If climate change is a threat to national security and the economy, then he has to act. There are two groups the Bush Administration tend to listen to, the oil lobby and the Pentagon,' added Watson.
'You've got a President who says global warming is a hoax, and across the Potomac river you've got a Pentagon preparing for climate wars. It's pretty scary when Bush starts to ignore his own government on this issue,' said Rob Gueterbock of Greenpeace.
Already, according to Randall and Schwartz, the planet is carrying a higher population than it can sustain. By 2020 'catastrophic' shortages of water and energy supply will become increasingly harder to overcome, plunging the planet into war. They warn that 8,200 years ago climatic conditions brought widespread crop failure, famine, disease and mass migration of populations that could soon be repeated.
Randall told The Observer that the potential ramifications of rapid climate change would create global chaos. 'This is depressing stuff,' he said. 'It is a national security threat that is unique because there is no enemy to point your guns at and we have no control over the threat.'
Randall added that it was already possibly too late to prevent a disaster happening. 'We don't know exactly where we are in the process. It could start tomorrow and we would not know for another five years,' he said.
'The consequences for some nations of the climate change are unbelievable. It seems obvious that cutting the use of fossil fuels would be worthwhile.'
So dramatic are the report's scenarios, Watson said, that they may prove vital in the US elections. Democratic frontrunner John Kerry is known to accept climate change as a real problem. Scientists disillusioned with Bush's stance are threatening to make sure Kerry uses the Pentagon report in his campaign.
The fact that Marshall is behind its scathing findings will aid Kerry's cause. Marshall, 82, is a Pentagon legend who heads a secretive think-tank dedicated to weighing risks to national security called the Office of Net Assessment. Dubbed 'Yoda' by Pentagon insiders who respect his vast experience, he is credited with being behind the Department of Defence's push on ballistic-missile defence.
Symons, who left the EPA in protest at political interference, said that the suppression of the report was a further instance of the White House trying to bury evidence of climate change. 'It is yet another example of why this government should stop burying its head in the sand on this issue.'
Symons said the Bush administration's close links to high-powered energy and oil companies was vital in understanding why climate change was received sceptically in the Oval Office. 'This administration is ignoring the evidence in order to placate a handful of large energy and oil companies,' he added.
Any follow ups to this story?
Secret report warns of rioting and nuclear war
· Britain will be 'Siberian' in less than 20 years
· Threat to the world is greater than terrorism
Climate change over the next 20 years could result in a global catastrophe costing millions of lives in wars and natural disasters..
A secret report, suppressed by US defence chiefs and obtained by The Observer, warns that major European cities will be sunk beneath rising seas as Britain is plunged into a 'Siberian' climate by 2020. Nuclear conflict, mega-droughts, famine and widespread rioting will erupt across the world.
The document predicts that abrupt climate change could bring the planet to the edge of anarchy as countries develop a nuclear threat to defend and secure dwindling food, water and energy supplies. The threat to global stability vastly eclipses that of terrorism, say the few experts privy to its contents.
Article continues
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Disruption and conflict will be endemic features of life,' concludes the Pentagon analysis. 'Once again, warfare would define human life.'
The findings will prove humiliating to the Bush administration, which has repeatedly denied that climate change even exists. Experts said that they will also make unsettling reading for a President who has insisted national defence is a priority.
The report was commissioned by influential Pentagon defence adviser Andrew Marshall, who has held considerable sway on US military thinking over the past three decades. He was the man behind a sweeping recent review aimed at transforming the American military under Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
Climate change 'should be elevated beyond a scientific debate to a US national security concern', say the authors, Peter Schwartz, CIA consultant and former head of planning at Royal Dutch/Shell Group, and Doug Randall of the California-based Global Business Network.
An imminent scenario of catastrophic climate change is 'plausible and would challenge United States national security in ways that should be considered immediately', they conclude. As early as next year widespread flooding by a rise in sea levels will create major upheaval for millions.
Last week the Bush administration came under heavy fire from a large body of respected scientists who claimed that it cherry-picked science to suit its policy agenda and suppressed studies that it did not like. Jeremy Symons, a former whistleblower at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said that suppression of the report for four months was a further example of the White House trying to bury the threat of climate change.
Senior climatologists, however, believe that their verdicts could prove the catalyst in forcing Bush to accept climate change as a real and happening phenomenon. They also hope it will convince the United States to sign up to global treaties to reduce the rate of climatic change.
A group of eminent UK scientists recently visited the White House to voice their fears over global warming, part of an intensifying drive to get the US to treat the issue seriously. Sources have told The Observer that American officials appeared extremely sensitive about the issue when faced with complaints that America's public stance appeared increasingly out of touch.
One even alleged that the White House had written to complain about some of the comments attributed to Professor Sir David King, Tony Blair's chief scientific adviser, after he branded the President's position on the issue as indefensible.
Among those scientists present at the White House talks were Professor John Schellnhuber, former chief environmental adviser to the German government and head of the UK's leading group of climate scientists at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. He said that the Pentagon's internal fears should prove the 'tipping point' in persuading Bush to accept climatic change.
Sir John Houghton, former chief executive of the Meteorological Office - and the first senior figure to liken the threat of climate change to that of terrorism - said: 'If the Pentagon is sending out that sort of message, then this is an important document indeed.'
Bob Watson, chief scientist for the World Bank and former chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, added that the Pentagon's dire warnings could no longer be ignored.
'Can Bush ignore the Pentagon? It's going be hard to blow off this sort of document. Its hugely embarrassing. After all, Bush's single highest priority is national defence. The Pentagon is no wacko, liberal group, generally speaking it is conservative. If climate change is a threat to national security and the economy, then he has to act. There are two groups the Bush Administration tend to listen to, the oil lobby and the Pentagon,' added Watson.
'You've got a President who says global warming is a hoax, and across the Potomac river you've got a Pentagon preparing for climate wars. It's pretty scary when Bush starts to ignore his own government on this issue,' said Rob Gueterbock of Greenpeace.
Already, according to Randall and Schwartz, the planet is carrying a higher population than it can sustain. By 2020 'catastrophic' shortages of water and energy supply will become increasingly harder to overcome, plunging the planet into war. They warn that 8,200 years ago climatic conditions brought widespread crop failure, famine, disease and mass migration of populations that could soon be repeated.
Randall told The Observer that the potential ramifications of rapid climate change would create global chaos. 'This is depressing stuff,' he said. 'It is a national security threat that is unique because there is no enemy to point your guns at and we have no control over the threat.'
Randall added that it was already possibly too late to prevent a disaster happening. 'We don't know exactly where we are in the process. It could start tomorrow and we would not know for another five years,' he said.
'The consequences for some nations of the climate change are unbelievable. It seems obvious that cutting the use of fossil fuels would be worthwhile.'
So dramatic are the report's scenarios, Watson said, that they may prove vital in the US elections. Democratic frontrunner John Kerry is known to accept climate change as a real problem. Scientists disillusioned with Bush's stance are threatening to make sure Kerry uses the Pentagon report in his campaign.
The fact that Marshall is behind its scathing findings will aid Kerry's cause. Marshall, 82, is a Pentagon legend who heads a secretive think-tank dedicated to weighing risks to national security called the Office of Net Assessment. Dubbed 'Yoda' by Pentagon insiders who respect his vast experience, he is credited with being behind the Department of Defence's push on ballistic-missile defence.
Symons, who left the EPA in protest at political interference, said that the suppression of the report was a further instance of the White House trying to bury evidence of climate change. 'It is yet another example of why this government should stop burying its head in the sand on this issue.'
Symons said the Bush administration's close links to high-powered energy and oil companies was vital in understanding why climate change was received sceptically in the Oval Office. 'This administration is ignoring the evidence in order to placate a handful of large energy and oil companies,' he added.
Any follow ups to this story?
Thursday, November 15, 2007
One million people displaced by 140 mph cyclone
More than a million people were evacuated from the coasts of Bangladesh and eastern India today with a cyclone with wind-speeds of up to 140mph due to make land-fall, destroying houses, crops and trees.
In an echo of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, meteorologists warned tidal surges of up 20ft could cause devastating flooding across low-lying areas of Bangladesh and the Sunderbans mangrove forest of India’s West Bengal state.
The mass evacuation is intended to prevent the huge loss of life seen during the Bengal cyclones of 1970 and 1991 which killed 500,000 and 143,000 people respectively.
More than 10 million people were estimated to be in the path of Cyclone Sidr which came spiralling in from the Bay Bengal, gathering force as night fell across the region.
Tens of thousands of people were reported to be fleeing inland in search of shelter, taking only their cattle, food supplies and a few portable possessions along with them.
In the most rural areas, where television and radio was not available, police and local volunteers drove from village to village in cars and auto-rickshaws using megaphones to alert the people to the approaching storm.
Telegraph.co.uk
Another major disaster in the making.
Clearly, increasing world population makes flood plains that were once uninhabited, now highly vulnerable settlements. However, the extreme strength of winds, combined with the tremendous height of tidal surges makes these very dangerous meteorological events.
Once again, global warming and climate change are having direct effects on many, many people's lives. We must learn from this and make sure that the OPEC summit delegates pay attention to the disastrous consequences from increasing use of fossil fuels. Only from renewable energy sources ultimately replacing oil can we reduce co2 emissions sufficiently to stop climate change intensifying.
In an echo of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, meteorologists warned tidal surges of up 20ft could cause devastating flooding across low-lying areas of Bangladesh and the Sunderbans mangrove forest of India’s West Bengal state.
The mass evacuation is intended to prevent the huge loss of life seen during the Bengal cyclones of 1970 and 1991 which killed 500,000 and 143,000 people respectively.
More than 10 million people were estimated to be in the path of Cyclone Sidr which came spiralling in from the Bay Bengal, gathering force as night fell across the region.
Tens of thousands of people were reported to be fleeing inland in search of shelter, taking only their cattle, food supplies and a few portable possessions along with them.
In the most rural areas, where television and radio was not available, police and local volunteers drove from village to village in cars and auto-rickshaws using megaphones to alert the people to the approaching storm.
Telegraph.co.uk
Another major disaster in the making.
Clearly, increasing world population makes flood plains that were once uninhabited, now highly vulnerable settlements. However, the extreme strength of winds, combined with the tremendous height of tidal surges makes these very dangerous meteorological events.
Once again, global warming and climate change are having direct effects on many, many people's lives. We must learn from this and make sure that the OPEC summit delegates pay attention to the disastrous consequences from increasing use of fossil fuels. Only from renewable energy sources ultimately replacing oil can we reduce co2 emissions sufficiently to stop climate change intensifying.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
CO 2 emissions can be reduced through simple acts
The collective result of simple measures is vast.
See below for some very basic ideas
Re-use and recycle
Re-use plastic bags (preferably take cloth ones with you when you go shopping), old envelopes and glass bottles.
Recycle newspaper, cardboard, plastic and tins. It is not that difficult as most schools have recycling facilities.
Have a compost heap or vermicomposting (earthworm farm) system to recycle organic waste.
Try to buy products that don't have too much packaging.
Save water
Put a brick in a plastic bag in your toilet cistern so that the toilet will use less water each time you flush.
Shower (preferably with a low-flow showerhead) instead of bathing.
Water your garden with used (dishwashing, bathing) water.
Save electricity
Turn off lights if there is no one in the room.
Don't leave appliances such as the TV, DVD player, radio or computer on standby. Unplug your cellphone charger when you are not using it.
Turn off your geyser when you aren't using it.
Only boil the kettle with the amount of water you will need in it.
Cover your pots while cooking.
Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs instead of ordinary ones.
Wash your clothes in cold or warm (not hot) water.
Make sure that your home is properly insulated so that you don't use the heater unnecessarily in winter.
Air dry your clothes (don't use the tumble dryer).
Cut carbon emissions
If possible walk, cycle or use public transport. Otherwise start a lift club.
Check your tyres and air filter regularly. Keeping your tyres pumped up and your air filter clean makes your car more efficient thereby reducing carbon emissions.
Unless you are in traffic, don't let your car idle for more than 30 seconds.
Buy food which has been produced locally as it involves less transportation.
If possible, opt for organic produce as this cuts out the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides made from fossil fuels.
Go the extra mile
Install a solar water heating system to help provide you with hot water.
Plant some trees.
Offset your carbon emissions or travels by buying carbon offsets.
If you are buying a new car or kitchen appliance, try to opt for more energy-efficient models.
When you think about it, these are not that difficult to implement in your life. It just needs a little getting used to, but the end result will be oh so refreshing.
Reducing co2 and greenhouse gas emissions will limit global warming and climate change.
See below for some very basic ideas
Re-use and recycle
Re-use plastic bags (preferably take cloth ones with you when you go shopping), old envelopes and glass bottles.
Recycle newspaper, cardboard, plastic and tins. It is not that difficult as most schools have recycling facilities.
Have a compost heap or vermicomposting (earthworm farm) system to recycle organic waste.
Try to buy products that don't have too much packaging.
Save water
Put a brick in a plastic bag in your toilet cistern so that the toilet will use less water each time you flush.
Shower (preferably with a low-flow showerhead) instead of bathing.
Water your garden with used (dishwashing, bathing) water.
Save electricity
Turn off lights if there is no one in the room.
Don't leave appliances such as the TV, DVD player, radio or computer on standby. Unplug your cellphone charger when you are not using it.
Turn off your geyser when you aren't using it.
Only boil the kettle with the amount of water you will need in it.
Cover your pots while cooking.
Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs instead of ordinary ones.
Wash your clothes in cold or warm (not hot) water.
Make sure that your home is properly insulated so that you don't use the heater unnecessarily in winter.
Air dry your clothes (don't use the tumble dryer).
Cut carbon emissions
If possible walk, cycle or use public transport. Otherwise start a lift club.
Check your tyres and air filter regularly. Keeping your tyres pumped up and your air filter clean makes your car more efficient thereby reducing carbon emissions.
Unless you are in traffic, don't let your car idle for more than 30 seconds.
Buy food which has been produced locally as it involves less transportation.
If possible, opt for organic produce as this cuts out the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides made from fossil fuels.
Go the extra mile
Install a solar water heating system to help provide you with hot water.
Plant some trees.
Offset your carbon emissions or travels by buying carbon offsets.
If you are buying a new car or kitchen appliance, try to opt for more energy-efficient models.
When you think about it, these are not that difficult to implement in your life. It just needs a little getting used to, but the end result will be oh so refreshing.
Reducing co2 and greenhouse gas emissions will limit global warming and climate change.
Will OPEC address reducing co2 emissions at summit?
Green fuel 'no threat to growing oil demand'
Saudi Arabia's oil minister, Ali Al-Naimi, told the world that its dependence on crude will increase and that the race to develop alternative energies will not dim demand for fossil fuels.
Speaking ahead of today's official start of the Opec oil producers' summit, Mr Al-Naimi mounted a strong defence of oil, criticising experts who say crude is in decline or that green energy is a viable alternative.
The minister, whose country is by far the most powerful nation in Opec's 12-strong group, said: "Let's be realistic about this. Take developing countries. They are growing at a very fast pace – 7pc to 10pc or more a year. These countries are going to need energy, and fossil fuels will be the source.
telegraph.co.uk
By Russell Hotten in Riyadh
Last Updated: 8:10am GMT 14/11/2007
The fate of the world is in the hands of a bunch of people who look no further ahead than the end of year balance sheet. If global warming and climate change mess up life for future generations, they will not be around to worry. Renewable energy sources are not seen as a threat to OPEC as they have experience of bribing their way to riches. How much time at this summit will be spent discussing carbon emissions from fossil fuels? This summit will be important for the future and let's reflect upon the major statements as it progresses.
Remember to reduce co2 emissions in your every day activities.
Saudi Arabia's oil minister, Ali Al-Naimi, told the world that its dependence on crude will increase and that the race to develop alternative energies will not dim demand for fossil fuels.
Speaking ahead of today's official start of the Opec oil producers' summit, Mr Al-Naimi mounted a strong defence of oil, criticising experts who say crude is in decline or that green energy is a viable alternative.
The minister, whose country is by far the most powerful nation in Opec's 12-strong group, said: "Let's be realistic about this. Take developing countries. They are growing at a very fast pace – 7pc to 10pc or more a year. These countries are going to need energy, and fossil fuels will be the source.
telegraph.co.uk
By Russell Hotten in Riyadh
Last Updated: 8:10am GMT 14/11/2007
The fate of the world is in the hands of a bunch of people who look no further ahead than the end of year balance sheet. If global warming and climate change mess up life for future generations, they will not be around to worry. Renewable energy sources are not seen as a threat to OPEC as they have experience of bribing their way to riches. How much time at this summit will be spent discussing carbon emissions from fossil fuels? This summit will be important for the future and let's reflect upon the major statements as it progresses.
Remember to reduce co2 emissions in your every day activities.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Reduce co2, global warming and climate change - an aside
This story, although away from the issue of global warming, climate change and reducing co2, is evidence of mankind's selfish, brutal habitation of this planet. Frankly, it disgusts me.
Japan might kill world's only white whale
By Nick Squires in Sydney
Last Updated: 3:01pm GMT 12/11/2007
Australians fear that the world's only known white humpback whale could be slaughtered as Japan's whaling fleet prepares to embark on its annual hunt in the Southern Ocean.
Scientists make monkey cloning breakthrough
Tigers given emergency dental treatment
Burgers from cloned animals 'by 2010'
The unique male whale, named Migaloo - an Aboriginal word for "white fella" - has become a celebrity in Australia since being spotted for the first time in 1991.
Migaloo the white humpback swims with another whale (top) and diving after breaching
Each year Migaloo - along with thousands of other humpbacks - migrates from the icy seas of Antarctica to the warm shallows of the South Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef.
A few months later the whales, the females leading their newly-born calves, return to Antarctica.
The arrival of 45ft-long Migaloo - believed to be the only completely white humpback in the world - is keenly anticipated by whale watchers along Australia's east coast.
He has been hailed as modern day Moby Dick, even though the creature in Herman Melville's 1851 classic was a sperm whale.
Conservationists fear that Migaloo is so accustomed to whale watching and fishing boats, that he will be easy pickings for Japanese hunters.
With the southern hemisphere summer approaching, the Japanese whaling fleet is preparing to leave port within days. It refuses to say exactly when.
It has declared that for the first time it will kill 50 humpbacks, as well as 50 fin whales and hundreds of minke whales.
The Japanese argue that after decades of hunting fin and humpback whales have recovered to sufficient levels that they can now withstand being harpooned again.
Telegraph.co.uk
If the leaders of the free world sit back and do nothing to stop this unique whale being slaughtered by the Japanese, then we are not worthy of our place on mother Earth.
Write to the Japanese cabinet via this link and express your views - and point out the financial consequences, as that is all the Japanese seem to care about.
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/forms/comment.html
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Protest threat over fuel prices possible
Prices have risen for ten consecutive weeks
Fuel protests could take place in the coming weeks as unrest grows over rising prices, it has been claimed.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said the recent price increases were causing growing anger amongst its members.
Prices have gone up every week for the past ten weeks with a more than two pence rise last week, it said.
Jack Semple, RHA Director of Policy said: "Our members are angry over the latest increases in fuel prices and the restarting of the fuel duty escalator."
The impact of the price increases was "quite severe" for many hauliers, he said.
Mr Semple said that hauliers were "frustrated" by the high prices and added that duty rates were "much higher" in Britain than in other European countries.
'Frustration and anger'
He said: "We are looking towards the government for help in terms of an equal duty playing field with Europe to achieve price stability."
Mr Semple added: "For hauliers, fuel is the biggest variable cost, and it has gone up every week for ten weeks."
He said meetings had been held to discuss protests, but there was not yet the groundswell of support needed to go ahead.
"But there is definite frustration and anger. There shouldn't be an increase in fuel duty at a time of clear volatility in oil prices."
A spokesman for the pressure group Transaction 2007, the reincarnation of organisations involved in the 2000 fuel protests, said they believed action would be taken imminently.
He said: "I think it will happen in the next seven to ten days. I can't say much about it."
The action was likely to take the form of "rolling road" blocks, he said.
Geoff Dossetter, director of external affairs at the Freight Transport Association, said: "I don't think there's the appetite for protests like there was before.
"But it is clear there's a problem. There's a lot of unhappiness about the fact that prices are going up remorselessly."
BBC
Question
Does this type of action achieve anything except to cause inconvenience to the other road users. Is it likely to result in the government lowering duties on fuel?
Fuel protests could take place in the coming weeks as unrest grows over rising prices, it has been claimed.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said the recent price increases were causing growing anger amongst its members.
Prices have gone up every week for the past ten weeks with a more than two pence rise last week, it said.
Jack Semple, RHA Director of Policy said: "Our members are angry over the latest increases in fuel prices and the restarting of the fuel duty escalator."
The impact of the price increases was "quite severe" for many hauliers, he said.
Mr Semple said that hauliers were "frustrated" by the high prices and added that duty rates were "much higher" in Britain than in other European countries.
'Frustration and anger'
He said: "We are looking towards the government for help in terms of an equal duty playing field with Europe to achieve price stability."
Mr Semple added: "For hauliers, fuel is the biggest variable cost, and it has gone up every week for ten weeks."
He said meetings had been held to discuss protests, but there was not yet the groundswell of support needed to go ahead.
"But there is definite frustration and anger. There shouldn't be an increase in fuel duty at a time of clear volatility in oil prices."
A spokesman for the pressure group Transaction 2007, the reincarnation of organisations involved in the 2000 fuel protests, said they believed action would be taken imminently.
He said: "I think it will happen in the next seven to ten days. I can't say much about it."
The action was likely to take the form of "rolling road" blocks, he said.
Geoff Dossetter, director of external affairs at the Freight Transport Association, said: "I don't think there's the appetite for protests like there was before.
"But it is clear there's a problem. There's a lot of unhappiness about the fact that prices are going up remorselessly."
BBC
Question
Does this type of action achieve anything except to cause inconvenience to the other road users. Is it likely to result in the government lowering duties on fuel?
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Wool and straw house gets award !
A sustainable home built in wool, wood and straw
A Devon builder has beaten his contemporaries to become Best Energy Efficient Builder in Britain.
Robert Gulley was given the title at this year's Master Builder awards for the sustainable home he built in Totnes made from straw, wool and timber.
Customer Jim Carfrae said he wanted a sustainable property made for the same budget as a conventional one.
Mr Gulley was initially sceptical but used his traditional house-building skills to make a beautiful green home.
Sheep's wool
When Mr Carfrae suggested his ideas to the south Devon-based builders RJ Gulley, Mr Gulley laughed and said he must be mad.
"Rob is from a farming family, so is used to feeding straw to animals, not building houses with it," Mr Carfrae said.
"But as with everything on this project, Rob found a practical solution by creating a timber frame and wrapping the straw bales around it."
The main structure of the house is a traditionally jointed timber frame in locally grown Douglas Fir, which is more sustainable than oak.
The house is insulated with sheep's wool and has solar panels and a wood-fired cooker.
In its eighth year the Master Builder of the Year Awards is organised by the Federation of Master Builders.
BBC Devon
Nearby Dartmoor has one of the highest concentration of Bronze Age dwellings in Europe - sounds like this is rediscovering the skills from those times and using them in a fantastic eco-friendly way.
reducing co2 - limiting global warming and climate change - maybe we could all think along these lines, especially architects.
Great Stuff!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Storm Surge threatens more floods in UK
Tidal surge puts east coast in 'extreme danger'
By Laura Clout and Richard Alleyne
Last Updated: 9:51pm GMT 08/11/2007
(Chart courtesy of the Met.Office)
Thousands of people have been told to be ready to leave their homes as a tidal surge threatens to batter the east coast, bringing "extreme danger to life and property".
The freak, 10ft rise in sea level is expected to breach coastal defences and could bring the worst flooding in 50 years.
Gordon Brown has chaired a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency response committee as the Environment Agency warned that more than 10,000 homes could be hit.
advertisement
Conditions have been likened to those preceding the floods of 1953, which surged two miles inland between the Tees and the Thames and claimed the lives of 300 people.
The entire east coast stretching from Humberside to Kent has been put on alert.
Police and local authorities are preparing to evacuate low-lying coastal areas of East Anglia and nine severe weather warnings have been issued.
The Environment Agency announced: "Severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property."
Residents have been issued with sandbags and advised to fasten doors, and prepare to move upstairs with food, clothes, blankets and torches.
They were also told to fill baths and buckets with water for washing, and store drinking water in clean bottles.
In London, the Thames Barrier and Dartford Creek have been closed and householders along the Kent coast were also told to expect flooding.
Barbara Young, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said in most areas the biggest waves would come at high tide.
She added: "We are better prepared than 1953 and have better served by early warning system. But saying that Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft are not well served by good flood defence systems. We are asking people to act now."
The agency issued six severe flood warnings, five flood warnings and 22 flood watches nationally, covering North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and the north Kent coast.
The severe warnings are in place from Great Yarmouth, where 8,000 homes are at threat, down to the village of Shingle Street, and on parts of the River Bure and River Yare.
Hilary Benn, the Environment Secretary, told MPs: "A tidal surge of up to three metres is making its way down the North Sea which could coincide with peak high tides.
"There is a risk of flood defences being overtopped on the coast and in tidal rivers, especially in East Anglia, particularly the Norfolk Broads and the south coast of Great Yarmouth including Lowestoft, and areas south of this as far as the Coast of Kent."
The high seas and flooding are caused by a combination of a "storm surge" and a spring, or naturally high, tide.
In this case 100mph north westerly winds at the tale end of a huge low pressure near Iceland are blowing down the relatively narrow channel of the North Sea between Norway and Scotland.
These have a funnelling effect, pushing water down the North Sea into the bottleneck that is the Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the English channel.
The water in the southern part of the North Sea has not got enough space to move and so the sea level rises substantially.
John Hammond, spokesman for the Met Office, said: "An event like this probably doesn't happen even once in twenty years."
Norfolk police say they have contingency plans in place to deal with a potential breach of sea defences in Great Yarmouth.
Local authorities are on standby to provide rest centres for residents who are unable to return home because of flood damage.
In Suffolk tides are expected to reach their peak at approximately 7.30am tomorrow.
The local authority advised residents in areas most likely to be vulnerable to flooding to leave their properties and seek shelter outside the affected area.
A number of schools are also expected to be closed tomorrow.
Across Europe, forecasters warned of high winds, extreme snowfall and avalanches.
Dutch port authorities are preparing to close Europe's largest harbour in Rotterdam to defend against predicted storm surges as high as 13ft (4m) and winds of up to 60mph (100 kph).
Gusts of up to 125 kph (78 mph) are expected in Germany and Denmark.
Meanwhile, the first storm of winter has caused major problems in northern parts of Britain as schools were closed and ferry crossings cancelled.
Hundreds of people suffered power cuts and fallen trees blocked roads as gusts up to 90mph battered the far north.
All schools on Orkney were closed, along with 13 in Caithness and Sutherland and a smaller number in Aberdeenshire.
Shoppers in Cheltenham were sent flying as a mini-tornado hit the High Street.
A sudden gale force wind hit the Spa town at around 3pm, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Telegraph
Many folk are going to say this has nothing to do with global warming and is not climate change, but it is yet another "freak" weather event. There seems to be a very great regularity of freak "once in 20 year" events these days!
Another entry into the database...but memorable to the people whose homes and businesses may be flooded, for all the wrong reasons.
Let's hope there is no loss of life.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Is this the week oil hits $100 a Barrel?
They all say oil should not have reached $96 a Barrel - the Saudi oil Minister, the CEO of Shell...
Then at Buckingham Palace last week they sat down to..
"The halal meal started with fillets of sole with salmon mousse to start, followed by venison with stuffed tomatoes and braised lettuce, and a raspberry shortbread tartlet.
Menu
Fillets of sole with salmon mousse and butter sauce
Noisettes of venison with stuffed tomatoes and braised lettuce
Chateau potatoes
Broccoli Hollandaise
Panache of root vegetables
Pear, walnut and celery salad
Raspberry shortbread tartlet
Wines list
Puligny-Montrachet, Les Champs Gain 2000
Bouchard Pere et Fils Chateau Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande 1986
Bollinger Grande Annee 1996
Taylor 1977"
Telegraph.co.uk
Looking good.....
"Gordon Brown, accompanied by his wife, Sarah, wore — for the first time — a white tie and tails, adhering to a dress code set by the Queen. He spent £3,000 of public money on the bespoke suit of plain, dark wool from Gieves & Hawkes."
Telegraph.co.uk
And not a word was mentioned about renewable energy - except maybe quietly amongst guests amid polite "titters".
If only Ann Robinson and Jeremy Paxman had been guests...
"Your starter for 10 King Abdullah.... How do uncontrolled use of fossil fuels intensify global warming leading irreversible climate change?
"Um"?
"King Abdullah, You are the weakest link, Goodbye"
Whilst the personal accumulation of sickening amounts of wealth occupy the thoughts of these people,(the very people who make the decisions that affect us all), what real chance is there for implementing any genuine program to reduce the use of fossil fuels?
Then at Buckingham Palace last week they sat down to..
"The halal meal started with fillets of sole with salmon mousse to start, followed by venison with stuffed tomatoes and braised lettuce, and a raspberry shortbread tartlet.
Menu
Fillets of sole with salmon mousse and butter sauce
Noisettes of venison with stuffed tomatoes and braised lettuce
Chateau potatoes
Broccoli Hollandaise
Panache of root vegetables
Pear, walnut and celery salad
Raspberry shortbread tartlet
Wines list
Puligny-Montrachet, Les Champs Gain 2000
Bouchard Pere et Fils Chateau Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande 1986
Bollinger Grande Annee 1996
Taylor 1977"
Telegraph.co.uk
Looking good.....
"Gordon Brown, accompanied by his wife, Sarah, wore — for the first time — a white tie and tails, adhering to a dress code set by the Queen. He spent £3,000 of public money on the bespoke suit of plain, dark wool from Gieves & Hawkes."
Telegraph.co.uk
And not a word was mentioned about renewable energy - except maybe quietly amongst guests amid polite "titters".
If only Ann Robinson and Jeremy Paxman had been guests...
"Your starter for 10 King Abdullah.... How do uncontrolled use of fossil fuels intensify global warming leading irreversible climate change?
"Um"?
"King Abdullah, You are the weakest link, Goodbye"
Whilst the personal accumulation of sickening amounts of wealth occupy the thoughts of these people,(the very people who make the decisions that affect us all), what real chance is there for implementing any genuine program to reduce the use of fossil fuels?
Saturday, November 3, 2007
"This makes New Orleans look small"
MEXICO
Million Mexicans affected by floods
Sat, 03 Nov 2007
Rescuers on Friday battled to reach people stranded on rooftops as more than one million struggled in the worst floods on record in Mexico's southern Tabasco state and President Felipe Calderon canceled a foreign visit to help.
Television pictures showed people struggling to get to higher ground as rising water levels reached up to their necks. Others awaited rescue on rooftops, surrounded by floodwater.
iafrica.com
Yet another record weather phenomenon - it seems hardly a month goes by now without some sort of record being broken somewhere in the world.
Global warming and climate change are in the news daily and yet the efforts of the people to reduce co2 emissions remain unmeasured and unrecognised.
It is time that we as individuals visibly publicised our committment and activities to reduce our carbon footprints.
The www.reduceco2.co.uk website and bumper sticker can demonstrate your personal involvement in the battle against global warming and climate change.
Enlist today !
Friday, November 2, 2007
www.reduceco2.co.uk bumper sticker now available
You do all the right things. Recycle, compost, use low watt bulbs, eco-diesel etc.
But how do your peers or even more importantly, your customers, know that you are doing all these good things?
Order your www.reduceco2.co.uk bumper sticker today.
The human-induced global warming and climate change crisis is only in its infancy, in the minds of the public. As realisation of the problem grows, so will business and social pressure to reduce co2 emissions in our personal and business lives. In the same way the smoker is now the modern-day leper, so will those not seen to be active in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions be regarded in the future.
Let the www.reduceco2.co.uk bumper sticker be your badge of honour in this war against global warming and climate change!
Met Office sounds warning alarm
Experts warned yesterday that heatwaves that could claim the lives of thousands of people will occur in Britain every other year.
Climate change will mean that within 30 years, scorching summers where temperatures exceed 100F will become routine, increasing the mortality rate, causing crime to rise and the economy to falter.
The warnings came as the Met Office launched a radical new forecasting system utilising the power of the oceans.
In a grim outlook, experts said that businesses would have to adapt swiftly to climate change or go to the wall.
Traders were told that they needed to be aware of the risk that extreme weather could bring to their dealings and change their image.
Consumers were now on the “tipping point” of viewing non-green businesses in the same way as clothing companies accused of using child labour.
Dr Matt Huddlestone, principal climate change consultant at the Met Office, warned that even the worst case scenario – that temperatures would rise by four degees Centigrade by 2100 – might be underestimating the problem.
“We have seen increases in sea levels that are more than we expected and sea ice is diminishing much quicker than our climate models predicted,” he said. “This summer the North-West Passage in the Arctic opened. We had a hot summer in 2003 with the highest temperature ever recorded here of 38.5C (101.3F).
“We thought this was a one in a thousand year event but it happened again in 2006. By now we probably think it is a one in 250 year event and by 2040 it is likely to be a one in two year event.”
Dr Huddlestone warned the heatwaves were likely to have a severe impact on Britons, adding: “It starts to be a little bit uncomfortable at 38.5C.
“In London the mortality rate for elderly people doubled and across Europe that year there were 30,000 deaths. During Hurricane Katrina, 1,300 lives were lost.
“Warmer summers mean diseases could spread to Britain. We have Bluetongue which was not here a year ago and if that can get here then so can others, though malaria is unlikely.”
Dr Huddlestone said levels of crime also soar during hot spells. “People get fractious and if they are fractious they get violent and crime goes up. You can predict crime levels using temperature,” he said.
He warned companies to take into account the effects of climate change now or risk being sued like tobacco firms who ignored cancer risks.
Daily Express - 2nd November 2007
Now when reputedly "stuffy" and cautious organisations like the Met Office start to get this excited about something, you know there is a real problem.
Businesses must adapt or die.
Climate change will mean that within 30 years, scorching summers where temperatures exceed 100F will become routine, increasing the mortality rate, causing crime to rise and the economy to falter.
The warnings came as the Met Office launched a radical new forecasting system utilising the power of the oceans.
In a grim outlook, experts said that businesses would have to adapt swiftly to climate change or go to the wall.
Traders were told that they needed to be aware of the risk that extreme weather could bring to their dealings and change their image.
Consumers were now on the “tipping point” of viewing non-green businesses in the same way as clothing companies accused of using child labour.
Dr Matt Huddlestone, principal climate change consultant at the Met Office, warned that even the worst case scenario – that temperatures would rise by four degees Centigrade by 2100 – might be underestimating the problem.
“We have seen increases in sea levels that are more than we expected and sea ice is diminishing much quicker than our climate models predicted,” he said. “This summer the North-West Passage in the Arctic opened. We had a hot summer in 2003 with the highest temperature ever recorded here of 38.5C (101.3F).
“We thought this was a one in a thousand year event but it happened again in 2006. By now we probably think it is a one in 250 year event and by 2040 it is likely to be a one in two year event.”
Dr Huddlestone warned the heatwaves were likely to have a severe impact on Britons, adding: “It starts to be a little bit uncomfortable at 38.5C.
“In London the mortality rate for elderly people doubled and across Europe that year there were 30,000 deaths. During Hurricane Katrina, 1,300 lives were lost.
“Warmer summers mean diseases could spread to Britain. We have Bluetongue which was not here a year ago and if that can get here then so can others, though malaria is unlikely.”
Dr Huddlestone said levels of crime also soar during hot spells. “People get fractious and if they are fractious they get violent and crime goes up. You can predict crime levels using temperature,” he said.
He warned companies to take into account the effects of climate change now or risk being sued like tobacco firms who ignored cancer risks.
Daily Express - 2nd November 2007
Now when reputedly "stuffy" and cautious organisations like the Met Office start to get this excited about something, you know there is a real problem.
Businesses must adapt or die.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Those in power benefit too much from oil price increases.
As much as I sympathise with your reader, Philip Christensen, his earnest plea for the truth about climate change is destined to fall on deaf ears among the movers and shakers of this world, Unfair to Gore? (October 22).
The reason is simple: to accept honestly the consequences of this man-made calamity would require such profound economic, political and social reforms that the current world dispensation could not escape drastic reshaping. To move from the growth-orientated life philosophy to a steady-state (non-growing) one will be a huge upheaval.
Therefore, we are bound to endure much more of the tug of war between the “concerned world citizens” and the “denialists” for as long as there is even a glimmer of hope that the gathering storm can somehow be weathered with as little deviation from the present course as possible.
No doubt this will ultimately prove impossible — the finite world demands that its boundaries be eventually recognised and respected — and drastic action will then be unavoidable. Even Al Gore is quite aware of this “realpolitik” by advocating primarily technological solutions to contain global warming (his own star would certainly shine much less brightly otherwise).
The only problem with this kind of approach is that for humanity to survive this self-inflicted impasse, it is of the essence not to miss the point of no return. And judging from the accumulating evidence, such time might be only a few short decades away.
So, the real question is: are we capable of the foresight essential for our continued life on this planet?
Ivan Brezovic Mlinaric
Halfway House
Letter in Business Day, RSA.
The crux of the issue is surely not just having the foresight of impending disaster, but the courage to take tough decisions resulting in action by the governments running the planet.
Those in power, have far too much money and power to lose to possess any genuine desire to "bring the party to a close" and need to be removed from power to be replaced by better, truer men and women.
If economic growth is carefully driven by a new breed of leader following policies adhering to sustainable utilisation of resources and the speedy development of new clean energy technologies, then we can defeat Global Warming and the unimaginable consequences of climate change.
It will take action from grass-roots level upwards, to ensure that a new understanding is shared by all the people on the planet insisting that the political will, even more, the absolute obligation of world governments is formulated so as to set aside short-term over-consumption and herald an epoch of sustainable co-existence.
How do we find such people with the moral strength and integrity to lead us?
How do we oust often corrupt and out of touch government officials?
How do we start the process of eradicating over-consumption?
The latter must be through example in our daily lives, each one of us.
www.reduceco2.co.uk is a good place to start to determine how we can influence those around us each day.
As for the other two, suggestions would be gratefully received.
The reason is simple: to accept honestly the consequences of this man-made calamity would require such profound economic, political and social reforms that the current world dispensation could not escape drastic reshaping. To move from the growth-orientated life philosophy to a steady-state (non-growing) one will be a huge upheaval.
Therefore, we are bound to endure much more of the tug of war between the “concerned world citizens” and the “denialists” for as long as there is even a glimmer of hope that the gathering storm can somehow be weathered with as little deviation from the present course as possible.
No doubt this will ultimately prove impossible — the finite world demands that its boundaries be eventually recognised and respected — and drastic action will then be unavoidable. Even Al Gore is quite aware of this “realpolitik” by advocating primarily technological solutions to contain global warming (his own star would certainly shine much less brightly otherwise).
The only problem with this kind of approach is that for humanity to survive this self-inflicted impasse, it is of the essence not to miss the point of no return. And judging from the accumulating evidence, such time might be only a few short decades away.
So, the real question is: are we capable of the foresight essential for our continued life on this planet?
Ivan Brezovic Mlinaric
Halfway House
Letter in Business Day, RSA.
The crux of the issue is surely not just having the foresight of impending disaster, but the courage to take tough decisions resulting in action by the governments running the planet.
Those in power, have far too much money and power to lose to possess any genuine desire to "bring the party to a close" and need to be removed from power to be replaced by better, truer men and women.
If economic growth is carefully driven by a new breed of leader following policies adhering to sustainable utilisation of resources and the speedy development of new clean energy technologies, then we can defeat Global Warming and the unimaginable consequences of climate change.
It will take action from grass-roots level upwards, to ensure that a new understanding is shared by all the people on the planet insisting that the political will, even more, the absolute obligation of world governments is formulated so as to set aside short-term over-consumption and herald an epoch of sustainable co-existence.
How do we find such people with the moral strength and integrity to lead us?
How do we oust often corrupt and out of touch government officials?
How do we start the process of eradicating over-consumption?
The latter must be through example in our daily lives, each one of us.
www.reduceco2.co.uk is a good place to start to determine how we can influence those around us each day.
As for the other two, suggestions would be gratefully received.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Five positives about the Springboks beating England
A beautiful Sunday morning. Sunny, still air, yet something hung over the UK like a shadow. Yes, England lost to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final last night in Paris.
A list of five positives to draw from last night.
1. The Boks wore Green - an environmentally friendly colour.
2. England played like Lions and demonstrated massive guts.
3. The French took defeat on the chin and still held a fantastic tournament.
4. No crowd trouble whatsoever - why can't football fans learn from this?
5. Another opportunity for South Africa to unite as a rainbow nation.
The last 6 weeks has been a treat for all who watched and showed the very best of what we can do as humans, even when the chips are down.
Now, can Gordon Brown use his attendance to fuel his imagination of how to address the problems we face in the UK, particularly with regard to striking a balance between a sustainable environment and prosperity.
He did not look too pleased to be there, but was still more gracious than John Howard 4 years ago.
Congratulations to South Africa - the best side at RWC 2007.
A list of five positives to draw from last night.
1. The Boks wore Green - an environmentally friendly colour.
2. England played like Lions and demonstrated massive guts.
3. The French took defeat on the chin and still held a fantastic tournament.
4. No crowd trouble whatsoever - why can't football fans learn from this?
5. Another opportunity for South Africa to unite as a rainbow nation.
The last 6 weeks has been a treat for all who watched and showed the very best of what we can do as humans, even when the chips are down.
Now, can Gordon Brown use his attendance to fuel his imagination of how to address the problems we face in the UK, particularly with regard to striking a balance between a sustainable environment and prosperity.
He did not look too pleased to be there, but was still more gracious than John Howard 4 years ago.
Congratulations to South Africa - the best side at RWC 2007.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Fear of the future widespread in primary schools
So I am not alone.
Many harked back to a golden age not so long ago "when they roamed the streets, fields and woods unsupervised and without regard for traffic or strangers, and had ample time to do so".
Teachers condemned the tests and deplored "the national obsession" with celebrity, transient values and consumerism.
The report concluded that prospects for the society and world that young children will inherit look "increasingly perilous".
Prof Alexander said that, having travelled around the country to speak to people "inside and outside of education", he and his team had found "unease about the present and pessimism about the future".
BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7039966.stm
A Word Association Game
Plastic
Plastic - Carbon - Oil - Credit Cards - the Spice Girls boobs - Global Warming - Climate Change - War - "anxiety haunts primary schools".
The vast majority of plastics are composed of polymers of carbon and hydrogen alone or with oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine or sulfur in the backbone.
"Teachers condemned the tests and deplored "the national obsession" with celebrity, transient values and consumerism."
How do we stop the juggernaut of celebrity, transient values and consumerism?
Surely mankind is not so blind as to continue to worship these petty individuals with no message beyond cosmetic appeal and unfettered greed?
A good place to start would be with the media, who fashion these golden calves that 21st century man idolises!
How is the recycling going?
Denny
Many harked back to a golden age not so long ago "when they roamed the streets, fields and woods unsupervised and without regard for traffic or strangers, and had ample time to do so".
Teachers condemned the tests and deplored "the national obsession" with celebrity, transient values and consumerism.
The report concluded that prospects for the society and world that young children will inherit look "increasingly perilous".
Prof Alexander said that, having travelled around the country to speak to people "inside and outside of education", he and his team had found "unease about the present and pessimism about the future".
BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7039966.stm
A Word Association Game
Plastic
Plastic - Carbon - Oil - Credit Cards - the Spice Girls boobs - Global Warming - Climate Change - War - "anxiety haunts primary schools".
The vast majority of plastics are composed of polymers of carbon and hydrogen alone or with oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine or sulfur in the backbone.
"Teachers condemned the tests and deplored "the national obsession" with celebrity, transient values and consumerism."
How do we stop the juggernaut of celebrity, transient values and consumerism?
Surely mankind is not so blind as to continue to worship these petty individuals with no message beyond cosmetic appeal and unfettered greed?
A good place to start would be with the media, who fashion these golden calves that 21st century man idolises!
How is the recycling going?
Denny
Thursday, October 11, 2007
In the Press today - Climate Change and Global Warming allowed in schools.
So Al Gore's movie will be permitted to be broadcast in secondary schools, despite 9 scientific errors.
These errors are of timing as opposed to content. I wonder if the individual bringing the action, (a Mr. Dimmock) to prevent broadcast could not have spent £200,000 on achieving something positive, other than swelling the stocks of claret in the wine cellars of the lawyers involved?
Marcus Brigstocke, writing in the Daily Telegraph, (the online edition is environmentally better of course)has been seeking the funny side of human-induced climate change.
He says upon reflection, he thinks mankind a "brilliant animal"?
As an alien living on the planet, one would fall about in inter-galactic hysterical laughter.
A tiny minority of mankind demonstrate brilliance and vision; the remainder bullock through life in an orgy of greed-fueled desire, consumption and waste.
Locust-like, these brilliant animals consume everything with zero regard for sustainability.
When resources are depleted, man will turn upon his neighbour to grab what little he has left. A few brilliant minds can't undo the ignorance of billions!
Surely, lifestyle changes must come from our own choices and not from Government- induced modifications via taxation, which Marcus seems to feel would be best.
Denny
These errors are of timing as opposed to content. I wonder if the individual bringing the action, (a Mr. Dimmock) to prevent broadcast could not have spent £200,000 on achieving something positive, other than swelling the stocks of claret in the wine cellars of the lawyers involved?
Marcus Brigstocke, writing in the Daily Telegraph, (the online edition is environmentally better of course)has been seeking the funny side of human-induced climate change.
He says upon reflection, he thinks mankind a "brilliant animal"?
As an alien living on the planet, one would fall about in inter-galactic hysterical laughter.
A tiny minority of mankind demonstrate brilliance and vision; the remainder bullock through life in an orgy of greed-fueled desire, consumption and waste.
Locust-like, these brilliant animals consume everything with zero regard for sustainability.
When resources are depleted, man will turn upon his neighbour to grab what little he has left. A few brilliant minds can't undo the ignorance of billions!
Surely, lifestyle changes must come from our own choices and not from Government- induced modifications via taxation, which Marcus seems to feel would be best.
Denny
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Angela Merkel discovers climate change peril in S. Africa.
CAPETOWN, South Africa (AFP) - Climate change is already happening in South Africa, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday during a visit to a biodiversity centre in Capetown.
"You can see that climate change is already a reality here," said Merkel, as she visited Biota Africa, a centre where German and South African scientists conduct research on African climate change.
"Climate change is more obvious in South Africa than in Germany," she said.
"If the temperature rises seven degrees in South Africa, then it is too late," said Merkel, on her third day of her South African visit.
AFP
Have you ever experienced a Highveld thunderstorm?
Climate Change is not new. As many sceptics about human-accelerated global warming point out, over thousands, even millions of years, the world climate has been constantly changing.
The thing is that ice core samples prove major increases in harmful greenhouse gases in relatively a very short space of time. What we are also witnessing is a greater frequency of freak weather all over the world.
This is not just due to the latest communication technology broadcasting horrific pictures of devastation from all points of the compass, but in our own lifetimes we are able to recognise distinct noticeable changes.
30 years ago in Johannesburg, people used to set their watches by the summer afternoon thunderstorm. Lightning strikes used to cause havoc to overhead telephone wires! Not only have most of the telephone cables gone underground, but no longer do these quaint old sayings ring true. Today South Africa experiences far greater extremes of heat and rain than it used to.
Add to this mix the increase in poverty and displaced peoples living on flood plains and other dangerous areas. Sadly, you end up with more regular loss of life and more heartbreaking pictures in the media.
It is in these developing areas of the world that global warming will accelerate climate change and cause the most significant problems. These countries are already battling to cope with major catastrophes from diseases such as HIV and malaria.
Angela Merkel has traveled to Africa this week and witnessed the potential for calamity that climate change poses for the Continent's population.
One has little faith in Europe's leaders having the commitment to shift the focus of their dash for oil and do more than pay lip service to renewable energy, but just maybe a woman will possess the qualities required to point the way ahead.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Does Gordon Brown actually care about Renewable Energy?
Householders have all but abandoned their efforts to go green by using renewable technologies such as solar power, because the government's tightening of the rules has made grants almost impossible to obtain.
Since its relaunch in May when the grant money available was drastically reduced to a maximum £2,500 a home from £15,000, and the rules under which money can be claimed were tightened up, many frustrated householders have simply given up on the scheme, Labour MP Lynne Jones says.
The Guardian - 01/10/07
Iraq
As the executives toasted one another with cocktails sponsored by Lukoil at the Iraq Petroleum 2007 conference in Dubai earlier this month, ordinary Iraqis were living in a state of emergency. Oxfam reports that 28 per cent of the country's children are malnourished, that four million people regularly can't buy enough to eat, and that 70 per cent are without adequate water supplies. With 60,000 Iraqis fleeing their homes each month and reports of an average of 62 violent deaths per day, the soft carpets, piped music and quiet deal-making at the Hyatt Regency hotel were a world away from occupied Iraq.
Iraq, with proven reserves of 115 billion barrels represents the biggest untapped oil and gas market on the planet. Iraqi oil production stands at just 2.5 per cent of the world's total even though the country possesses 10 per cent (or potentially double that, according to some estimates) of global reserves. With just 4 per cent of the world's oil in the hands of multinationals and a growing trend for nationalisation in countries from Venezuela to Kazakhstan, Iraq is seen by many international groups as their best chance to turn the tables.
The Independent - 30/09/07
Global Warming, Climate Change and Renewable Energy Sources Ignored
Where does the UK Government focus it's efforts? Sending troops to their deaths to secure a slice of the Oil reserve underneath Iraq and spending countless millions of taxpayers money to do it. In the event of a snap General Election,the Tories would do well to remind the electorate that the Labour Government lied to them over Iraq and got Britain involved in a 21st Century Vietnam.
2% of UK energy from renewable sources, instead of the agreed 20% ! One has to wonder who the "Dick Cheney" of the UK Oil Business/government is? And what inducements the politicians have been offered to ignore the renewable sector?
Since its relaunch in May when the grant money available was drastically reduced to a maximum £2,500 a home from £15,000, and the rules under which money can be claimed were tightened up, many frustrated householders have simply given up on the scheme, Labour MP Lynne Jones says.
The Guardian - 01/10/07
Iraq
As the executives toasted one another with cocktails sponsored by Lukoil at the Iraq Petroleum 2007 conference in Dubai earlier this month, ordinary Iraqis were living in a state of emergency. Oxfam reports that 28 per cent of the country's children are malnourished, that four million people regularly can't buy enough to eat, and that 70 per cent are without adequate water supplies. With 60,000 Iraqis fleeing their homes each month and reports of an average of 62 violent deaths per day, the soft carpets, piped music and quiet deal-making at the Hyatt Regency hotel were a world away from occupied Iraq.
Iraq, with proven reserves of 115 billion barrels represents the biggest untapped oil and gas market on the planet. Iraqi oil production stands at just 2.5 per cent of the world's total even though the country possesses 10 per cent (or potentially double that, according to some estimates) of global reserves. With just 4 per cent of the world's oil in the hands of multinationals and a growing trend for nationalisation in countries from Venezuela to Kazakhstan, Iraq is seen by many international groups as their best chance to turn the tables.
The Independent - 30/09/07
Global Warming, Climate Change and Renewable Energy Sources Ignored
Where does the UK Government focus it's efforts? Sending troops to their deaths to secure a slice of the Oil reserve underneath Iraq and spending countless millions of taxpayers money to do it. In the event of a snap General Election,the Tories would do well to remind the electorate that the Labour Government lied to them over Iraq and got Britain involved in a 21st Century Vietnam.
2% of UK energy from renewable sources, instead of the agreed 20% ! One has to wonder who the "Dick Cheney" of the UK Oil Business/government is? And what inducements the politicians have been offered to ignore the renewable sector?
Monday, October 1, 2007
Will UK Government cut fuel duty 50%?
Tax rise fuels petrol price fears
The increase in fuel duty came into effect at midnight
Petrol prices could surge to near record highs from after the government's 2p rise in fuel duty came into effect on Monday morning.
The 2p increase could push up the average price of unleaded petrol to about 98p, while diesel could exceed £1 if the cost is passed on to motorists.
The increase, in line with inflation, was first announced in Gordon Brown's 2007 Budget when he was chancellor.
The duty rise comes amid soaring oil prices and high borrowing costs.
BBC
Well, the Government say this rise in duty is something they feel good about, because of the positive message for energy awareness it conveys. So we should all feel good and possibly grateful too!!! After all, this bitter medicine is to help save us from global warming and resultant climate change.
Not only is the UK motorist paying far more fuel duty than many similar countries do already, but oil is at record highs, creating a double whammy. But our CO2 emissions will hopefully be reduced.
So, as oil continues its inexorable march to higher prices over the next few years, will the British Government be able to blatantly continue to increase fuel duties without howls of protest and even public rebellion? Most likely, NO!
The Prime Minister has become the "King of Stealth" during his 10 years as Chancellor and we must expect a strategy of introducing new technology to raise revenue, supported by dire forecasts of gloom for the planet.
He will have stark options:
1. To carry on raising traditional duties and face major dissent.
2. To increase taxation in other sectors to sudsidise fuel duties.
3. To fox the public with an offer we don't quite fully understand!
Telling us to go to Hell so we all look forward to the trip !
The widespread introduction of SPECS monitoring systems mean that the basis upon which we pay for road use can be radically altered, to something many believe is a far fairer system. Pay according to your individual usage.
So imagine the reaction of the public when we are told that we have the choice as to how many miles we drive; our road fund licence charge will be in accordance with what type of vehicle we choose to drive about in; and petrol and diesel duties will be drastically cut, to say 50p per litre.
I can see this almost being applauded by a public who want to have more say in what they pay out. Rest assured,(as with all businesses behind the glitz of casinos), the odds will be heavily in favour for the Government to turn over a Blackjack.
And many of the British people may lose their shirts without realising it.
Tip of the Day; Look ahead, start reducing your consumption, live sustainably and the be ready for the energy, global warming and climate change spiral that lies ahead.
Denny
The increase in fuel duty came into effect at midnight
Petrol prices could surge to near record highs from after the government's 2p rise in fuel duty came into effect on Monday morning.
The 2p increase could push up the average price of unleaded petrol to about 98p, while diesel could exceed £1 if the cost is passed on to motorists.
The increase, in line with inflation, was first announced in Gordon Brown's 2007 Budget when he was chancellor.
The duty rise comes amid soaring oil prices and high borrowing costs.
BBC
Well, the Government say this rise in duty is something they feel good about, because of the positive message for energy awareness it conveys. So we should all feel good and possibly grateful too!!! After all, this bitter medicine is to help save us from global warming and resultant climate change.
Not only is the UK motorist paying far more fuel duty than many similar countries do already, but oil is at record highs, creating a double whammy. But our CO2 emissions will hopefully be reduced.
So, as oil continues its inexorable march to higher prices over the next few years, will the British Government be able to blatantly continue to increase fuel duties without howls of protest and even public rebellion? Most likely, NO!
The Prime Minister has become the "King of Stealth" during his 10 years as Chancellor and we must expect a strategy of introducing new technology to raise revenue, supported by dire forecasts of gloom for the planet.
He will have stark options:
1. To carry on raising traditional duties and face major dissent.
2. To increase taxation in other sectors to sudsidise fuel duties.
3. To fox the public with an offer we don't quite fully understand!
Telling us to go to Hell so we all look forward to the trip !
The widespread introduction of SPECS monitoring systems mean that the basis upon which we pay for road use can be radically altered, to something many believe is a far fairer system. Pay according to your individual usage.
So imagine the reaction of the public when we are told that we have the choice as to how many miles we drive; our road fund licence charge will be in accordance with what type of vehicle we choose to drive about in; and petrol and diesel duties will be drastically cut, to say 50p per litre.
I can see this almost being applauded by a public who want to have more say in what they pay out. Rest assured,(as with all businesses behind the glitz of casinos), the odds will be heavily in favour for the Government to turn over a Blackjack.
And many of the British people may lose their shirts without realising it.
Tip of the Day; Look ahead, start reducing your consumption, live sustainably and the be ready for the energy, global warming and climate change spiral that lies ahead.
Denny
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Use the Internet to speak out
Burma is in the news and the UN waffles in the severest terms. Mugabe is stealing everything with any value in Zimbabwe and getting away with it, whilst African leaders either applaud or "energetically" use quiet diplomacy to stop him - quiet diplomacy is political-speak for "do bugger all whilst planning my next overseas trip with my mistress."
Politicians to a man or woman suffer from the same malady, whether in Africa, Europe or America. This is a self-belief in their own importance and the deservedness of the special, frequently luxurious lifestyle now availed to them.
As a sometime voter, I actually do not care whether my elected representative and servant to the people is revered by his fellows for fine clothes, expensive vehicles, the coolest, toughest-looking bodyguards and often gorgeous, "obliging" political assistants to accompany him or her on their travels.
But go to Westminster, the UN in New York or even the Kremlin and you will immediately notice the aura of power. The atmosphere is far from that of diligent public servants of humanity attempting to make a better world for all the inhabitants they represent. A combination of fashion show and fine wine club, with a whiff of armaments fair would be more accurate.
This charade, whilst in many parts of the globe, young children starve, women are raped and monks are beaten to death as a result of political agendas.
We face a threat to the very survival of our species in the form of global warming and climate change, that in terms of the time lines of our planet, is upon us now. The response from our illustrious fat-cat politicians, is to place flags beneath the North pole; to eye Iranian oil and gas reserves, whilst planning attack; to supply Typhoon fighters to oil rich nations and blatantly overlook proven corruption.
I am so sick of hearing, watching and reading about one group of people getting it over another group of people.
Is it beyond us to unite as a species to tackle the real threats for the future of us all. Global Warming - Climate Change - Energy Starvation - Population Explosion.
Since the industrial revolution we have grabbed and consumed the world's resources with all the restraint of a binge-drinker in a distillery !
The seas are bare of fish, oil has peaked and yet we seem intent on charging over the environmental cliff like drug crazed Lemmings. And for most of us, ours is a complicity in this process, through total apathy.
We need to tell the elected leaders of the World what we ordinary, less privileged citizens DEMAND of them. And the great news is, we all have access to the tool to do it - the Internet.
Never before in history has it been possible for people around the world, with just one common thread, humanity, to join together and impose their will on shoddy world leaders. Make your voice heard. Email your friends, wherever they may be. Use blogs, letters to the press, anything and everything available to speak out; but do not do NOTHING. Remember, the dinosaurs were once top of the food chain!
Time to stop and think...and for Homo sapiens to start really living again !
Politicians to a man or woman suffer from the same malady, whether in Africa, Europe or America. This is a self-belief in their own importance and the deservedness of the special, frequently luxurious lifestyle now availed to them.
As a sometime voter, I actually do not care whether my elected representative and servant to the people is revered by his fellows for fine clothes, expensive vehicles, the coolest, toughest-looking bodyguards and often gorgeous, "obliging" political assistants to accompany him or her on their travels.
But go to Westminster, the UN in New York or even the Kremlin and you will immediately notice the aura of power. The atmosphere is far from that of diligent public servants of humanity attempting to make a better world for all the inhabitants they represent. A combination of fashion show and fine wine club, with a whiff of armaments fair would be more accurate.
This charade, whilst in many parts of the globe, young children starve, women are raped and monks are beaten to death as a result of political agendas.
We face a threat to the very survival of our species in the form of global warming and climate change, that in terms of the time lines of our planet, is upon us now. The response from our illustrious fat-cat politicians, is to place flags beneath the North pole; to eye Iranian oil and gas reserves, whilst planning attack; to supply Typhoon fighters to oil rich nations and blatantly overlook proven corruption.
I am so sick of hearing, watching and reading about one group of people getting it over another group of people.
Is it beyond us to unite as a species to tackle the real threats for the future of us all. Global Warming - Climate Change - Energy Starvation - Population Explosion.
Since the industrial revolution we have grabbed and consumed the world's resources with all the restraint of a binge-drinker in a distillery !
The seas are bare of fish, oil has peaked and yet we seem intent on charging over the environmental cliff like drug crazed Lemmings. And for most of us, ours is a complicity in this process, through total apathy.
We need to tell the elected leaders of the World what we ordinary, less privileged citizens DEMAND of them. And the great news is, we all have access to the tool to do it - the Internet.
Never before in history has it been possible for people around the world, with just one common thread, humanity, to join together and impose their will on shoddy world leaders. Make your voice heard. Email your friends, wherever they may be. Use blogs, letters to the press, anything and everything available to speak out; but do not do NOTHING. Remember, the dinosaurs were once top of the food chain!
Time to stop and think...and for Homo sapiens to start really living again !
Thursday, September 27, 2007
£40 000 Grant for Green Community Project
Grant for green community project in Devon.
A small community has been given more than £40,000 to set up a renewable energy initiative.
The Beech Hill Community in Devon will be powered by its own wind turbine, solar panels and log-fuelled boiler.
They have been given £35,600 from the EDF Energy Green Fund and £7,000 from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.
The 14-strong group who live at a large house at Morchard Bishop set in seven acres have taken out a loan to fund the remainder of the £90,000 project.
Residents at Beech Hill already grow their own fruit and vegetables, eat communal meals, host a village composting site, car share, recycle waste, keep chickens and use a natural sewage treatment system. The group said renewable energy had to be their next step.
BBC
There are a number of funding organisations offering money to assist in green energy projects. In the long run, not only will this community live without adding to the greenhouse gases, global warming and climate change, but will not be having to pay out the quarterly electricity and gas bills the rest of us do.
If they had to borrow £50 000 to pay for the balance of the equipment, that could be financed off a mortgage scheme, with a monthly repayment in £350 region.
Now the average family of 4 pay £150 a month for energy, so when you consider that 14 are being provided with energy for a hypothetical £350 a month, it is economically sound to make this shift in energy source.
It is important not to ignore the potential for funding and tax breaks on offer to businesses and residences for implementing state of the art green energy technology.
Start by doing a carbon footprint calculation today.
Denny
A small community has been given more than £40,000 to set up a renewable energy initiative.
The Beech Hill Community in Devon will be powered by its own wind turbine, solar panels and log-fuelled boiler.
They have been given £35,600 from the EDF Energy Green Fund and £7,000 from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.
The 14-strong group who live at a large house at Morchard Bishop set in seven acres have taken out a loan to fund the remainder of the £90,000 project.
Residents at Beech Hill already grow their own fruit and vegetables, eat communal meals, host a village composting site, car share, recycle waste, keep chickens and use a natural sewage treatment system. The group said renewable energy had to be their next step.
BBC
There are a number of funding organisations offering money to assist in green energy projects. In the long run, not only will this community live without adding to the greenhouse gases, global warming and climate change, but will not be having to pay out the quarterly electricity and gas bills the rest of us do.
If they had to borrow £50 000 to pay for the balance of the equipment, that could be financed off a mortgage scheme, with a monthly repayment in £350 region.
Now the average family of 4 pay £150 a month for energy, so when you consider that 14 are being provided with energy for a hypothetical £350 a month, it is economically sound to make this shift in energy source.
It is important not to ignore the potential for funding and tax breaks on offer to businesses and residences for implementing state of the art green energy technology.
Start by doing a carbon footprint calculation today.
Denny
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Do Women hold the Keys to Reducing Carbon Footprints
Latest research indicates women between 25 and 50 spend more time on the Internet than men in the same age brackets.
Women in many households are strong influencers in the choice of domestic appliances, cars, in fact almost all lifestyle related decisions.
"Mother" Nature reflects the female nurturing role in regards to life and the environment.
So clearly, all the evidence is that women hold a unique balance of qualification, experience and influence to direct the assault upon global warming and climate change.
Are you up to the challenge, girls?
Denny
Women in many households are strong influencers in the choice of domestic appliances, cars, in fact almost all lifestyle related decisions.
"Mother" Nature reflects the female nurturing role in regards to life and the environment.
So clearly, all the evidence is that women hold a unique balance of qualification, experience and influence to direct the assault upon global warming and climate change.
Are you up to the challenge, girls?
Denny
Skin Treatment needed to offset damage from Ozone depletion, aggravated by Global Warming.
The Hole in the Ozone Layer
Reducing our carbon footprints and co2 emissions are hot news these days. The hole in the Ozone Layer was in the news long before climate change and global warming became the tags applied to our collective worries about the harm mankind was doing to the atmosphere.
The Ozone Layer absorbs between 97% and 99% of the Sun's high frequency ultra-violet light, UV, which is linked to increases in the frequency of skin cancer.
The influence of global warming and climate change upon the Ozone layer, is only recently becoming clearer.
Stratospheric winds: every 26 months the tropical winds in the lower stratosphere change from easterly to westerly and then back again, an event called the Quasi-biennial Oscillation (QBO). The QBO causes ozone values at a particular latitude to expand and contract roughly 3%. Since stratospheric winds move ozone, not destroy it, the loss of one latitude is the gain of another and globally the effects cancel out.
Greenhouse gases: to the degree that greenhouse gases might heat the planet and alter weather patterns, the magnitude of the stratospheric winds will certainly be affected. Some of the more popular scenarios of global warming predict cooler stratospheric temperatures, but more research needs to be done to vindicate these predictions.
Ozone gas is created by UV radiation from the Sun and fluctuates according to an 11 year cycle. High solar activity is linked to an increase in ozone, but man-made chemicals, such as CFC's, as well as chlorine and bromine, destroy Ozone through a photo-chemical process, leading to less UV light being absorbed and potentially increased resultant temperatures.
Ozone depletion can be significantly reduced by a major limitation to CFC production. Health care costs of skin treatments necessary due to UV damage will be cut and much suffering alleviated.
Identifying and acting upon problems that have achievable solutions, from an economic and life quality viewpoint, are key to success. It is hard to sell the current generation unpalatable lifestyles or economic hardships simply for the benefit of "future generations". The perils of global warming and climate change must become personalised, with people claiming ownership to creating a bright future for their own offspring, at the forefront.
Reducing our carbon footprints and co2 emissions are hot news these days. The hole in the Ozone Layer was in the news long before climate change and global warming became the tags applied to our collective worries about the harm mankind was doing to the atmosphere.
The Ozone Layer absorbs between 97% and 99% of the Sun's high frequency ultra-violet light, UV, which is linked to increases in the frequency of skin cancer.
The influence of global warming and climate change upon the Ozone layer, is only recently becoming clearer.
Stratospheric winds: every 26 months the tropical winds in the lower stratosphere change from easterly to westerly and then back again, an event called the Quasi-biennial Oscillation (QBO). The QBO causes ozone values at a particular latitude to expand and contract roughly 3%. Since stratospheric winds move ozone, not destroy it, the loss of one latitude is the gain of another and globally the effects cancel out.
Greenhouse gases: to the degree that greenhouse gases might heat the planet and alter weather patterns, the magnitude of the stratospheric winds will certainly be affected. Some of the more popular scenarios of global warming predict cooler stratospheric temperatures, but more research needs to be done to vindicate these predictions.
Ozone gas is created by UV radiation from the Sun and fluctuates according to an 11 year cycle. High solar activity is linked to an increase in ozone, but man-made chemicals, such as CFC's, as well as chlorine and bromine, destroy Ozone through a photo-chemical process, leading to less UV light being absorbed and potentially increased resultant temperatures.
Ozone depletion can be significantly reduced by a major limitation to CFC production. Health care costs of skin treatments necessary due to UV damage will be cut and much suffering alleviated.
Identifying and acting upon problems that have achievable solutions, from an economic and life quality viewpoint, are key to success. It is hard to sell the current generation unpalatable lifestyles or economic hardships simply for the benefit of "future generations". The perils of global warming and climate change must become personalised, with people claiming ownership to creating a bright future for their own offspring, at the forefront.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Huge effort urged on global warming.
The US needs to unleash “the greatest concentration of economic activity since we mobilised for World War II” by embracing new energy technology and regulatory incentives to tackle global warming, according to former US president Bill Clinton.
Speaking to the Financial Times on the eve of the Clinton Global Initiative – the annual New York conference of the ex-president’s global business philanthropy group – Mr Clinton strongly disputed the view that tackling climate change would reduce economic growth.
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He contradicted a recent United Nations report that said tackling global warming would involve a sacrifice in economic growth. Mr Clinton also sided with China and India, which he said could not fairly be expected to cut their carbon emissions un-less wealthy countries such as the US first took the lead.
Later this week, George W. Bush is to host a Washington summit on global warming, which will include the leaders of India and China. The CGI is also focusing on climate change in addition to global health, education and poverty alleviation. Mr Clinton will host his first Asian CGI – in Hong Kong – next year.
“There’s way more economic opportunity than cost here, and I think unless we take the lead in the United States, we’ll never get the Indians and the Chinese to do it,” said Mr Clinton.
“But we will never be able to persuade them of that until we put our money where our mouth is . . . There’s money in this. This is economically smart.”
Citing a recent CGI initiative in which Mr Clinton persuaded five banks to stump up $5bn (€3.5bn, £2.5bn) to refit urban buildings that would be paid back by utility savings over time, Mr Clinton said the US should move rapidly to upgrade its regulatory targets to improve energy efficiency.
He cited the UK and Denmark as having created new jobs through new technology investments that had enabled them to avoid the stagnation in median wages that had affected America’s middle classes since 2000.
“In this decade, the UK has had rising median incomes and no increase in inequality because they’ve found a source of new jobs.”
He said Europe’s better focus on energy efficiency explained why it had created 13m new jobs between 2000 and 2005 compared with 8m in the US.
By Chrystia Freeland and Edward Luce in New York
Published: September 23 2007 19:51 | Last updated: September 23 2007 19:51
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
May the ordinary citizens start to show the politicians the way ahead.
Denny
Speaking to the Financial Times on the eve of the Clinton Global Initiative – the annual New York conference of the ex-president’s global business philanthropy group – Mr Clinton strongly disputed the view that tackling climate change would reduce economic growth.
ADVERTISEMENT
He contradicted a recent United Nations report that said tackling global warming would involve a sacrifice in economic growth. Mr Clinton also sided with China and India, which he said could not fairly be expected to cut their carbon emissions un-less wealthy countries such as the US first took the lead.
Later this week, George W. Bush is to host a Washington summit on global warming, which will include the leaders of India and China. The CGI is also focusing on climate change in addition to global health, education and poverty alleviation. Mr Clinton will host his first Asian CGI – in Hong Kong – next year.
“There’s way more economic opportunity than cost here, and I think unless we take the lead in the United States, we’ll never get the Indians and the Chinese to do it,” said Mr Clinton.
“But we will never be able to persuade them of that until we put our money where our mouth is . . . There’s money in this. This is economically smart.”
Citing a recent CGI initiative in which Mr Clinton persuaded five banks to stump up $5bn (€3.5bn, £2.5bn) to refit urban buildings that would be paid back by utility savings over time, Mr Clinton said the US should move rapidly to upgrade its regulatory targets to improve energy efficiency.
He cited the UK and Denmark as having created new jobs through new technology investments that had enabled them to avoid the stagnation in median wages that had affected America’s middle classes since 2000.
“In this decade, the UK has had rising median incomes and no increase in inequality because they’ve found a source of new jobs.”
He said Europe’s better focus on energy efficiency explained why it had created 13m new jobs between 2000 and 2005 compared with 8m in the US.
By Chrystia Freeland and Edward Luce in New York
Published: September 23 2007 19:51 | Last updated: September 23 2007 19:51
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
May the ordinary citizens start to show the politicians the way ahead.
Denny
Parts of UK struck by Tornadoes !
Tornadoes hit UK
A series of tornadoes has struck communities across England, damaging homes and vehicles and uprooting trees.
The Met Office confirmed that a squall hit Northampton, where falling branches damaged an empty school bus.
It also said that a violent storm damaged gardens and homes in Luton, Bedfordshire. Part of a factory roof was blown off in Breaston, Derbyshire.
BBC
Just another normal Autumn day in U.K.
PS: Don't mention climate change!
Denny
A series of tornadoes has struck communities across England, damaging homes and vehicles and uprooting trees.
The Met Office confirmed that a squall hit Northampton, where falling branches damaged an empty school bus.
It also said that a violent storm damaged gardens and homes in Luton, Bedfordshire. Part of a factory roof was blown off in Breaston, Derbyshire.
BBC
Just another normal Autumn day in U.K.
PS: Don't mention climate change!
Denny
Should we prepare for Huge Increases in Oil and Gas Prices?
I wrote my blog the other day without knowledge of this article being published in the Independent on Sunday. Seems I am not the only one thinking upon these lines.
Oil industry 'sleepwalking into crisis'
Former Shell chairman says that diminishing resources could push price of crude to $150 a barrel
Lord Oxburgh, the former chairman of Shell, has issued a stark warning that the price of oil could hit $150 per barrel, with oil production peaking within the next 20 years.
He accused the industry of having its head "in the sand" about the depletion of supplies, and warned: "We may be sleepwalking into a problem which is actually going to be very serious and it may be too late to do anything about it by the time we are fully aware."
In an interview with The Independent on Sunday ahead of his address to the Association for the Study of Peak Oil in Ireland this week, Lord Oxburgh, one of the most respected names in the energy industry, said a rapid increase in the price of oil was inevitable as demand continued to outstrip supply. He said: "We can probably go on extracting oil from the ground for a very long time, but it is going to get very expensive indeed.
"And once you see oil prices in excess of $100 or $150 a barrel, the alternatives simply become more attractive on price grounds if on no others."
Lord Oxburgh added that oil majors must invest more heavily in developing viable alternatives to oil and gas. "If you look at it from oil companies' point of view, effectively what they're doing at the moment is continuing business as usual, and sticking their toes in the water in a number of areas which might become important in future.
"But at present there is a relatively poor business case for making significantly greater investment in these new areas."
Commenting on whether "peak oil" – the point when global oil production goes into terminal decline – was likely to be reached in the near future, he said: "In a way it scarcely matters; what really matters is the gap between production and demand. I don't know whether there is going to be a peak in world oil production, whether it's going to plateau and then slowly come down.
"It could well plateau within the next 20 years, and I guess I would be surprised if it hadn't."
By David Strahan and Andrew Murray-Watson
Independent Newspaper - 17th September 2007
A gradual change in the way we live will help ease our path to these inescapable facts. What can we do now?
1. Insulate the house and lower the central heating thermostat 1 degree.
2. Buy a smaller, ideally diesel engine car, drive slower, accelerate more gradually.
3. Car share to work. 71% of UK employees go to work by car. (RAC survey)
4. Make a habit to walk and cycle short journeys.
5. Replace light bulbs with low wattage types - they are now getting much cheaper.
They also last much longer!
These suggestions not only make financial sense, but will help reduce co2 emissions and global warming rates, thereby impacting upon climate change.
Small changes that will make a long term difference. Most habits are sub-conscious, so perhaps the answer is to try to adopt some good ones?
Denny
Oil industry 'sleepwalking into crisis'
Former Shell chairman says that diminishing resources could push price of crude to $150 a barrel
Lord Oxburgh, the former chairman of Shell, has issued a stark warning that the price of oil could hit $150 per barrel, with oil production peaking within the next 20 years.
He accused the industry of having its head "in the sand" about the depletion of supplies, and warned: "We may be sleepwalking into a problem which is actually going to be very serious and it may be too late to do anything about it by the time we are fully aware."
In an interview with The Independent on Sunday ahead of his address to the Association for the Study of Peak Oil in Ireland this week, Lord Oxburgh, one of the most respected names in the energy industry, said a rapid increase in the price of oil was inevitable as demand continued to outstrip supply. He said: "We can probably go on extracting oil from the ground for a very long time, but it is going to get very expensive indeed.
"And once you see oil prices in excess of $100 or $150 a barrel, the alternatives simply become more attractive on price grounds if on no others."
Lord Oxburgh added that oil majors must invest more heavily in developing viable alternatives to oil and gas. "If you look at it from oil companies' point of view, effectively what they're doing at the moment is continuing business as usual, and sticking their toes in the water in a number of areas which might become important in future.
"But at present there is a relatively poor business case for making significantly greater investment in these new areas."
Commenting on whether "peak oil" – the point when global oil production goes into terminal decline – was likely to be reached in the near future, he said: "In a way it scarcely matters; what really matters is the gap between production and demand. I don't know whether there is going to be a peak in world oil production, whether it's going to plateau and then slowly come down.
"It could well plateau within the next 20 years, and I guess I would be surprised if it hadn't."
By David Strahan and Andrew Murray-Watson
Independent Newspaper - 17th September 2007
A gradual change in the way we live will help ease our path to these inescapable facts. What can we do now?
1. Insulate the house and lower the central heating thermostat 1 degree.
2. Buy a smaller, ideally diesel engine car, drive slower, accelerate more gradually.
3. Car share to work. 71% of UK employees go to work by car. (RAC survey)
4. Make a habit to walk and cycle short journeys.
5. Replace light bulbs with low wattage types - they are now getting much cheaper.
They also last much longer!
These suggestions not only make financial sense, but will help reduce co2 emissions and global warming rates, thereby impacting upon climate change.
Small changes that will make a long term difference. Most habits are sub-conscious, so perhaps the answer is to try to adopt some good ones?
Denny
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Last chance over Iran.
Condi Rice is apparently being given a final chance by Dick Cheney to get sufficient support to back a political stranglehold on Iran or to step aside for military action to begin. The Iranians are also uttering threats along the lines of Saddam's, echoing the run up to the Iraq invasion.
We must not lose sight of the facts relating to energy and the world superpowers determination to jockey for a position of influence in the Middle East nor Iran's real reason for developing a nuclear arsenal.
Oil reserves need to be considered in terms of conventional and non-conventional reserves, the cost of extraction and processing differentiating between the two. The cheaper and technically more accessible reserves are obviously more sought after and Iran has the second highest reserves of conventional oil and gas reserves. This makes it a focus for the West. The fear of Iran being allied to Russia, who already are poised to dictate an uncertain future supply scenario for Europe, is more than the present White House staff can permit.
In terms of coventional reserves, Saudi Arabia is No.1, with Iraq No.3 and Qatar's North field considered to be the single largest gas field in the world. Currently, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are relatively pro-West, but the future of Iran and Iraq and the potential for unfriendly developments can't be ignored, especially with increasing fundamentalist influences upon the Middle East.
This leads to an ever greater need for alternative energy sources to be developed so as to reduce our reliance upon fossil fuels. Whilst oil companies are so influential, this development is likely to be hampered.
Once again, there is only one course of action for ordinary people to follow and that is to reduce daily energy consumption. As we stand, oil is fetching record high prices - imagine what will happen when the USA and Israel attack Iran !
Global warming and climate change must be slowed down and yet we see far more attention being paid by world leaders to securing medium term supplies of fossil fuels, than addressing the catastrophic longer term threat posed through climate change.
The runaway train of fossil-fuel-fed industrialisation will approach the end of the track at fatal speed, if gradual braking is not applied by a concerned public.
Have you put in place a high recycling and lower energy consumption strategy yet? If not, join www.reduceco2.co.uk and do your bit for the future.
Denny
We must not lose sight of the facts relating to energy and the world superpowers determination to jockey for a position of influence in the Middle East nor Iran's real reason for developing a nuclear arsenal.
Oil reserves need to be considered in terms of conventional and non-conventional reserves, the cost of extraction and processing differentiating between the two. The cheaper and technically more accessible reserves are obviously more sought after and Iran has the second highest reserves of conventional oil and gas reserves. This makes it a focus for the West. The fear of Iran being allied to Russia, who already are poised to dictate an uncertain future supply scenario for Europe, is more than the present White House staff can permit.
In terms of coventional reserves, Saudi Arabia is No.1, with Iraq No.3 and Qatar's North field considered to be the single largest gas field in the world. Currently, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are relatively pro-West, but the future of Iran and Iraq and the potential for unfriendly developments can't be ignored, especially with increasing fundamentalist influences upon the Middle East.
This leads to an ever greater need for alternative energy sources to be developed so as to reduce our reliance upon fossil fuels. Whilst oil companies are so influential, this development is likely to be hampered.
Once again, there is only one course of action for ordinary people to follow and that is to reduce daily energy consumption. As we stand, oil is fetching record high prices - imagine what will happen when the USA and Israel attack Iran !
Global warming and climate change must be slowed down and yet we see far more attention being paid by world leaders to securing medium term supplies of fossil fuels, than addressing the catastrophic longer term threat posed through climate change.
The runaway train of fossil-fuel-fed industrialisation will approach the end of the track at fatal speed, if gradual braking is not applied by a concerned public.
Have you put in place a high recycling and lower energy consumption strategy yet? If not, join www.reduceco2.co.uk and do your bit for the future.
Denny
Saturday, September 22, 2007
We must face the Decline of an Oil Rich World.
When Mike Bowlin, Chairman of ARCO, said in 1999 that "We've embarked on the beginning of the last days of the age of oil," he was voicing a truth that many others in the petroleum industry knew but dared not utter. Over the past few years, evidence has mounted that global oil production is nearing its historic peak.
Oil has been the cheapest and most convenient energy resource ever discovered by humans. During the past two centuries, people in industrial nations accustomed themselves to a regime in which more fossil-fuel energy was available each year, and the global population grew quickly to take advantage of this energy windfall. Industrial nations also came to rely on an economic system built on the assumption that growth is normal and necessary, and that it can go on forever.
When oil production peaks, those assumptions will come crashing down.
As we move from a historic interval of energy growth to one of energy decline, we are entering uncharted territory. It takes some effort to adjust one's mental frame of reference to this new reality.
Try the following thought experiment. Go to the center of a city and find a comfortable place to sit. Look around and ask yourself: Where and how is energy being used? What forms of energy are being consumed, and what work is that energy doing? Notice the details of buildings, cars, buses, streetlights, and so on; notice also the activities of the people around you. What kinds of occupations do these people have, and how do they use energy in their work? Try to follow some of the strands of the web of relationships between energy, jobs, water, food, heating, construction, goods distribution, transportation, and maintenance that together keep the city thriving.
After you have spent at least 20 minutes appreciating energy's role in the life of this city, imagine what the scene you are viewing would look like if there were 10 percent less energy available. What substitutions would be necessary? What choices would people make? What work would not get done? Now imagine the scene with 25 percent less energy available; with 50 percent less; with 75 percent less.
Assuming that the peak in global oil production occurs in the period from 2006 to 2015 and that there is an average two percent decline in energy available to industrial societies each year afterward, in your imagination you will have taken a trip into the future, to perhaps the year 2050.
But how can we be sure that oil will become less abundant? Petroleum geologists like Colin Campbell (formerly with Texaco and Amoco) point to simple facts like these: Oil discovery in the US peaked in the 1930s; oil production peaked roughly forty years later. Since 1970, the US has had to import more oil nearly every year in order to make up for its shortfall from domestic production. The oil business started in America in the late nineteenth century, and the US is the most-explored region on the planet: more oil wells have been drilled in the lower-48 US than in all other countries combined. Thus, America's experience with oil will eventually be repeated elsewhere.
Global Discovery of OilGlobal discovery of oil peaked in the 1960s. Since production curves must eventually mirror discovery curves, global oil production will doubtless peak at some point in the foreseeable future. When, exactly? According to many informed estimates, the peak should occur around 2010, give or take a few years.
When the global peak in oil production is reached, there will still be plenty of petroleum in the ground - as much as has been extracted up to the present, or roughly one trillion barrels. But every year from then on it will be difficult or impossible to pump as much as the year before.
Clearly, we will need to find substitutes for oil. But an analysis of the current energy alternatives is not reassuring. Solar and wind are renewable, but we now get less than one percent of our national energy budget from them; rapid growth will be necessary if they are to replace even a significant fraction of the energy shortfall from post-peak oil. Nuclear power is dogged by the unsolved problem of radioactive waste disposal. Hydrogen is not an energy source at all, but an energy carrier: it takes more energy to produce a given quantity of hydrogen than the hydrogen itself will yield. Moreover, nearly all commercially produced hydrogen now comes from natural gas - whose production will peak only a few years after oil begins its historic decline. Unconventional petroleum resources - so-called "heavy oil," "oil sands," and "shale oil" - are plentiful but extremely costly to extract, a fact that no technical innovation is likely to change.
The hard math of energy resource analysis yields an uncomfortable but unavoidable prospect: even if efforts are intensified now to switch to alternative energy sources, after the oil peak industrial nations will have less energy available to do useful work - including the manufacturing and transporting of goods, the growing of food, and the heating of homes.
To be sure, we should be investing in alternatives and converting our industrial infrastructure to use them. If there is any solution to industrial societies' approaching energy crises, renewables plus conservation will provide it. Yet in order to achieve a smooth transition from non-renewables to renewables, decades will be needed - and we do not have decades before the peaks in the extraction rates of oil and natural gas occur. Moreover, even in the best case, the transition will require the massive shifting of investment from other sectors of the economy (such as the military) toward energy research and conservation. And the available alternatives will likely be unable to support the kinds of transportation, food, and dwelling infrastructure we now have; thus the transition will entail an almost complete redesign of industrial societies.
Global Energy Resources - The likely economic consequences of the energy downturn are enormous. All human activities require energy - which physicists define as "the capacity to do work." With less energy available, less work can be done - unless the efficiency of the process of converting energy to work is raised at the same rate as energy availability declines. It will therefore be essential, over the next few decades, for all economic processes to be made more energy-efficient. However, efforts to improve efficiency are subject to diminishing returns, and so eventually a point will be reached where reduced energy availability will translate to reduced economic activity. Given the fact that our national economy is based on the assumption that economic activity must grow perpetually, the result is likely to be a recession with no bottom and no end.
The consequences for global food production will be no less dire. Throughout the twentieth century, food production expanded dramatically in country after country, with virtually all of this growth attributable to energy inputs. Without fuel-fed tractors and petroleum-based fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, it is doubtful that crop yields can be maintained at current levels.
The oil peak will also impact international relations. Resource conflicts are nothing new: pre-state societies often fought over agricultural land, fishing or hunting grounds, horses, cattle, waterways, and other resources. Most of the wars of the twentieth century were also fought over resources - in many cases, oil. But those wars took place during a period of expanding resource extraction; the coming decades of heightened competition for fading energy resources will likely see even more frequent and deadly conflicts. The US - as the world's largest energy consumer, the center of global industrial empire, and the holder of the most powerful store of weaponry in world history - will play a pivotal role in shaping the geopolitics of the new century. To many observers, it appears that oil interests are already at the heart of the present administration's geopolitical strategy.
There is much that individuals and communities can do to prepare for the energy crunch. Anything that promotes individual self-reliance (gardening, energy conservation, and voluntary simplicity) will help. But the strategy of individualist survivalism will offer only temporary and uncertain refuge during the energy down-slope. True individual and family security will come only with community solidarity and interdependence. Living in a community that is weathering the downslope well will enhance personal chances of surviving and prospering far more than will individual efforts at stockpiling tools or growing food.
Meanwhile, nations must adopt radical energy conservation measures, invest in renewable energy research, support sustainable local food systems instead of giant biotech agribusiness, adopt no-growth economic and population policies, and strive for international resource cooperation agreements.
These suggestions describe a fundamental change of direction for industrial societies - from the larger, faster, and more centralized, to the smaller, slower, and more locally-based; from competition to cooperation; and from boundless growth to self-limitation.
If such recommendations were taken seriously, they could lead to a world a century from now with fewer people using less energy per capita, all of it from renewable sources, while enjoying a quality of life perhaps enviable by the typical industrial urbanite of today. Human inventiveness could be put to the task, not of making ways to use more resources, but of expanding artistic satisfaction, finding just and convivial social arrangements, and deepening the spiritual experience of being human. Living in smaller communities, people would enjoy having more control over their lives. Traveling less, they would have more of a sense of rootedness, and more of a feeling of being at home in the natural world. Renewable energy sources would provide some conveniences, but not nearly on the scale of fossil-fueled industrialism.
This will not, however, be an automatic outcome of the energy decline. Such a happy result can only come about through considerable effort.
There are many hopeful indications that a shift toward sustainability is beginning. But there are also discouraging signs that large political and economic institutions will resist change in that direction. Therefore much depends upon the public coming to understand the situation, taking personal steps, and demanding action from local and national governments.
We must set an example to our leaders by demonstrating an understanding of global warming, climate change and declining oil reserves, coupled with personal action to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions.
Tip of the Day: Check your Carbon Footprint today!
Denny
Oil has been the cheapest and most convenient energy resource ever discovered by humans. During the past two centuries, people in industrial nations accustomed themselves to a regime in which more fossil-fuel energy was available each year, and the global population grew quickly to take advantage of this energy windfall. Industrial nations also came to rely on an economic system built on the assumption that growth is normal and necessary, and that it can go on forever.
When oil production peaks, those assumptions will come crashing down.
As we move from a historic interval of energy growth to one of energy decline, we are entering uncharted territory. It takes some effort to adjust one's mental frame of reference to this new reality.
Try the following thought experiment. Go to the center of a city and find a comfortable place to sit. Look around and ask yourself: Where and how is energy being used? What forms of energy are being consumed, and what work is that energy doing? Notice the details of buildings, cars, buses, streetlights, and so on; notice also the activities of the people around you. What kinds of occupations do these people have, and how do they use energy in their work? Try to follow some of the strands of the web of relationships between energy, jobs, water, food, heating, construction, goods distribution, transportation, and maintenance that together keep the city thriving.
After you have spent at least 20 minutes appreciating energy's role in the life of this city, imagine what the scene you are viewing would look like if there were 10 percent less energy available. What substitutions would be necessary? What choices would people make? What work would not get done? Now imagine the scene with 25 percent less energy available; with 50 percent less; with 75 percent less.
Assuming that the peak in global oil production occurs in the period from 2006 to 2015 and that there is an average two percent decline in energy available to industrial societies each year afterward, in your imagination you will have taken a trip into the future, to perhaps the year 2050.
But how can we be sure that oil will become less abundant? Petroleum geologists like Colin Campbell (formerly with Texaco and Amoco) point to simple facts like these: Oil discovery in the US peaked in the 1930s; oil production peaked roughly forty years later. Since 1970, the US has had to import more oil nearly every year in order to make up for its shortfall from domestic production. The oil business started in America in the late nineteenth century, and the US is the most-explored region on the planet: more oil wells have been drilled in the lower-48 US than in all other countries combined. Thus, America's experience with oil will eventually be repeated elsewhere.
Global Discovery of OilGlobal discovery of oil peaked in the 1960s. Since production curves must eventually mirror discovery curves, global oil production will doubtless peak at some point in the foreseeable future. When, exactly? According to many informed estimates, the peak should occur around 2010, give or take a few years.
When the global peak in oil production is reached, there will still be plenty of petroleum in the ground - as much as has been extracted up to the present, or roughly one trillion barrels. But every year from then on it will be difficult or impossible to pump as much as the year before.
Clearly, we will need to find substitutes for oil. But an analysis of the current energy alternatives is not reassuring. Solar and wind are renewable, but we now get less than one percent of our national energy budget from them; rapid growth will be necessary if they are to replace even a significant fraction of the energy shortfall from post-peak oil. Nuclear power is dogged by the unsolved problem of radioactive waste disposal. Hydrogen is not an energy source at all, but an energy carrier: it takes more energy to produce a given quantity of hydrogen than the hydrogen itself will yield. Moreover, nearly all commercially produced hydrogen now comes from natural gas - whose production will peak only a few years after oil begins its historic decline. Unconventional petroleum resources - so-called "heavy oil," "oil sands," and "shale oil" - are plentiful but extremely costly to extract, a fact that no technical innovation is likely to change.
The hard math of energy resource analysis yields an uncomfortable but unavoidable prospect: even if efforts are intensified now to switch to alternative energy sources, after the oil peak industrial nations will have less energy available to do useful work - including the manufacturing and transporting of goods, the growing of food, and the heating of homes.
To be sure, we should be investing in alternatives and converting our industrial infrastructure to use them. If there is any solution to industrial societies' approaching energy crises, renewables plus conservation will provide it. Yet in order to achieve a smooth transition from non-renewables to renewables, decades will be needed - and we do not have decades before the peaks in the extraction rates of oil and natural gas occur. Moreover, even in the best case, the transition will require the massive shifting of investment from other sectors of the economy (such as the military) toward energy research and conservation. And the available alternatives will likely be unable to support the kinds of transportation, food, and dwelling infrastructure we now have; thus the transition will entail an almost complete redesign of industrial societies.
Global Energy Resources - The likely economic consequences of the energy downturn are enormous. All human activities require energy - which physicists define as "the capacity to do work." With less energy available, less work can be done - unless the efficiency of the process of converting energy to work is raised at the same rate as energy availability declines. It will therefore be essential, over the next few decades, for all economic processes to be made more energy-efficient. However, efforts to improve efficiency are subject to diminishing returns, and so eventually a point will be reached where reduced energy availability will translate to reduced economic activity. Given the fact that our national economy is based on the assumption that economic activity must grow perpetually, the result is likely to be a recession with no bottom and no end.
The consequences for global food production will be no less dire. Throughout the twentieth century, food production expanded dramatically in country after country, with virtually all of this growth attributable to energy inputs. Without fuel-fed tractors and petroleum-based fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, it is doubtful that crop yields can be maintained at current levels.
The oil peak will also impact international relations. Resource conflicts are nothing new: pre-state societies often fought over agricultural land, fishing or hunting grounds, horses, cattle, waterways, and other resources. Most of the wars of the twentieth century were also fought over resources - in many cases, oil. But those wars took place during a period of expanding resource extraction; the coming decades of heightened competition for fading energy resources will likely see even more frequent and deadly conflicts. The US - as the world's largest energy consumer, the center of global industrial empire, and the holder of the most powerful store of weaponry in world history - will play a pivotal role in shaping the geopolitics of the new century. To many observers, it appears that oil interests are already at the heart of the present administration's geopolitical strategy.
There is much that individuals and communities can do to prepare for the energy crunch. Anything that promotes individual self-reliance (gardening, energy conservation, and voluntary simplicity) will help. But the strategy of individualist survivalism will offer only temporary and uncertain refuge during the energy down-slope. True individual and family security will come only with community solidarity and interdependence. Living in a community that is weathering the downslope well will enhance personal chances of surviving and prospering far more than will individual efforts at stockpiling tools or growing food.
Meanwhile, nations must adopt radical energy conservation measures, invest in renewable energy research, support sustainable local food systems instead of giant biotech agribusiness, adopt no-growth economic and population policies, and strive for international resource cooperation agreements.
These suggestions describe a fundamental change of direction for industrial societies - from the larger, faster, and more centralized, to the smaller, slower, and more locally-based; from competition to cooperation; and from boundless growth to self-limitation.
If such recommendations were taken seriously, they could lead to a world a century from now with fewer people using less energy per capita, all of it from renewable sources, while enjoying a quality of life perhaps enviable by the typical industrial urbanite of today. Human inventiveness could be put to the task, not of making ways to use more resources, but of expanding artistic satisfaction, finding just and convivial social arrangements, and deepening the spiritual experience of being human. Living in smaller communities, people would enjoy having more control over their lives. Traveling less, they would have more of a sense of rootedness, and more of a feeling of being at home in the natural world. Renewable energy sources would provide some conveniences, but not nearly on the scale of fossil-fueled industrialism.
This will not, however, be an automatic outcome of the energy decline. Such a happy result can only come about through considerable effort.
There are many hopeful indications that a shift toward sustainability is beginning. But there are also discouraging signs that large political and economic institutions will resist change in that direction. Therefore much depends upon the public coming to understand the situation, taking personal steps, and demanding action from local and national governments.
We must set an example to our leaders by demonstrating an understanding of global warming, climate change and declining oil reserves, coupled with personal action to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions.
Tip of the Day: Check your Carbon Footprint today!
Denny
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Brown to boycott summit if Mugabe attends.
I should think "Mad Bad" Bob Mugabe must be trembling in his boots, with Gordon Brown threatening to boycott the EU-Africa summit if he attends.
Let's face it, he is a tyrant along the lines of Idi Amin and Pol Pot, responsible for suffering and murder on a scale that should not be permitted by a world that witnessed Adolf Hitler in action. No single mortal should wield such power.
So why has the UN and the West stood by and done nothing to stop his destruction of a country and a people? After all, they are a military pushover.
Well, first there is no oil under the ground in Zimbabwe and second because all the African Union members (the same ones that deliver standing ovations to him) will accuse any interventionists of being imperialist racists.
Saddam was guilty of similar brutality, yet Bush and Blair felt compelled to invade Iraq. It is so blatant that if oil reserves were abundant in Zimbabwe, then "Mad Bob" would be swinging from the gallows by now, Saddam style.
Zimbabwe was once regarded as the bread basket of Southern Africa. Now it is a basket case, with starving people and the world's highest inflation rate.
Well, those worse off in Zimbabwe today (and who have not yet fled across the border to South Africa) are black people, not whites. They may not be Shona tribes people like Mugabe, but they are previously disadvantaged people under the Rhodesian regime.
So he persecutes, tortures and murders fellow blacks, whilst enriching himself and the leaders of the world's superpowers do nothing. Does nobody learn from Neville Chamberlain! They should be ashamed.
At 83, he will without doubt escape justice in this world. Let's hope his Catholic upbringing makes him less certain about escaping justice in the next.
Let's face it, he is a tyrant along the lines of Idi Amin and Pol Pot, responsible for suffering and murder on a scale that should not be permitted by a world that witnessed Adolf Hitler in action. No single mortal should wield such power.
So why has the UN and the West stood by and done nothing to stop his destruction of a country and a people? After all, they are a military pushover.
Well, first there is no oil under the ground in Zimbabwe and second because all the African Union members (the same ones that deliver standing ovations to him) will accuse any interventionists of being imperialist racists.
Saddam was guilty of similar brutality, yet Bush and Blair felt compelled to invade Iraq. It is so blatant that if oil reserves were abundant in Zimbabwe, then "Mad Bob" would be swinging from the gallows by now, Saddam style.
Zimbabwe was once regarded as the bread basket of Southern Africa. Now it is a basket case, with starving people and the world's highest inflation rate.
Well, those worse off in Zimbabwe today (and who have not yet fled across the border to South Africa) are black people, not whites. They may not be Shona tribes people like Mugabe, but they are previously disadvantaged people under the Rhodesian regime.
So he persecutes, tortures and murders fellow blacks, whilst enriching himself and the leaders of the world's superpowers do nothing. Does nobody learn from Neville Chamberlain! They should be ashamed.
At 83, he will without doubt escape justice in this world. Let's hope his Catholic upbringing makes him less certain about escaping justice in the next.
When will Oil reach $150 a barrel?
Oil hits $150 a barrel !
Can you imagine the response in the press when this happens? And happen it will, just exactly when is uncertain.
We need to think about Global Warming and Climate Change of course, but they are more reasons to embrace the www.reduceco2.co.uk philosophy.
The UK have troops in Iraq and Afghanisatan (I meant Afghanistan, but maybe more accurate)currently involved in deadly operations which are not being won. Already it is being planned to start withdrawing from Iraq and the Taliban are waiting for any opportunity to take back power in Afghanistan.
Pakistan, currently the West's greatest friend in the region is starting to succumb to Islamic fundamentalism, with polls showing Osama Bin Laden is more popular than Gen. Musharaf. Iran are building a Nuclear bomb, which Dick Cheney wants to prevent using tactical nuclear bunker-busters. Israel are not going to ignore the threat from Iran either!
A dwindling reserve of oil and greater political instability in the Middle East will send the price of oil and gas through the roof.
So the sooner we start to switch to alternatives to fossil fuel the better. However, the really important idea to grasp is to use less of everything and end this culture of waste and extravagance that fuels the profiteering of big business and government.
Would it really hurt the average household who has the Internet, to reject receipt of paper directories. That would save nearly 1 million trees a year and meaningfully reduce co2 emissions.
Walk more, plan your day more thoroughly to avoid unnecessary car journeys, install low wattage light bulbs and put the central heating on 1 degree less this winter. All these things will be most noticeable to you when your fuel bills are lower!
Gradual self-motivated change in lifestyle is far more palatable than cost induced sudden change. Start taking small steps to a better world today!
Denny
Can you imagine the response in the press when this happens? And happen it will, just exactly when is uncertain.
We need to think about Global Warming and Climate Change of course, but they are more reasons to embrace the www.reduceco2.co.uk philosophy.
The UK have troops in Iraq and Afghanisatan (I meant Afghanistan, but maybe more accurate)currently involved in deadly operations which are not being won. Already it is being planned to start withdrawing from Iraq and the Taliban are waiting for any opportunity to take back power in Afghanistan.
Pakistan, currently the West's greatest friend in the region is starting to succumb to Islamic fundamentalism, with polls showing Osama Bin Laden is more popular than Gen. Musharaf. Iran are building a Nuclear bomb, which Dick Cheney wants to prevent using tactical nuclear bunker-busters. Israel are not going to ignore the threat from Iran either!
A dwindling reserve of oil and greater political instability in the Middle East will send the price of oil and gas through the roof.
So the sooner we start to switch to alternatives to fossil fuel the better. However, the really important idea to grasp is to use less of everything and end this culture of waste and extravagance that fuels the profiteering of big business and government.
Would it really hurt the average household who has the Internet, to reject receipt of paper directories. That would save nearly 1 million trees a year and meaningfully reduce co2 emissions.
Walk more, plan your day more thoroughly to avoid unnecessary car journeys, install low wattage light bulbs and put the central heating on 1 degree less this winter. All these things will be most noticeable to you when your fuel bills are lower!
Gradual self-motivated change in lifestyle is far more palatable than cost induced sudden change. Start taking small steps to a better world today!
Denny
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Smokers cause global warming !
I was speaking to a friend earlier. A reformed smoker, one of the holier than thou brigade ! Ex smokers are so pleased with themsleves, aren't they!
He did make a point though. How many pubs and companies are now installing special heaters outside to prevent their addicted customers and staff catching pneumonia when they need a fix? So now we will see even more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as well as all the other toxic gases cigarettes are responsible for.
Give it up!
Denny
He did make a point though. How many pubs and companies are now installing special heaters outside to prevent their addicted customers and staff catching pneumonia when they need a fix? So now we will see even more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as well as all the other toxic gases cigarettes are responsible for.
Give it up!
Denny
The race for the Pole is on!
Interesting report about the North West Passage on Sky News last night.
Global Warming is responsible for melting the ice in the Northern Polar regions 30 years ahead of prediction and immediately the Russians, Canadians and Americans are starting to stake their claims to the territory, currently belonging to the Polar Bears.
Many now believe oil production reached its peak in 2004 and even Alan Greenspan has admitted the true reason for invading Iraq was Oil. Suddenly, with mankind's belated efforts to reduce co2 and greenhouse gas emissions seemingly too late, the major world powers (and Canada) have reason to hope that access to the Polar region might provide a new source of unexploited fossil fuel reserves.Canada have the second biggest oil reserve in the world in their Alberta oil sands and no doubt see the likelihood of vast reserves further North.
So we have Russia placing a flag beneath the North Pole by submarine, Canada deciding to build a fleet of patrol boats for the North West passage and the Americans thinking they had better get a move on to sort out Iran, so they can focus their efforts North. China is too busy conquering Africa !
Investment in low co2 alternative energy sources may well take a back seat compared to the development of low temperature drilling and mining technology. The fact that this will simply add to the release of carbon into the atmosphere and speed up climate change, will be conveniently forgotten.
How do we, the people whom supposedly elect these governments, step in and make all nations understand that we are not going to allow the greed of our leaders of today, ruin our children's tomorrows.
Perhaps a new international Federation of Green Organisations needs to be founded to co-ordinate a unified strategy to ensure that the long term survival of the many takes precedent over the short term wealth of the few.
Join www.reduceco2.co.uk and add your voice for reason!
Denny
Global Warming is responsible for melting the ice in the Northern Polar regions 30 years ahead of prediction and immediately the Russians, Canadians and Americans are starting to stake their claims to the territory, currently belonging to the Polar Bears.
Many now believe oil production reached its peak in 2004 and even Alan Greenspan has admitted the true reason for invading Iraq was Oil. Suddenly, with mankind's belated efforts to reduce co2 and greenhouse gas emissions seemingly too late, the major world powers (and Canada) have reason to hope that access to the Polar region might provide a new source of unexploited fossil fuel reserves.Canada have the second biggest oil reserve in the world in their Alberta oil sands and no doubt see the likelihood of vast reserves further North.
So we have Russia placing a flag beneath the North Pole by submarine, Canada deciding to build a fleet of patrol boats for the North West passage and the Americans thinking they had better get a move on to sort out Iran, so they can focus their efforts North. China is too busy conquering Africa !
Investment in low co2 alternative energy sources may well take a back seat compared to the development of low temperature drilling and mining technology. The fact that this will simply add to the release of carbon into the atmosphere and speed up climate change, will be conveniently forgotten.
How do we, the people whom supposedly elect these governments, step in and make all nations understand that we are not going to allow the greed of our leaders of today, ruin our children's tomorrows.
Perhaps a new international Federation of Green Organisations needs to be founded to co-ordinate a unified strategy to ensure that the long term survival of the many takes precedent over the short term wealth of the few.
Join www.reduceco2.co.uk and add your voice for reason!
Denny
Monday, September 17, 2007
Looking for low co2 businesses in Devon & Cornwall?
Devon & Cornwall are the first counties in UK to have an online directory of businesses committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
Insist on using a www.reduceco2.co.uk member company and do your bit to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Remember, boycott paper directories and stop deforestation.
Denny
Insist on using a www.reduceco2.co.uk member company and do your bit to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Remember, boycott paper directories and stop deforestation.
Denny
Banking on the Future!
Banking A dirty word this weekend with the run on Northern Rock and now Alan Greenspan predicting doom and gloom for the UK property market is around the corner.
Well, I want to expose a different type of bank. One that uses the latest technology for the good of mankind and the planet.
Bio-Resource Banks
Go to the website of the San Diego Zoo and read about their amazing projects to preserve the species of flora and fauna that are endangered through global warming and mankind's greedy exploitation of every natural resource this planet offers.
http://cres.sandiegozoo.org/index.html
Cres or Conservation and Research for Endangered Species and similar projects are the Noah's Ark of the future. CRES covers 6 key areas;
1.Sustainable Populations
Uniting field and laboratory studies to ensure the long-term viability of captive and wild populations
2.Bioresource Banking
Preserving the legacy of life on Earth by maintaining, utilizing, and sharing genetic resources in support of conservation
3.Wildlife Health
Enhancing the health and well being of captive and wild populations through innovative diagnostics and research
4.Habitat Conservation
Protecting, studying, and managing the natural areas that support plant and animal communities
5.Restoration Biology
Revitalizing functional ecosystems by restoring species to the wild
6.Conservation Education
Inspiring change by educating and motivating people to take action that will protect and nurture the natural world
I was reading on the BBC website about the murder of 9 mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (1% of the remaining animals worldwide) and how the real reason behind it was deforestation for charcoal. A vicious circle of course, Deforestation - Carbon Dioxide increase - Global Warming - Climate Change - and the people seeking the charcoal experiencing drought and flood on unprecedented scale!
This raises the question of how we can change lifestyles outside of the Internet world, where life is savage and hard? I am afraid I doubt we can in time to save the gorillas and so the work of projects like CRES present the greatest opportunity for these animal's long term survival - when they can be re-introduced into a world inhabited by more educated human beings than this generation.
Tip of the Day: Get a dishwasher - and reduce co2 35% less co2 emission if used full and on a low temperature setting than washing dishes by hand. Hooray !
Denny
Well, I want to expose a different type of bank. One that uses the latest technology for the good of mankind and the planet.
Bio-Resource Banks
Go to the website of the San Diego Zoo and read about their amazing projects to preserve the species of flora and fauna that are endangered through global warming and mankind's greedy exploitation of every natural resource this planet offers.
http://cres.sandiegozoo.org/index.html
Cres or Conservation and Research for Endangered Species and similar projects are the Noah's Ark of the future. CRES covers 6 key areas;
1.Sustainable Populations
Uniting field and laboratory studies to ensure the long-term viability of captive and wild populations
2.Bioresource Banking
Preserving the legacy of life on Earth by maintaining, utilizing, and sharing genetic resources in support of conservation
3.Wildlife Health
Enhancing the health and well being of captive and wild populations through innovative diagnostics and research
4.Habitat Conservation
Protecting, studying, and managing the natural areas that support plant and animal communities
5.Restoration Biology
Revitalizing functional ecosystems by restoring species to the wild
6.Conservation Education
Inspiring change by educating and motivating people to take action that will protect and nurture the natural world
I was reading on the BBC website about the murder of 9 mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (1% of the remaining animals worldwide) and how the real reason behind it was deforestation for charcoal. A vicious circle of course, Deforestation - Carbon Dioxide increase - Global Warming - Climate Change - and the people seeking the charcoal experiencing drought and flood on unprecedented scale!
This raises the question of how we can change lifestyles outside of the Internet world, where life is savage and hard? I am afraid I doubt we can in time to save the gorillas and so the work of projects like CRES present the greatest opportunity for these animal's long term survival - when they can be re-introduced into a world inhabited by more educated human beings than this generation.
Tip of the Day: Get a dishwasher - and reduce co2 35% less co2 emission if used full and on a low temperature setting than washing dishes by hand. Hooray !
Denny
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Cornish green wedding goes ahead
The couple share the same environmental values
Dozens of guests watched a Cornish couple tie the knot in what the bride and groom have described as a "completely green wedding."
Russell Geake, 30 and Alexia Muskett, 42, decided to get married after meeting each other at a series of climate change events.
The pair have been determined that their wedding would be as environmentally-friendly as possible.
The couples' outfits were second-hand and they exchanged wooden rings.
Carrier bags The average cost of getting married is thought to be about £17,000.
The couple claim they have saved thousands by doing most things themselves.
Plastic flowers were made by the bride's mother out of old carrier bags, while all the food at the reception has been sourced locally.
Many friends and relatives arrived by public transport and, where that was not possible, car-sharing was encouraged.
The ceremony took place in Porthpean Church and the wedding party had a five-minute walk to the reception.
(BBC Cornwall website)
But was the reception a barbeque on the beach of fish caught by the guests?
Denny
Dozens of guests watched a Cornish couple tie the knot in what the bride and groom have described as a "completely green wedding."
Russell Geake, 30 and Alexia Muskett, 42, decided to get married after meeting each other at a series of climate change events.
The pair have been determined that their wedding would be as environmentally-friendly as possible.
The couples' outfits were second-hand and they exchanged wooden rings.
Carrier bags The average cost of getting married is thought to be about £17,000.
The couple claim they have saved thousands by doing most things themselves.
Plastic flowers were made by the bride's mother out of old carrier bags, while all the food at the reception has been sourced locally.
Many friends and relatives arrived by public transport and, where that was not possible, car-sharing was encouraged.
The ceremony took place in Porthpean Church and the wedding party had a five-minute walk to the reception.
(BBC Cornwall website)
But was the reception a barbeque on the beach of fish caught by the guests?
Denny
North West passage opens due to global warming!
So here we have it. The Arctic is experiencing global warming twice as rapidly as elsewhere. I hope scientists are freezing Polar Bear embryos because we have to face that they will soon be extinct in the wild.
Denny
Denny
What can we implement today to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Every technological innovation in life has a downside. Take the internet. Never before has mankind had access to such an incredible library of information in our own homes. Never has a child had so many opportunities to learn wondrous things at the click of a mouse. And as usual, we spoil it. Never before has so much pornography been fed to people, young and old, in the name of greed and peversity.
The greatest advances in technology usually result from our species' interest in warfare and getting one over our neighbours. The space race in the 1950's & 1960's was largely funded in USA and USSR out of defence budgets. The financial cost of this technological development has been absolutely massive and many projects have faded away with the easing of cold war tensions.
So when we look at technology in the fight against global warming, we are faced with the reality that economics will undoubtedly limit the development and implementation of effective tools to win this battle.
How can we identify the most effective ways to reduce co2 and other greenhouse gas emissions that are speeding up climate change.
1. Alternative and Renewable energy. Nuclear, wind, solar, wave, hydro - they all have their pro's and con's - either financial or environmental.
2. Taxation and Financial penalty. The favourite method for most governments to pursue.
3. Public Education and Social Pressure. It's taken many years, but finally smoking has reached a low point in legal and social intolerance. Is this the way ahead for tackling the climate change issue.
Which of the above do most of us support as the way forward? Are they all financially viable or do we need to compromise? If so, how do we get agreement between government, vested interest groups (like the large oil companies) and the myriad of viewpoints held by Green activists?
I get the feeling that unless the public are seen to become involved at grass root level and leave the comfort zone of the silent majority, then we open ourselves up to government deciding new, additional and targeted taxation is the only viable remedy to the problem. And we all hate paying taxes !
Tip of the day: Use an online carbon footprint calculator to measure your co2 emissions today.
Denny
The greatest advances in technology usually result from our species' interest in warfare and getting one over our neighbours. The space race in the 1950's & 1960's was largely funded in USA and USSR out of defence budgets. The financial cost of this technological development has been absolutely massive and many projects have faded away with the easing of cold war tensions.
So when we look at technology in the fight against global warming, we are faced with the reality that economics will undoubtedly limit the development and implementation of effective tools to win this battle.
How can we identify the most effective ways to reduce co2 and other greenhouse gas emissions that are speeding up climate change.
1. Alternative and Renewable energy. Nuclear, wind, solar, wave, hydro - they all have their pro's and con's - either financial or environmental.
2. Taxation and Financial penalty. The favourite method for most governments to pursue.
3. Public Education and Social Pressure. It's taken many years, but finally smoking has reached a low point in legal and social intolerance. Is this the way ahead for tackling the climate change issue.
Which of the above do most of us support as the way forward? Are they all financially viable or do we need to compromise? If so, how do we get agreement between government, vested interest groups (like the large oil companies) and the myriad of viewpoints held by Green activists?
I get the feeling that unless the public are seen to become involved at grass root level and leave the comfort zone of the silent majority, then we open ourselves up to government deciding new, additional and targeted taxation is the only viable remedy to the problem. And we all hate paying taxes !
Tip of the day: Use an online carbon footprint calculator to measure your co2 emissions today.
Denny
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