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 25 February 2024
All His Eggs in the Anti-Environment Basket?
The current UK Prime Minister (PM), in his desperation for electoral votes, seems to be dropping any environmental considerations (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/25/sunak-stands-with-net-zero-and-climate-conspiracy-group-at-farming-protest). Firstly, he became the protector of the 'petrol-head'. Promising to resist any attempts to produce low emissions zones in cities and towns. He was also firmly against speed restictions and traffic calming initiatives. Accidents and the profound damage to human health, from air pollution, were not considerations. Secondly, he cosied-up to 'big oil', approving the extraction of 'every last drop of oil' from the North Sea. This was in spite of any 'new' oil going straight on to international markets, where it increases company profits but does nothing to ensure UK 'energy security'. Now, he's attended and alligned himself with a Welsh demonstration by the 'No Farmers: No Food' group. Sections of this group apparently challenge the whole concept of anthropogenic climate change. Unlike many other farmers, they see no point in encouraging the planting of trees or maintaining biodiversity, They want maximal production and maximal profits. One might think that the PM is firmly back in his post-Covid19 lockdown mode. As the controller of UK finance (Chancellor), he invested millions of taxpayer's money in his 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme. The scheme heavily-subsidised groups of punters to dine out in restaurants and pubs, alledgedly to ensure financial viability. The scheme came as a surprise to concerned scientists. It, predictably, resulted in a surge in Covid19 infections, producing more deaths and necessitating a further lockdown. It seems this PM either has a very poor grasp of cause and effect or is only ever concerned by his 'bottom line'. It will be interesting to see if the UK general public go along with him. A 'greenlash' is evident in many parts of Europe, often involving farmers.
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