What Happens When Glaciers Melt

An analysis of numerous satellite images taken between 1990 and 2018, has revealed that the land surface covered by glacial lakes has increased by more than 50% over this period. They now occupy an area of  around 9000 km² (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/31/satellite-images-show-rapid-growth-glacial-lakes). These lakes now hold more than 150 km³ of freshwater. Rather obviously, the lakes are of considerable importance as water supplies for human populations. They can, however, also pose a serious threat, if they burst their banks, sending torrents of water down mountainsides. Currently, the fastest growth of glacial lakes is seen in Iceland, Russia and Scandinavia but they are also prominent in South America. Another 'bonus' of global warming?

 

Defective Electric

Of 3000 electricity utility companies surveyed world wide, only 10% are investing more in renewables, than in coal and gas (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/31/only-one-in-10-utility-firms-prioritise-renewable-electricity-global-study). Some of these same companies are even expanding their gas and coal-fired plant provision. This is in spite of it being long recognized that we need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, if we are to have any chance of controlling rampant climate change. There is not much point in changing to an electric car, if you have to charge its battery with electricity from an oil and coal-fired plant. Actually, there is often no point at all, as building the replacement vehicle and disposing of the old petrol or diesel car, both generate emissions.

 

UK Universities Unchained?

 

Stefan Collini's opinion piece on how the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown is focusing attention on the parlous state of UK universities, after "10 years of calamitous reform", is thought provoking (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/31/english-universities-peril-10-years-calamitous-reform-higher-education). Although I find much to agree with in his account, I probably come to the debate following a radically different experience from his (I was the archetypal working class, Secondary Modern boy who just failed to pass the 11+ twice- for reasons we won't go into- who found just getting into a university in the 1960's something of a trial). I agree with Collini's view that making universities into 'businesses' with 'customers' was a misstep too far. It is inappropriate for Vice-Chancellors to function (and be paid) like the CEO's of major companies. To act like companies, the universities clearly need lots of money. This is why funded research has always been more attractive to university leaders than teaching quality (in spite of league tables). Relying too heavily on the fees of overseas students is now clearly highly problematic with the dual effects of Brexit and the pandemic reducing this source of funding. Some institutions might well run out of money. I agree that Higher education (HE) should be there to 'stretch' the students and give them insights they would not have got if they hadn't gone to university (not to give the customer what he/she wants in terms of content as well as an 'acceptable' degree grade). It is, unfortunately, true that, in today's world, the only thing a university degree can guarantee many graduates, is an initially increased tax bill. I also agree that university entry should be on merit, so we need to do something about the many financial devices used by people to improve their children's access to 'the best' universities. Collini's point that HE has to involve some hierarchies is well-made (it is difficult to know how a 'comprehensive' university could actually function). I feel, however, that too rosy a view of universities prior to the 'reforms' persists. It was clearly true that educational 'success' was always facilitated by money and connections. It is actually difficult to come up with a system (and I don't think 'A' levels are it) which admits students on merit or aptitude alone. I think that, in those earlier times, many people with high potential simply missed out (I would not have gone to university, if grants had not be available). Also, in the 'old days' there was a tendency for some academics to be highly resistant to change (and they could be in place for decades). The HE sector needed reform- it just didn't need that reform!

Pollution in My Backyard

 

Fortunately, it's not often that I get environmental disasters on my doorstep. On the 28th August, however, a train of 10 wagons, each with 75 tonnes of diesel, derailed and caught fire in Llangennich (https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-08-28/environmental-concerns-over-llangennech-derailed-train-as-diesel-leaks-into-loughor-estuary). The heavy oil has contaminated the Loughor estuary with its abundant wildlife. The estuary is well-known for its cockle industry as well as being  a breeding location for Bass and flat fish (lots of Ragworm live in its muds). Migratory Sewin also annually move up the river from the sea. Lots of water birds also frequent this location, including those that spend time in the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Penclacwydd. It appears to be too early to know the precise level of the environmental damage but this is not a good place to move tanks of diesel around.

University Face Down?

 

The Universities and College Union (UCU) appears very uneasy about the plan to re-open UK Universities to face-to-face teaching this September, regarding this as being 'premature' (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/29/uk-university-reopenings-risk-covid-public-health-crisis-teaching-union-warns). They point out, for a start, that this will mean moving about a million students (not to mention, in many cases, their parents) around the country (as well as, in some cases, from country to country). This, they feel, is likely to spread infections of the Covid-19 pandemic more widely than has hitherto been the case. It is also true that young people (not to mention mature students) are probably more at risk, when getting this viral infection, than are the majority of schoolchildren. The UCU's members (academics) and university ancillary staff (administrators, gardeners, caterers, cleaners, technicians, post-graduates et cetera) also cover a wide age range with variations in risk factors. It is also true that students have a tendency to congregate in large numbers in halls of residence, social events (like the Bullingdon Club), for sports-related activities et cetera. Face-to-face teaching, practical sessions and fieldwork are all major challenges to social distancing.  One should add to the mix that intelligent, young people are going through the time of life (I remember it dimly) when they feel immortal and want to enjoy life. Having said all that, I am personally aware that universities are trying their best to make any return as safe as possible by a) training staff; b) encouraging social spacing and hand washing/sanitising; c) marking off one-way systems in buildings; d) making the wearing of face-masks mandatory, especially when moving around campus and e) doing things 'outside' when this is practicable (this will be more difficult as winter approaches). The return will be a major challenge and, given its scope, there are likely to be local problems. Let's hope that they are relatively few.

Not Out of the Woods Yet?

 

A UN summit on biodiversity emphasises that around 30% of all emerging diseases (such as Ebola and Covid-19) can be linked of land use changes (https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/07/1067711). This is especially the case when forested areas (that we need to counter greenhouse gas emissions) are exploited by illegal logging, clearance to produce more agricultural land and illegal mining, as well as being treated simply as sources of 'bushmeat' (protein from hunted or trapped wild forest animals) or places where 'exotic' pets can be extracted for sale. We really do need to attempt to ensure that viral pathogens that are in the woods, stay in the woods. Obviously, doing this is a difficult and complex process.  It must include preventing large companies from exploiting forests but also providing alternatives for marginal people who live close to these areas. 

Mauritian Mayhem

 

At least 40 dolphins have died, off the coast of Mauritius. The deaths occurred near to where a Japanese bulk carrier (the Wakashio) hit a coral reef, before being scuttled, as it was said it could not be refloated (https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/heartwrenching-scenes-as-dolphin-deaths-near-mauritius-oil-spill-rise-to-40-3c09681a-56b0-4c6a-a922-53575c20221b). The carcasses of the dolphins did not appear to be obviously contaminated with oil from the ship's tanks. There have now been demonstrations in Port Louis directed against the Mauritian government, who are accused of not telling their people the full story. Officials claim, however,  that all the dead cetaceans will be autopsied. It would also be useful to have a full inventory of what the vessel was carrying. Mauritians also need to ascertain what other damage has been done to the marine environment.

Hands Off Peppa!

 

Elon Musk, strikes again, video recruiting for his company, Neuralink, by displaying a pig (Gertrude) with a coin-sized neural implant (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/aug/28/neuralink-elon-musk-pig-computer-implant). The implant (no real details provided) is described as "a Fitbit in your skull with tiny wires". Neural implants have been medically used in attempts to assist quadriplegics but we are not told details of the device or where it is located. Musk, however, is not limiting his aspirations to movement control but hopes to use implants to improve human cognitive ability (so that it can compete with Artificial Intelligence). Another pig was displayed in which it was claimed (again no details) that the animal had been implanted and then had had the device successfully removed (with no negative consequences). Animal research is regulated differently in the USA but, in the UK, it would be very difficult to do this kind of work (even in a specialist animal research laboratory) just to make a commercial pitch.  

'Rogue' Algorithms?

The UK fiasco about pre-University gradings in a Covid-19 pandemic world that lacks examinations has led to much agonising about 'rogue' or 'mutant' algorithms (https://roguerocket.com/2020/08/18/uk-a-levels/). Such 'malign' devices have been blamed in the past for the crash of the pound and the selling of sub-prime mortgages but I think that this is another example of the old adage of the poor workman blaming his tools. An algorithm is defined as "a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer". The person designing the algorithm either defines the rules or is told to devise an algorithm will deliver a certain outcome. The algorithm has no life of its own and can't be blamed for what are human-generated outcomes. Mutation is a spontaneous change that can occur in a gene: an algorithm can't mutate.

 

It's Called 'Climate Change'

 

It appears that this year's 'Summer' Bank Holiday in England and Wales will be the coldest on record, with temperatures as low as 11༠C and torrential rain (https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/28/uk-set-coldest-august-bank-holiday-record-13189999/). Some people still seem to expect different from 'global warming'. The 'greenhouse gases' (largely carbon dioxide and methane) do prevent some solar radiation being reflected back into space, producing an overall increase in the temperature of the planet's atmosphere. This, however, disrupts the weather patterns (produced by flows of air and sea currents) in a rather 'patchy' way. Currently, we are being exposed to relatively cold but water-impregnated (the heavy rain further cools things down) air flows. Consequently, our 'weather' (essentially a local event) is very different from the 'normal' high summer conditions we have come to expect. 

Nature of the Beasts

 

Sad news that conservationist West Mathewson has been killed by 2 of the white lions he raised as cubs (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/28/south-african-conservationist-killed-by-lions-he-reared). He was on one of his regular walks with the animals, when one suddenly attacked him 'without warning'. Mathewson ran the Lion Tree Top Lodge in the Limpopo region of South Africa and specialised in  'rescuing' lions  destined for 'canning' (effectively, illegally bred to be hunted for money). His family clearly recognise that lions (no matter how much you have interacted with them) are big cat predators and not 'pets'. They reportedly intend to release the 2 animals into a 'safe' area. 

Another American Fence

It is well established that 2/3rds of the Hawaiian Island's endemic (unique to the location) bird species have been driven to extinction since the arrival of humans. This avian apocalypse has been partly a consequence of humans hunting these animals for food or decoration (like the red cloaks worn by Polynesian 'kings') . A major factor, however, have animals introduced accidentally (like rats) or deliberately (e.g. the Indian mongoose, pigs and birds from a variety of continents). There is now news of the creation of a 2M tall, 624M 'predator proof' fence erected around the Kilauea Point Reserve on the Island of Kauai (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/28/hawaii-native-birds-fence-kauai). It might help a bit but I don't think it will keep out the rats, as they are excellent climbers (that's how they got onto ships in the first place). Birds can also fly into and out of the protected area. 

 

Elephants Gone to Pot?

 

Warsaw Zoo is, apparently, going to give its 3 African elephants medical marijuana in an attempt to reduce their 'stress' (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/27/stressed-elephants-at-warsaw-zoo-to-be-given-medical-marijuana). This preparation has been used for similar purposes on horses and other animals. The only point that I would make is, that 'stress' is a complex concept and is often a product of inappropriate living conditions and/or disturbance. The drug might well hide the animal's distress but it doesn't eliminate the causes of the condition. A drugged elephant is necessarily a happy elephant.

Sneaking Books Behind?

 

People have speculated whether the array of books displayed in the library of  Castle Rock school  (Coalville, Leicestershire) behind the UK PM had been sneaked into place by a librarian with a sense of humour (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/aug/26/books-seen-behind-boris-johnson-tell-their-own-story). They included titles such as 'The Twits'; 'Betrayed'; 'The Subtle Knife'; 'Resistance' and 'Fahrenheit 451' (a book about a world where books are banned). This 'backcloth' was behind Mr Johnson, as he tried to claim that the recent examination fiasco was caused by a 'rogue algorithm'. I couldn't help wondering what might feature behind me in a similar scenario. In addition to 'The Story of Pea Brain' (above), 'The Brain That Changes Itself'; 'Brain Rules'; '365 Days of Brain Training'; 'The Brain: The Story of You' and 'Headhunters' might all feature.

If You Are in a Hole: Stop Drilling

 

I have generally regarded the Norwegians (in spite of much of the country's carefully husbanded wealth being linked to North Sea oil and gas) as being environmentally savvy. It comes then as a surprise that they are apparently proposing to break the 100 year old Svalbard Treaty (protecting that area of the far North from inappropriate development) and to drill 9 new Arctic oil fields in that area (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/26/norway-plans-to-drill-for-oil-in-untouched-arctic-areas-svalbard). I suspect that they have been tempted by a) parallel US moves to expand drilling in north Alaska and b) the reduced ice in the Svalbard region. Having said that, the planet clearly does not need more oil as it will intensify climate change. The drilling is also likely to annoy Russia and other groups around that area.

Councils of Despair?

 

A report suggests than, on average, each council in England and Wales has had to clear 57 additional tonnes of waste between April and July 2020. In spite of this, more than half of these bodies have issued less than one fine per week and approaching one fifth have issued no fines for littering in the entire year (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/27/councils-england-wales-littering). Littering is not only unsightly but it can be dangerous to wild life and a health hazard to humans. The organization Clean Up Britain, has described the maximum current on-the-spot fine of £150 as 'derisory' and have suggested that it be increased to £1000. I have great sympathy with their aims but I do feel that, with such an increase, things could get very messy. Whilst £1000 would be a maximum, I suspect that authorities would find it difficult to fix a fair tariff. What about the age of the offender? What about the offender having the ability to pay? What about the level of certainty linking the 'offender' to the inappropriately discarded item? We really need an attitudinal change in the entire public's response to litter. You get much less litter in areas of the world, where it is socially unacceptable to drop rubbish.  

Eatwell to Save the Planet?

 

A study, largely carried out by the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, has revealed that sticking to the UK's 2016 Eatwell Guide can reduced premature death by7% whilst reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30% (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/aug/26/sticking-to-uk-diet-advice-cuts-premature-death-and-co2-study). The Guide recommends eating the much derided (but required) 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, basing main meals around high carbohydrate staples (such as potatoes or rice) and drinking of 6-8 glasses of (non-alcoholic?) fluids each day. It also suggests having some dairy but cutting down on fatty foods, limiting red meat consumption and eating more sustainable, oily fish. The trouble is that, although many people follow some aspects of the advice, less than 0.1% follow all. Even more alarmingly, the authors note that the UK diet would have to change more dramatically to fully achieve the needed reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (in fairness, they also point out that the Eatwell Guides were not designed with this aim in mind).

Climate Change Closer to Home?

 

It's always been a windy place but, on the 25th August, record (for the month) gusts of 68 mph were recorded on the beach at Pembrey.

Travel Industry Blues

 

It is very understandable that people in the Travel Industry feel that it has been especially badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. They have consequently initiated a campaign to get more help from government (https://londonlovesbusiness.com/wimbledon-travel-agent-backs-travel-industry-campaign-as-sector-on-brink-of-collapse/).  Clearly, the Travel Industry is in a very difficult situation as they a) are not getting many bookings; b) cannot furlough all their staff, as they need them to process refunds for people whose holidays have been cancelled and c) have a business model that is seasonal (so substantial new business is unlikely before Spring 2021, at best). So travel companies are folding and others laying off large numbers of workers. There are, however, some inconsistencies in advocating a general bailout. Much as I personally appreciate foreign travel, I have to admit that it is recognized as a major generator of greenhouse gases. We urgently need to try to limit climate change and reduced travel must play a part. The Travel Industry has provided a service that is much more used by the well-off than the poor (the differentials are quite remarkable). How are we going to come up with a system where we all travel rather less, rather than the rich continuing while the poor are excluded? Do we even need a Travel Industry that is of its current size? I'm just asking as these are not easy questions.

Fuming

 

Interesting that an environmental campaigner is making a legal challenge to the UK's decision to exclude emissions from incinerators from its newly-minted carbon trading scheme  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/25/legal-challenge-uk-exclusion-waste-incinerators-emissions-trading-scheme). This is on the grounds that it ignores undertakings (in the Paris agreement) to become carbon neutral by 2050. The UK currently has 48 waste incinerators (usually sited in deprived areas of the country), where rubbish is burned to generate electricity. It has been calculated that, in 2019, they generated a total of 6.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (along with other stuff). These emissions are on a par with the total output of several major cities. Personally, I can't understand why they don't have carbon capture technology fitted as standard. I also would have thought that it doesn't really matter how the carbon dioxide is generated- every source should count. 

Littering the Land

 

With an easing of lockdown from the Covid-19 pandemic, people in the UK have been encouraged to use the countryside more (access to green spaces has beneficial effects on both physical and mental well-being). As travel abroad is also problematic, many folk have been trying out staycations (holidaying at home). This (perhaps due to demand) has sometimes involving fly-camping (camping in locations where the activity is neither legal nor supported). This (and general visits to green places) seem to have resulted in an enormous increase in the amount of rubbish in the countryside. This is not only unsightly but it is expensive to clear and can be damaging to wildlife. The Countryside Code (https://www.countrysideonline.co.uk/care-for-the-countryside/countryside-code/) which encourages appropriate behaviours whilst in non-rural locations has long been in place. Many of the new visitors, however, either seem unaware of it or just ignore it. The former failure may be corrected, if the government spent more than the paltry £2000 every 18 months on publicity for it. The latter needs more active policing and fines (actually a much more expensive process). Trashing the countryside would be an extremely bad idea.

Vaccines and Voting

It is with some relief to learn that Astra-Zeneca, the UK company working (along with Oxford University) on vaccines for Covid-19 has not agreed to have the treatment 'fast tracked' for early release in the USA (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/astrazeneca-rejects-trump-shortcut-for-coronavirus-vaccine-9lt9nxf7r). Of course, everyone wants to see a safe and effective vaccine in place as soon as possible. If the injections, turned out to be insufficiently protective and/or caused side effects, this would put any subsequent  vaccination programme in a very difficult position. I think that it is wholly inappropriate for politicians to suggest things that cut across the normal, established safety checks to attempt to gain 'brownie points'. We need a cautious approach rather than gambling.

 

Worm Holes in the Arctic

 

 Earthworms have hitched a ride with humans to the Arctic regions -that's how most 'aliens' travel (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/25/the-aliens-to-watch-how-the-humble-earthworm-is-altering-the-arctic-aoe). There are concerns that the activities of these common annelids (eating the soil and breaking down the contained organic matter) will make the soil 'too fertile'. This would change the region's flora and fauna, reducing the storage of accumulated plant waste in the tundra. It used to be thought that the Arctic was too cold for typical decomposers such as fungi to operate. May be it was an absence of Earthworms. Having said that, more carbon is likely to be liberated into the atmosphere by these actions, accelerating global warming.

Back to School in September?

 

The UK Prime Minister seems to be pretty insistent that all children in English schools must be back in education by the start of term in September (https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/children-back-to-school-september-coronavirus-boris-johnson-a4531376.html). Government advisers have even gone so far as to claim a) that it is more dangerous for children to be at home and b) they are more likely to die in a road accident on the way to school, than by getting a Covid-19 infection. I agree that it is important to try to restart the educational process, especially for disadvantaged but bright children (many of them were not well catered for in the lockdown). It is also difficult for many parents to return to working  normally with their children away from schools. Having said that, even though a majority of young people do not appear to be seriously endangered by this viral infection, it is not yet certain that they are unlikely to pass the infection on to adults around them (parents, grandparents, teachers and ancillary staff). Rates of transmission could be low but there would be many more interactions between people after a return to school. There is also a debate brewing about whether or not older pupils should be required to wear face masks (as seems to be likely in Scotland). The timing of the return must also thrown into doubt by news that pupils in South Korea (a country usually held up as a paragon of virtue in its response to the pandemic) are going back to on-line teaching for most age groups because infection levels are rising again.

Seeing the Changes 1491

 

A Grey dagger moth (Acronicta psi) larva J-walks in Bynea.

The Sound of Sonar

 

There has been a plethora of whale strandings in Northern Europe (especially in the Faroe Islands and Ireland). Many of these events have involved beaked whales (29 of these were recently beached). These cetaceans normally feed at great depths and individual animals often appear confused, when driven into shallower waters. Although experts admit that storms could be problems, they also feel that these mass strandings may be largely consequences of military sonar exercises and/or seismic studies for oil in the northern seas (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/24/beached-whale-increase-may-be-due-to-military-sonar-exercises-say-experts). This sound pollution could interfere with the whale's own sonar direction finding systems.  

Green, Green Grass of Home

 

A study carried out on 600 10-15 year old children by Hasselt University in Belgium shows lasting intellectual and behavioural benefits associated with growing up in a home with more access to green space around it (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/24/children-raised-greener-areas-higher-iq-study). The 'greenness' of the localities was independently determined from satellite imaging of the areas. Children maturing in housing in greener locations had Intelligence Quotients that were 2.6 points higher than counterparts having poorer access. They also were less likely to be recorded as showing problematic behaviour at school.The benefits of access to green spaces appeared equally in children from relatively well-off and poorer families (so it was not simply the case that richer families, who were able to pay to advance the prospects of their children, were also likely to purchase housing surrounded by greener spaces). The authors suggest that the housing with better access to greenery, also facilitates both play and participation in sport. They also suggest that there will be less 'stress' and exposure to noise when children grow up in housing surrounded by green spaces. Given the known impacts of air pollutants from traffic on neural development, it would be interesting to know if levels of nitrous oxides and particulates were markedly higher in the built-up (i.e. less green) locations. If replicated, it does suggest that access to green spaces should be a major focus by planners and architects when planning new housing developments. Here, in the UK, people tend to slap a new house on to any available bit of land (including former play grounds and sports fields). 

Eating Out the Post Covid-19 Way

 

It seems that the latest way of eating out safely in the post Covid-19 lockdown, is to go to events such as the Swansea Bay Pop Up, where a large marquee is linked to the provision of  local food, drink and ice cream.  This provides a pleasant way of emerging from social isolation with effective spacing combined with choice of a range of food and drink. I wouldn't say this was in any sense as good as selecting restaurants in earlier days but it's a good partial return to a time when we had more freedom in our behaviour.

Gold in Them Plastic Hills

 

Not before time, the UK is due to get its first plant in Cheshire to extract precious metals (largely gold and platinum) from electronic waste which is termed 'e-waste' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/22/britain-first-commercial-refinery-extracting-precious-metals-e-waste-mint-innovation). The plant will be a startup from Mint Innovations (a New Zealand group) and will be the first to use a bacteria-based process, rather than the more typical cyanide-based technique. The startup is necessary as the UK is unlikely to have access to extraction facilities in Europe after Brexit. A UN report noted that 54 million tonnes of e-waste was generated world-wide in 2019 (this is growing at 3 times the speed of the world's human population). Much of this waste is not recycled (it's relatively difficult, given the mixture of materials).  The UN report estimated, however, that almost £8 billion pounds worth of precious metals could be extracted (and reused) annually from e-waste. It seems silly just to throw it away! Having said that, it was earlier noted that one can extract precious metals from human faeces.

Ice is Running Out?

 

It has been estimated that the planet has lost 28 trillion tonnes of ice since 1994 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/23/earth-lost-28-trillion-tonnes-ice-30-years-global-warming). This astounding figure is a direct consequence of global warming. Some people appear enthusiastic about improved access to petrochemical and other deposits (likely to intensify global warming still further) as well as the gains associated with access to mammoth skeletons et cetera. There are also people who see financial gains in the shortening of shipping routes. The melting ice, however, clearly a danger as it will substantially increase sea levels whilst the reductions in its reflective surfaces, makes solar gain an even more effective intensifier of global warming. I suspect that some of those same people, whilst blase about the extinctions of animals that are adapted to the ice (e.g. Polar bears and penguins), might be troubled by the effects on their own species. Although one does get the impression that people in 'remote' locations are also of little concern to them (as always, the 'selfish genes' rules). 

It's a Gas!

 

There appears to be disturbing evidence that some gas suppliers, whilst claiming to be committed to reducing their output of carbon dioxide and methane ('greenhouse gases'), are employing a host of tactics to counter attempts to reduce any use of their product (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/20/gas-industry-waging-war-against-climate-action). A striking example has been seen in Seattle, where there was local enthusiasm (and a vote) for curbing climate change. The local gas supplier (Puget Sound Energy) even resisted  attempts to curb gas hook-ups to new buildings. Gas companies have lots of cash (it's a cheap product) and some see attempts at climate change reduction as an existential threat. They appear to be prepared to whip up resistance from plumbers, customers and politicians. Perhaps they should pay for some of the problems they create?

Climate Change and Football

 

I must admit that the crowds were always one of the attractions for me at football matches (current TV versions are just not the same). Supporters have naturally been 'missing in action' in the Covid-19 pandemic but this emphasises the pressures that such events exert on the climate change emergency. An opinion piece by David Goldblatt looks at football's impact on climate change and speculates what the resultant 'warming' would mean to the sport (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/21/climate-crisis-football-global-game-carbon-neutral). Goldblatt points out that the World Land Trust estimated that the Champion's League final alone, in 2019, released over 10,000 tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. The 2020 equivalent (with no crowds and a single location), produced less than 3,000 tonnes (a pretty big saving but one that is unlikely to be repeated). This clearly confirms that moving between locations and importing supporters from across the globe have major impacts on the release of 'greenhouse gases'. Goldblatt notes that, bizarrely, many sporting events are sponsored by companies and countries such as Gazprom and Saudi Arabia, generating their wealth from petrochemicals. The carbon release across the whole of football (all leagues and all competitions) will be varied but must be immense. Goldblatt points out that any resulting climate change will have powerful effects on people's ability to do the sports in some locations (Quatar?). Heat is known to make intense activity dangerous and some grounds might well disappear as the sea level rises. Of course, all these considerations apply to any sport with a major (especially an international) following, especially if events move from country to country. Things have got to change, if we are to limit global warming to 'safe' values.  I expect, however, that there will be intense resistance from supporters and the sports administrators themselves. 

Kewing

 

Somewhat in line with the reports of increasing access to webcams from US aquaria, is news that Kew Gardens in London is replicating the sights and smells of 10 exotic botanical locations for its (in this case, physical) visitors (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/aug/20/a-journey-around-the-world-kew-gardens-offers-visitors-an-escape). The selected exhibits are from six different continents (e.g. Himalayan flowers) and provide a 'taste' of the actual locations, at a time when travel is greatly restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In one sense, the displays offer the experience without the carbon footprint! It may also stimulate an interest in the natural world (and plants in particular) by child visitors. It would be nice to see this kind of development occurring in other parts of the UK. I suspect that it will be.

A Mere PinPrick?

 

Most people would assume that it would be easier to make disposable syringes rather than come up with a safe and effective vaccine for Covid-19. In spite of that, some US vaccination experts are suggesting that a syringe shortage could prevent the rolling out of a full vaccination programme in that and other countries (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/21/syringe-shortage-covid-19-vaccine-experts). Apparently, US companies make around 663 million syringes per year but it has been estimated that 850 million will be needed. I suspect that there is sufficient time to ring around the suppliers!

Breakfast in Lockdown With Your Favourite Aquarium Exhibit?

 

In the Covid-19 lockdown, US Aquaria have naturally been closed to the public.  Many of these establishments have noted, however, surges of people watching the webcams covering their pools (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/21/aquariums-report-wave-of-webcam-visits-amid-covid-shutdown). In Monterey Bay aquarium 80% of their traffic involves 10 live webcams. Georgia aquarium has seen a 3000% increase in webcam viewing since the start of lockdown. Some people have become regular watchers, returning to the same apparently soothing exhibits again and again. There clearly is a real appetite for what aquaria can offer for human 'wellness'. Apparently, jellyfish, sea otters and sharks are firm favourites.

Cheap Food=Covid-19 Spread?

Dr David Nabarro, a special envoy from the World Health Organisation, has suggested that the British obsession with cheap food may be partially responsible for some of the local outbreaks of Covid-19 in the country (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/21/uk-cheap-food-could-fuel-covid-19-spread-says-who-envoy). Workers in the factories that produce cheap food often have to operate under the same roof as many other people. Many of these workers also live in crowded (and necessarily cheap) accommodation and travel together to work. All these characteristics will facilitate transmission of the virus  (even when attempts are made to socially distance). Rather similar pictures have been found in other countries (notably Germany and the USA). Even a Marks and Spencer sandwich making site Northampton has had an outbreak of positive tests involving almost 300 staff (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/13/nearly-300-workers-test-positive-at-ms-sandwich-factory-in-northampton). Just to clarify the image, sausage rolls are not reared outdoors (the meat in them might be)!

 

Wild as the Wind

 

We have had summer storms in the UK before now but they do seem to be a bit more frequent nowadays. We have to constantly remind ourselves that one weather event doesn't prove that there is a trend, but the evidence seems to be stacking up!

The Planet is Defrosting?

 

The scale of the current global warming is emphasised by news that the Greenland ice sheet reportedly lost 1 m tonnes of ice per minute throughout 2019 (i.e. more than 0.5 m tonnes per annum)(https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/20/greenland-ice-sheet-lost-a-record-1m-tonnes-of-ice-per-minute-in-2019). This is an extraordinary addition of water to sea level values as well as being a great reduction in the planet's ability to reflect some of the solar energy back into space. It should make us think seriously about the imminence of tipping points in relation to climate change.

Another Rogue Algorithm?

 

It's a pity, when something that could be very helpful to society in a pandemic, is 'weaponised' against people. Recent studies suggest that Facebook's algorithm directs people to sites providing false or misleading information about Covid-19, rather than medically-approved sites. The top 10 misinformation sites reportedly get 4 times the number of views that medically reputable sites receive (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/aug/19/facebook-funnelling-readers-towards-covid-misinformation-study).  These misinformation sites have characteristics that are not unlike the virus per se (they are small in numbers but spread rapidly).  There appear to be just over 80 sites in 5 countries, that generated  3.8bn reads last year. Just over 40 are 'superspreader' sites, actively pushing people towards false information. The consequences can be deadly. Around 800 deaths in Bangladesh, have been directly linked to one posted piece of erroneous information. Facebook needs to win its infowar, if its  reputation is not to be completely trashed.  In spite of giving assurances, it seems to be losing at present. 

'Boredom' or a Lack of Perks?

 

Ravens are are, large, intelligent members of the crow family. It has long been claimed, that if the resident birds leave the Tower of London, the monarchy and its associated buildings will crumble. A bit of an exodus of ravens from the tower has recently been reported. It has been suggested that the birds are 'bored' by the relative dearth of visitors to the building, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/20/bored-ravens-straying-tower-london-tourist-numbers-fall-legend-birds-monarchy). These birds may well like a bit of social interaction (they easily 'imprint' on handlers) but, I suspect, they are also getting fewer snacks from the Beef-eaters of the tower  as well as from the visiting public. Ravens are very opportunistic birds and there are plenty of options out there.

Seeing the Changes 1490

 

Spotted my first Painted lady (Cynthia cardui) of the year in Loughor.

Tail Wagging the Dog?

 

A German agricultural minister is reportedly advocating a new 'Dogs Act', in which owners of the almost 9.5 million dogs in that country, will be required to exercise their pooch twice a day for 1 hour each time (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/19/germans-must-walk-their-dogs-twice-a-day-new-law-will-say). It is certainly true (as she maintains) that some dogs receive too little physical exercise and not enough environmental stimulation. Pets can get overweight which also increases their disease risk, as well as that of their owners.  However, prescribing things so absolutely takes no account of  a) variability in dogs (size, age and health); b) the different physical abilities of dog owners (time doesn't obviously correspond to the amount of exercise),  c) where the dog lives (an animal confined to a small flat has a very different experience from one with a large garden to roam in) and d) isn't this a boost for commercial dog walkers? Obvious additional questions about this law include "who is going to stand around with a stop-watch monitoring each dog?". Also, as the health of some people would be impaired by taking away their pet: do we even want to consider it at this time? And, finally, what about the impact of increased dog walking on social distancing in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Stones That Gather Moss

 

It has been found that a moss (Syntrichia carinervic) in the Mojave desert uses quartz pebbles as miniature greenhouses (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/aug/18/plantwatch-how-a-miraculous-moss-keeps-cool-in-the-mojave-desert). The desert is sometimes very hot and at other times cold. The moss is also in danger of being damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. Moss that ends up under translucent pebbles that are about 2.5cm thick, grows very well as it is protected from UV and damaging extremes. A similar phenomenon of quartz pebble use is seen with some cyanobacteria (these are also photosynthetic).

Massaging the Rivers?

 

The Head of the Environment Agency in England has, reportedly, devised a cunning wheeze to reclassify English rivers as 'good' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/19/environment-agency-chief-backs-plan-to-water-down-river-cleanliness-rules-james-bevan). Currently, only 14% of the waterways, for which he has responsibility, reach this criterion on the EU's Water Framework Directive. The Directive assesses rivers on the bases of biology, physical characteristics, depth, width, flow rate and pollution. It operates on a 'one-out-all-out' principle (if the river fails on one measure, it cannot be classified as 'good'). Sir James Bevan apparently told a gathering of 'industrialists' that he favoured moving, post-Brexit, to using a single positive measure to generate a 'good' rating. This sounds like a polluter's and water-taker's' charter?  

Sushi Little Baby

 

There is yet another illustration of climate change with news that the seaweed forests of Tokyo Bay have been largely replaced by corals, from the south, in the warming waters (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/19/tokyo-bays-seaweed-forests-and-prized-abalone-that-live-in-them-disappear). We may think that this is a 'good thing' but the fisher folk of Kyonan have lost the once thriving abalone and sardine industries that were supported by the seaweeds. I also suspect that the algae were rather better at extracting carbon dioxide (a 'greenhouse gas') from the air than their coral replacements.

Seeing the Changes 1489

 

The weather conditions in Loughor (rain, hot, more rain) has resulted the the massed appearance of another small fungus

Honey, Honey

 

Perhaps some of the old 'cures' (or at least alleviations) are the best. Recent studies (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/aug/19/honey-better-treatment-for-coughs-and-colds-than-antibiotics-study-clams) that honey is a better treatment for coughs and colds than antibiotics. This is hardly remarkable (in many cases), as antibiotics have no effect on viral infections (in deed, this inappropriate prescribing, is one way of increasing the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria). Having said that, honey (I always combined it with lemon), appears to have a soothing effect (at least, until the infection goes away) on a sore throat without having any side effects.

Hell on Earth?

 

 

The recent temperature of 54.4⁰C in Death Valley, California is likely to be the hottest value ever reliably recorded. Although some older readings have claimed to be higher, these were generally carried out in obscure locations, with equipment that couldn't be checked and a long time ago. If the current reading is validated, it will be yet more evidence that the planet is hotting up.