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's 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.
Sunday 26 December 2021
'Carbon Friendly' Rockets?
There is a plethora of plans for 'spaceports' in the more remote parts of the UK (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/26/the-great-british-race-to-space). The first UK-launched satellite is likely to be fired into space from Cornwall. There are also firm plans for creating rival spaceports in Sutherland and Shetland (Scotland). More tentatively, spaceports may also be established in Campbeltown, Prestwich and North Uist (also Scotland), as well as Snowdonia in Wales. All the proposals have been busy stressing their 'green credentials'. They have claimed (to get local support) to be 'carbon friendly' and principled re-users of rocket stages. Some of this is, however, simple 'greenwash'. Putting satellites into space will inevitably generate carbon dioxide. It is to be hoped that the companies involved will be compelled to undertake remediation. The odd tree planting won't be sufficient. The UK's pledges to become carbon neutral (by 2030 or 2050?) will also have to take its spaceport emissions into account.
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