Seeing the Changes 1566

In Bynea, a Lackey moth (Malacosoma neustria) larva scuttled on the cycle path.

Remember the Packaging!

It's nice for people to leave floral tributes. I do wish, however, they would take the plastic wrapping off first!

Are We, in the UK, a Nation of Slow Learners?

In the UK, government responses to the Covid19 pandemic seem to have been slow to a) take on messages about what was happening elsewhere; b) acquire and adopt personal protective equipment (including facemasks); c) come up with a functional test/track/isolate system; d) enter successive lockdowns in a timely fashion and e) bring in effective travel restrictions/quarantine arrangements. The only thing that has gone well (and it's a big plus) is the vaccination programme. It very much seems, however, that we are again 'missing the bus' in attempts to control our spread of the B.1.617.2 variant of Sars-CoV-2 virus (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/31/india-covid-variant-spreading-across-england-data-shows). The so-called 'Indian' (it was first discovered there) variant, is more transmissible than its 'Kent' (it was first discovered there) counterpart. The Indian variant also appears to be more likely to infect already vaccinated subjects, especially those who had only had a first dose. 75% of new Covid19 infections in the UK, now appear to be the Indian variant. It's effectively replacing the Kent variant. Contrary to government hopes, infections with B.1.617.2 are not remaining in their initial 'hotspots' but turning up across England. Some scientists claim the spread of the variant was 'entirely predictable'. They also say a window of opportunity has been missed to stop viral spread. These specialists see the current 'surge' in infections as the start of yet another wave. They also suggest that the full easing of restrictions in England (scheduled for June 21st on the 'roadmap'), should be reconsidered. Have we finally got the message that the virus does not regard the Brits as being an exceptional nation? I expect, however, there will be strong resistance to any further delay in easing restrictions.

Can the World Actually Stop Shopping?

JB MacKinnon has written a book 'The Day the World Stops Shopping', advocating a major reduction in consumption as a 'cure' for climate change (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/may/30/should-we-all-stop-shopping-how-to-end-overconsumption). MacKinnon points out, for example, that the US population is currently 60% higher than it was in 1970. Over the same period, however, consumer spending (adjusted for inflation) has gone up 400%. Similar changes have occurred in other parts of the world. MacKinnon notes that the human population is currently using up the Earth's resources 1.7 times faster than they can be replenished. Welcome to the finite planet club! MacKinnon wants to see drastic reductions in the stuff that people buy. This could certainly help drive down emissions. The downside is that many shops would shut, production lines reduce their activities and millions of factory workers (and others) become unemployed. Associated activities like sales, services and advertising would also be greatly curtailed. Even if the declines were achieved relatively slowly (and how much time have we got?), the 2008 economic recession might look very modest by comparison. MacKinnon is certainly right that overconsumption is a root cause of our current environmental woes. His solution would, however, be an extremely hard sell for people and politicians (economists have been obsessed by 'growth' for decades). Not many folk would be willing to vote (literally or even via changed behaviour) for reductions in their standard of living. Perhaps the best that can be hoped for, are reductions in some obvious areas of overconsumption? These might well include (MacKinnon gives them a special mention), fast fashion, flights and Black Friday-discounted gadgets. A major problem is that sections of all world populations, regard themselves as being worthy recipients of overconsumption, 'because they are worth it'. Relying on the general public to change its buying habits, whilst having such poor role models, is a bit futile. We are either all in it together or we are not.

Donkey Work?

There has been a great fanfare about donkeys being used as 'environmental agents' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/31/donkeys-to-help-re-establish-rare-wild-flower-in-devon). The donkeys are at a sanctuary (a 'home' for otherwise unrequired animals) in Devon (South-west England). The donkeys will be tasked with trampling over areas, especially seeded with Small-flowered catchfly. This catchfly has disappeared from much of its former range and could be regarded as endangered (although other species of this, not very impressive, catchfly appear to be doing quite well). The donkeys will be assessed for their effectiveness in 'treading in' the seeds. I have no problem with donkeys being credited with the work but any large to medium-sized ungulate could do the task. It looks as if people are striving to find a 'use' for the sanctuary's donkeys. Treading in is not exactly ground-breaking (or perhaps it is)!

Seeing the Changes 1565

Black horehound (Bellota nigra) in flower in Bynea.

That Last Post Was My 5000th

Dear Reader, I hope that some of the 5000 posts have amused, entertained, informed or even corrected confusions (not necessarily at the same time). My blog does not generate any money, as I am firmly of the opinion that my views (whether you choose to accept them or not), ought not be driven by advertising or sponsorship (plus I don't need the money). I apologise for my tendency to use weak puns, when titling each post, but I am a creature of habit and the weird sense of humour is ingrained. Could I encourage you to comment on posts that you may disagree with, as well as those you like? I've had some appreciated comments but like a bit of debate. As you may have gathered, my postings have increased in number over the Covid19 pandemic. I have actually found blogging to be quite therapeutic. This doesn't, of course, mean that I am perfectly balanced or a repository of all wisdoms! I try not to be overtly 'political' but admit to finding this harder and harder.

Frying Tonight?

It should be obvious that housing should be warm in the winter but cool in the summer. The UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and others, claim the British are failing to protect their vulnerable citizens (the very young and the old), from the effects of intensifying heatwaves (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/30/heatwave-deaths-set-to-soar-as-uk-summers-become-hotter). Heatwaves already cause thousands of preventable deaths each year in the UK. The CCC predict that anticipated global heating, will result in the UK having 5 times more heat deaths by 2050, than is currently the case. One problem has actually been the obsession with energy efficiency. Extra insulation of homes and the putting in of fire doors in care homes, can both exacerbate overheating risk. The post-Covid increase in home working in relatively unventilated, city centre flats, may also increase the numbers of people affected by heat. Simple measures to keep houses and care homes cool are not, however, being implemented. Pretty obviously, extra ventilation and cooling are needed for dealing with heatwaves. The Brits have not, however, regarded themselves as people who live in a hot climate so they don't worry about the summer.

Birder's Bonus 210

Black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactylus) nesting on the old lifeboat station at Mumbles pier.

Seeing the Changes 1564

A Small magpie moth (Eurrhypara hortulata) flitting around my Loughor garden in bright sunshine.

Art For Art's Sake: Emissions For God's Sake?

I will admit to being an art bumpkin. I know what I like (doesn't everyone?). Until reading an opinion piece by Adam Greenfield, I had, however, no idea that some art could endanger the planet (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/29/non-fungible-tokens-digital-fad-planet-nfts-artists-fossil-fuels). Greenfield describes an 'art' fad, non-fungible tokens (nfts). Nfts are electronic creations (not unlike bitcoins) created from complex arrays of zeros and ones. People can (at great expense) get 'ownership' of a unique nft (even though, it doesn't physically exist). One such expensive item is entitled 'The Mars House'. The trouble with nfts (and bitcoins) is that they utilise enormous (and I mean enormous!) amounts of electricity, to create and maintain. One nft used more electricity than was utilised by the artist's entire studio in 2 years of endeavour. Much of that energy currently comes from burning traditional hydrocarbons (coal, oil and gas). Some artists claim to be mitigating the energetic costs of their nft creations but their descriptions of how they are doing this are not very convincing. I was also surprised by Greenfield's claim that Elon Musk's bitcoin-related activities, probably generated more emissions, than were saved by his electric cars. It just confirms how blinkered people can be (or select to be) about the energy costs of their activities.

Flamingos Versus Frequent Fliers

The Delta del Llabregat, near Barcelona (Spain) is a 920 hectare national park. It is currently threatened by a billion dollar airport expansion scheme. The scheme is designed to bring more flights into Barcelona to boost tourism (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/29/flights-v-flamingos-can-barcelona-wildlife-reserve-survive-airport-expansion-aoe). The park is extremely diverse, having 14 distinct ecosystems, with numerous orchid species; flamingos and turtles. The plan, if carried out, will simultaneously destroy an impressive 'wild' site and plant 'seeds of destruction' for the planet. The planned increase in frequent, short-hop flights will boost 'greenhouse gas' emissions and make climate change inevitable. There might well, eventually, be no tourists to cater for?

Seeing the Changes 1563

The Orange hawkweed (Hieracium auranticum) was blooming in Gorseinon.

Tik-Toking Time-Bomb?

65 UK children have had urgent surgery to remove swallowed magnets. A high percentage of these cases are teenagers following a Tik-Tok craze (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/may/29/deadly-magnet-tongue-piercings-should-be-banned-says-nhs). The craze involves dancing around with a simulated tongue piercing. The 'piercing' consists of a small round magnet on the upper and lower surfaces of the tongue. Ingesting more than one magnet can, however, be life threatening. The magnets are forced together in the intestine and can cut off blood supply. This can cause necrosis (death) in these tissues. The NHS (they are pretty busy with Covid and its aftermath) would like the magnets banned. It's difficult, however, to see how this could be done as it's easy to magnetise ball-bearings. It's also difficult to stop a craze but something else will come along to take its place.

Hair Today?

Hair salons are massive generators of waste. They are one of the least 'green' commercial activities on high streets. For example, 99% of hair clippings end up in landfill. The Green Salon Collective (GSC) in the UK and Ireland, is attempting to change the image of hairdressers (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/29/hair-waste-from-salons-recycled-to-mop-up-oil-spills). One of the things the GSC has done, is donate 500 kg of clippings (a tiny percentage of the annual total) to be packed into 'hair booms'. The hair booms will be used, on beaches, to mop up oil spills. This completely alters my concept of a hair dressing.

One Small Backward Step for Mankind?

Reports on 'space tourism', always seem to acclaim the technical achievement. The latest is a report on Virgin Galactic's 'successful' test flight with its SpaceShipTwo Rocket plane (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/28/virgin-galactic-space-tourism-spaceshiptwo-rocket-plane-earth-flight). SpaceShipTwo got to slightly more than 55 miles above the Earth's surface. That just about puts the plane onto the edge of 'space'. It is now suggested Virgin Galactic are in 'pole position' to get a commercial reusable spacecraft operator's licence. This will enable the company (based in New Mexico) to charge rich folk mega bucks for their few minutes as 'spacemen/spacewomen'. Reports never seem to comment about the inherent antisocial nature of 'space tourism'. The last thing we need, when urgently attempting to counter climate change, are the emissions generated by these flights! There not much point telling the general public to eat less meat, drive electric cars and take fewer commercial flights, when 'space tourism' is treated as an optional extra for the wealthy. And don't give me any nonsense about planting a few trees to compensate for the emissions!

Seeing the Changes 1562

Not many butterflies around Loughor thus far. Finally, a male Common blue (Polyommatus icarus).

Seeing the Changes 1561

In Loughor, Herb Bennet (Geum urbanum) was in flower. In Bynea, Annual nettle (Urtica urens); Bramble (Rubus fructicosus) and Thrift (Armeria maritima) were in bloom. The nymph of the froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) frothed.

Forever Yours?

Per and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) are the 9000 or so 'forever chemicals'. PFASs are much used in many household goods and packaging, to make materials water and stain resistant. They are termed 'forever chemicals' because they don't naturally breakdown. PFASs are problematic, as they have been linked to an array of human health problems, including cancers and reduced sperm count. We now have another problem, Houston. Very high levels of PFASs have been found in the home fertiliser sold in many US stores (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/28/home-fertilizer-toxic-pfas-forever-chemicals-sewage-sludge). The home fertiliser, described as 'biosolids', is effectively modified sewage sludge from wastewater treatments across the USA. The PFASs are presumably discharged into wastewater treatments with human waste. Growing vegetables in biosolids seems a very effective way of increasing PFASs in the consumer's body. Recycling the forevers?

Five Years (That's Might Be What We've Got?)

The World Meteorological Organisation are reporting there is a 40% chance (almost equivalent to tossing a coin), the planet will 'temporarily' reach a temperature 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels within the next 5 years (https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/new-climate-predictions-increase-likelihood-of-temporarily-reaching-15-%C2%B0c-next-5). 1.5 degrees Centigrade was the 'guesitimate' of an upper 'safe' limit of climate change, agreed at the Paris meeting. That rise may, of course, be neither 'safe' nor 'temporary'. There are such things as 'tipping points', when changes become effectively almost irreversible. Perhaps imminence of the event will focus minds? I can't actually see much real evidence of that. All the talk (and talk is all we have), is of reaching carbon zero by 2030 or 2050. This implies we humans have all the time in the world.

Logging on a Splattometer?

There have been dramatic declines in insect numbers, in many parts of the world. Insects include important pollinators, scavengers and detritivores, that are essential components of many ecosystems. The Buglife organisation are hoping to enlist a UK 'army' of 'citizen scientists' to help monitor the extent of declines in insect populations (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/28/count-bug-splats-on-cars-to-study-insect-decline-uk-drivers-urged). Buglife noted a 2019 study carried out in Kent. It found a 50% reduction in splatted bugs on car number plates, compared to 2004 counts. Buglife are offering a free Bugs Matter app to willing participants. The participants would clean their car's front number plate, before undertaking any journey. On their return, they would use an emailed grid that can be superimposed to count the splats on the number plate. The totals would be entered on the app and a picture of the number plate grid uploaded for confirmation. The app would track where and when the car had been, as well as the distance travelled. Changes in the frequency of splats in different UK locations would be generated by the study. It would, however, a) not generally reveal the actual species of splatted insect; b) only apply to flying insect species; c) be limited to insects found along the roadsides and d) reveal nothing about insect numbers in locations very distant from roads. Having said that, 'citizen science' is becoming a helpful tool in many areas of investigation. It might also get some of the participants interested in insect identification.

Talking to Plants?

A commentary starting with the question "Is communication possible between trees and people?" is always going to take logic into some strange areas (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/may/28/branching-out-is-communication-possible-between-trees-and-people). The commentary asserts that plants communicate with eachother perhaps via their root systems. The claim is also made that humans often feel relaxed in the presence of trees. The plants produce chemical and electrical emissions, we might detect (whether we hug them or not). Frantisek Baluska (Bonn University) is of the opinion that plants are 'intelligent'. He claims they process information and make 'decisions' based on what they have 'learned'. Baluska and his team did some experiments on plants with moving parts, like the Venus flytrap. The flytrap lives in nitrogen-deficient locations (bogs). It has a touch-operated mechanism, used to trap and digest insects (with nitrogen in their proteins). Baluska sedated the plants with anaesthetics noting that the plants ceased to respond to flies (although their trigger mechanism involves neither nerves nor a brain). The plants resumed their former activities, when the sedative 'wore off'. I'm not sure what this tells us about the possibility of our communicating with plants. There are, however, two unanswered questions. The first is, why should plants generally bother to talk to animals (including humans), when most animals are essentially plant killers and/or damagers? Plants do, of course, develop protections against some animal species, using stings, spines and chemical defences. The animals they communicate with (usually via 'bribes') are needed for processes like pollination or seed dispersal. The second is, if plants really are intelligent organisms, doesn't this negate the prime vegan rationale for their dietary choices? I appreciate that, if plants and animals were both 'off-limits', there wouldn't be much to eat (even fungi 'communicate')!

Shelling Out?

A court in the Hague (Netherlands) has ruled that the Royal Dutch Shell petrochemicals company must reduce (compared to 2019 figures), its global carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/26/court-orders-royal-dutch-shell-to-cut-carbon-emissions-by-45-by-2030). The court's ruling was in response to an action brought by the Dutch chapter of Friends of the Earth and over 17,000 co-plaintiffs. The judge ruled that Royal Dutch Shell's duty of care could not be compromised by its commercial interests. She also noted that the company had been fully aware of the climate change consequences of its emissions for a long time. She also thought Shell's claimed sustainability policy was not 'concrete enough'. The judge effectively maintained that Royal Dutch Shell should ensure it achieved emissions cuts in line with the Paris agreement. It would be most helpful if other major petrochemicals companies, in other countries, received the same message. Hiding behind vague 'sustainability policies' (greenwash) should not be a viable option for any responsible organisation.

Imidacloprid With Your Smoked Salmon, Sir?

Neonicotinoid pesticides have been banned for use in terrestrial environments in the US and the EU. A particular concern has been these pesticide's devastating effects on essential pollinators, such as bees. It is somewhat surprising, then, to hear that the Scottish government is about to approve the use of Imidacloprid (one of Beyer's neonicotinoid pesticides) to treat caged salmon on Scottish fish farms (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/27/novichok-for-insects-may-be-approved-for-scottish-fish-farms). The pesticide will be used to kill ectoparasitic sea lice that plague these high density fish. This is in spite of US agencies warning that neonicotinoids also have devastating effects on marine (as well as terrestrial) life. In deed, one scientist has warned that as little as 1 billionth of a gram of Imidacloprid can seriously compromise aquatic life (sea lice are crustaceans). The waters of the caged salmon on the fish farms are, of course, confluent with the open seas. It is also distinctly possible that a fish farm worker could accidentally drop his/her bottle of Imidacloprid into the sea. The decision to allow the use of this neonicotinoid on Scottish fish farms appears very dubious. I expect that Scotland will be giving up exporting any salmon to Europe or the US?

'World-class' Hyperbole

With their typical understatement, UK ministers have described their Environmental Bill as "the most ambitious environmental programme of any country on earth" (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/26/ministers-accused-of-hypocrisy-over-toothless-environment-bill). The UK Environmental Bill is intended to cover the issues and protections that were formerly subject to EU regulations (that the UK helped write in earlier times). These included placing limits on air and water pollution as well as offering protections to wildlife habitats and biodiversity. Unfortunately, many environmental campaigners have been unimpressed by the bill in its current state. The campaigners describe the bill as 'toothless'. They feel it will fail to protect green spaces against being concreted over by developers in a house-building frenzy. The campaigners alo feel it also lacks provisions for improving air quality (although air pollution is a major health hazard in this 'green and pleasant land'). Campaigners also describe the protections for wildlife as 'inadequate' (in spite of claims it is designed to help hedgehogs, Red squirrels and Water voles). Perhaps the bill's environmental 'ambitions' are limited to fulfilling the dreams of their sponsors? Talking the good talk?

Crunch Time for Edible Insects in the UK

Edible insects are advocated as an addition to the human diet, as they have a minimal environmental footprint (unlike cattle) and an excellent nutritional profile (with lots of protein). The British edible insect companies are generally start-up SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises), with relatively little cash. The survival of these UK edible insect companies has, however, now been jeopardised by Britain leaving the EU (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/27/uks-fledgling-edible-insect-sector-in-jeopardy-after-brexit). Prior to 'Brexit', edible insect companies operated under EU 'novel foods' regulations, allowing their stock to be legally farmed and processed for human consumption. Now, getting legal authorisation to operate in the UK, is estimated to cost each edible insect company between £70,000 and £85,000. This is well beyond the resources of most such SMEs, especially as they won't be able to sell any products until they are authorised. I suppose they are looked on (unlike beef farmers) as 'chicken feed'?

Short Hops By Balloon?

Considerably after (and safer than?) the Zeppelin, airships are being offered as a solution to reduce the carbon footprint of short haul flights (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/26/airships-for-city-hops-could-cut-flyings-co2-emissions-by-90). Most of the carbon dioxide produced by an aircraft, is generated on take-off and landing. This makes short haul flights especially problematic, in terms of their impact on global heating and climate change. A company, Hybrid Air Vehicles, in Bedford, is building the 100 passenger Airlander 10 airship. The airship would produce only 10% of the emissions associated with a short haul aircraft flight. Services are planned, for example, between Liverpool and Belfast. Airlander 10 flights have been likened to a fast ferry service (without the high emissions of shipping and requirement for a dock). People might well be prepared to exchange some speed for remaining green.

The Sound of Munching

Some people suffer from misophonia. They become excessively irritated, by sounds made by other people eating and drinking. A study, using brain scans, at Newcastle University has shown that people with misophonia have a stronger than usual connectivity between that part of their brain processing sound and an area of the prefrontal cortex, controlling the muscles of the mouth and throat (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/24/research-reveals-why-some-find-the-sound-of-others-eating-so-irritating). The Newcastle study showed that, when people with misophonia, were played the 'trigger sound' (of people munching) their brain region controlling mouth and throat movement was overactivated. This was compared to 'controls' (subjects without misophonia). One of the neuroscientists, suggests the 'trigger sound' activates the motor area, even though the person is only listening to it. It causes irritation because it makes that person feel the sounds are intrusive. This might be an example of a brain mirror neuron system. Mirror neurons fire, when a person makes an action. They also fire when they see others make a particular response. I'm not sure if this neuroscientific explanation makes munching and slurping any less irritating.

Sharp Shooters?

George Monbiot believes the last 15 years of UK environmental policy, have been characterised by ever more ambitious 'targets' and zero progress (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/26/britain-net-zero-targets-environmental-issues). Unfortunately, it appears that he is absolutely right. It has been apparent for decades, that urgent action on 'greenhouse gas' emissions are needed to limit climate change. What we have had is airport expansions, no new taxes for frequent fliers, extra road building, a plan for a new deep coal mine, removal of tax incentives for solar power, abandonment of schemes to improve the insulation of current homes, delaying of mandatory requirements to make new home construction 'greener' etc, etc. UK environmental policies seem to be 'smoke and mirrors' exercises. Tell the people that you are deeply concerned about the climate crisis and have a target. Then do precisely the things ensuring you will never reach that target. You wouldn't want to block anything that was 'popular' with business and the general public. The response to missing the 'target', is to throw another one out there. The 'new target' is further into the future, with even more grandiose claims. What, of course, has been frittered away, is time (and politicians, are by definition, ephemeral creatures). If, however, an archer missed the 'target' as frequently as these guys (and it's usually guys!), one might start to question his eyesight or competence.

Verging On

A University of Exeter study underlines, yet again, the natural history possibilities presented by the UK's roadside verges (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/26/end-mowing-of-road-verges-to-create-huge-wildlife-habitat-says-uk-study). Roadside verges are the areas between the edges of roads and the fencing, preventing people and animals from wandering into the traffic. The Exeter study used Google maps, to calculate that the UK's roadside verges occupy more than 2500 square kilometres (about 1.2% of the country's entire landmass). This is an expanse equivalent to the combined areas of the cities of Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Most of the verges are currently covered by short, frequently-mown grass or scrub. The study reiterates that much more could be done to encourage wildflowers to grow on motorway and road verges. This is already happening, in some places, but it is worth offering further encouragement. Perhaps reductions in vehicle-related contamination (fumes and microplastics) with electrification, will also help?

Seeing the Changes 1560

In Loughor, a Butter cap (Collybia butyracea) emerged. In Bynea, Elder (Sambucus nigra) was in flower. In Penclacwydd, a crab spider (Misumena vatia) lurked in the Hemlock.

Can We All Become Indigenous People?

Peter Sutoris (an Anthropologist of Development and the Environment) has written thought-provoking article on the mindset change needed to extract ourselves from the climate crisis (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/24/climate-change-crisis-culture-politics-technology). Sutoris (probably) rightly claims that humans will not be able to innovate (by carbon capture etc) themselves, out of the mess they have got themselves into. The Anthropocene could be the end of the species as well as the planet. Sutoris naturally sings the praises of indigenous groups who appear to know the limits 'their' environments can sustain. Interestingly, most of the planet's surviving biodiversity is also concentrated in their lands. Sutoris thinks we need to become more humble and aware of our connectedness to the environment. At the moment, he suggests, we are too vain and individualistic. The trouble is that 'perfect' indigenous groups generally live at very low densities in large, diverse regions. Individual consumption tends to be low and lives short. Indigenous groups generally have leaders but they don't show the extraordinary differences in wealth and lifestyle, one sees in 'developed' societies. I can't really see, however, a) That there would be room for everyone on the planet (we have more people now than the grand total for all earlier recorded history) to become members of indigenous groups; b) Many humans giving up the belief, that they are the dominant species and the planet 'owes' (or was given to) them and c) The mega-rich voluntarily giving up on their privilaged lifestyles. Even Sutoris, does not really lay out, in graphic detail, what a fundamental change in attitudes/actions would be needed from the majority of people to really counter the climate crisis. We all want our cake and we all want to eat it!

Flying the Red kite

Some people have odd attitudes to 'birds of prey' (raptors). The recovery of the Red kite (Milvus milvus) in England and Wales, is a conservation success story. The bird was almost driven to extinction by gamekeepers who illogically feared for their gamebirds. I heard, however, a snippet on BBC radio today from a Daily Telegraph editor who was worried about his pet cat. Red kites fly over his garden. He seemed to think that the conservation of this 'dangerous predator' had gone too far. The Red kite is, however, a scavenger of dead meat, rather than a killer of prey. The bird has a big wingspan but is only about 1kg in weight. A Red kite could never get most moggies off the ground, even if the bird was tempted to do so. The picture above, shows a Red kite being seen off by a crow. The crow probably also fancied a particular bit of road-kill. Red kites are essentially attractive vultures. They do a valuable cleaning and recycling job. I wish they flew over my garden.

Otterly Surprising

One Giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), doesn't mean a species has recovered from a local extinction. It is encouraging, however, that an animal that had gone unseen in Argentina since the 1980's, was recorded on a mobile phone by a kayaking Conservationist (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/25/a-huge-surprise-as-giant-river-otter-feared-extinct-in-argentina-pops-up-aoe). This species of otter was last spotted on the Bermejo river in NE Argentina's Chaco Province, more than 100 years ago. Its disappearance, in this country, was due to a combination of hunting and habitat destruction. Successful breeding of the species would have to occur, before one could be certain it had re-established itself in the Bermejo river park.

Trustworthy?

Trade associations representing 'leading' (highly profitable?) food suppliers, appear less than enthusiastic about a proposal in the delayed UK environmental bill, that is going before parliament (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/25/food-brands-challenge-deforestation-rules-in-uk-environment-bill). The proposal is that UK-based food suppliers would be required to carefully examine their supply chains, 'ensuring' they are free of links to illegally deforested land overseas. Some food suppliers suggest the task is too onerous. They note that any fines might well increase prices (that will be passed on to the consumer?). Others argue that suppliers should only be punished if they 'deliberately' use material from illegally deforested land. This sounds like a lawyer's paradise. Some of these very same companies, are only too willing to flaunt their 'organic' or 'green' features (real or imagined), when it boosts sales. One worrying aspect of the legislation is that the rule (if it is approved), only applies to UK-based companies. Companies operating in places, that have signed trade deals with UK, will not have to worry about proving they are not facilitating deforestation.

Sucking It Up!

A £30m UK project, comparing different ways of removing the 'greenhouse gas' carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, has been announced (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/24/trials-to-suck-carbon-dioxide-from-the-air-to-start-across-the-uk). Amongst the techniques to be evaluated are re-wetting peatlands; exploring the use of rock chips that absorb carbon dioxide as they breakdown in soil and burying 'biochar' (an absorbant form of charcoal). The best ways of using trees to capture carbon will also be explored. For example, willow and miscanthus grass are burned to generate power but the carbon dioxide released in the process can be trapped and stored underground. The project leader admits that carbon capture is not a substitute for reducing emissions. Emissions have to be drastically cut along side effective carbon capture. Carbon capture is needed because the UK has simply been too slow in its cutting of emissions!

'Swallowed' by a Dinosaur

Dinosaurs can still be dangerous nowadays. The body of a young man was found inside the body of a papier-mache model of a Stegosaurus (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/24/missing-man-found-dead-inside-spanish-dinosaur-sta). The sad event happened in Santa Coloma de Gramenet near Barcelona (Spain). It seems likely the man died, whilst trying to retrieve his mobile phone from a leg of the statue. All very inappropriate, as the Stegosaurus was a plant eater not a carnivore.

Seeing the Changes 1559

In Penclacwydd, the first of the Southern marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) was in bloom.

Seeing the Changes 1558

Flowers appeared more advanced in London than in Swansea. Lots of Wood cranesbill (Geranium sylvaticum) in Crystal Palace Park. There were also lots of flowers along the Regent canal. They included White dead nettle (Lamium album); Red valerian (Centranthus ruber); Green alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens); Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Common mallow (Malva sylvestris).