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.
Thursday, 16 February 2023
It's a Gas, Gas, Gas!
News that Centrica, the owners of 'British Gas', have announced record annual profits of over £3.3 bn is causing concern. Should, for example, the company's Chief Executive take his massive annual bonus? (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/feb/16/british-gas-owner-centrica-reports-record-profits-of-33bn). Centrica's profits are clearly largely a consequence of the Ukraine war. This event greatly elevated the cost of natural gas. British Gas, however, have also benefited from the failure of many of their smaller competitors, resulting in those customers being allocated to their organisation. British Gas has finally been shamed into stopping their hired operatives forcing their way into poor people's homes, to install expensive pre-payment meters. One should note, however, that the vast majority of Centrica's 'windfall profits', are linked to the generation of hydrocarbons and electricity. Actually supplying energy to people's homes and businesses, generates only modest income. Further, under competition law, British Gas is not allowed to cross-subsidise the charges they make for energy. Had British Gas not been privatised (as part of the creation of Mrs Thatcher's 'share-owning democracy'), much more of the company's profits could have been directed to protecting folk from the cost of energy crisis and paying the British Gas workforce. At the moment, the profits are largely being used to reward shareholders and the company's Chief Executives.
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Wooden Tops 16. Hawthorn
As Hawthorn wood is strong and closely-grained, it's often used for carving. This wood is also employed to make tool handles, as well a...
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Green buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tartaricum ) is also called 'Tartar buckwheat'. It's a domesticated food plant, producing kernels. ...
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Greater spearwort ( Ranunculus lingua ) has been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, skin conditions and digestive problems.
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Daily shots of my fully compostable Oyster mushroom pot, received for Christmas. Omelettes ahoy!
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