There seems to be enormous, undiluted excitement about the possible siting of a UK Spaceport in Llanbedr North Wales (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28305814). The port would, apparently, cater for space tourism as well as for the deployment of small satellites. People are bullish about the potential for employment and commercial value. No one seems, however, to consider the impact of such a development (in any location) on global warming and climate change. The energy per person required to pump anyone rich enough to fancy a trip into zero gravity is likely to make traditional air travel look ultra modest by comparison. I can't help feeling that such a development would be more than a little self-indulgent- it's probably the last thing we really need!
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images,it is also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Space (Between the Ears?)
There seems to be enormous, undiluted excitement about the possible siting of a UK Spaceport in Llanbedr North Wales (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28305814). The port would, apparently, cater for space tourism as well as for the deployment of small satellites. People are bullish about the potential for employment and commercial value. No one seems, however, to consider the impact of such a development (in any location) on global warming and climate change. The energy per person required to pump anyone rich enough to fancy a trip into zero gravity is likely to make traditional air travel look ultra modest by comparison. I can't help feeling that such a development would be more than a little self-indulgent- it's probably the last thing we really need!
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