Data Is 'The New Oil'

Most people don't realise that the data they use (sending emails, watching videos, playing games and reading blogs) generates, like oil, a substantial carbon footprint. Datacentres are big business and most countries welcome them as job creators. Only The Netherlands and Singapore are currently considering moritoria on new developments. Chris Stokel-Walker points out that it's very difficult to put a precise figure on the emissions generated by an average user of data (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/31/concerned-about-your-data-use-here-is-the-carbon-footprint-of-an-average-day-of-emails-whatsapps-and-more). It's claimed, however, that, in 2023, Americans used 100tn megabytes of data. Estimates of the world energy used by the internet, vary between 4 and 10%. Both are very substantial values. Even watching 1 hour of Netflix, is equivalent to boiling a kettle of water. Both generate around 36g of carbon dioxide. This might be a small contribution but it all adds up to enhanced global heating/climate change.

The Rain in Spain

Yet another awful, stark reminder of the dangers of climate change. I had a long research association with folk in Valencia. I know from my repeated visits, that they had experienced severe flooding in the 1970s. State-of-the-art defences were consequently engineered, with the intention of preventing any repetitions. Yesterday, these defences were overwhelmed by torrential rain/hailstones. More rain fell in 24 hours than normally falls in a year. Numerous cars were washed away, buildings flooded and more than 100 people killed (https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/oct/30/spain-floods-valencia-latest-news). Floods, droughts and violent storms have always happened. Climate change is now, however, making these events more frequent and more extreme. Basic physics shows that heating results in 20% more water being available for precipitation. Extreme weather now even affects 'safe' parts of the planet! And still, the deniers deny!

Gushing 'Greenhouse Gases'

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) notes that,, over the last 20 years, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide; methane and nitrous oxide have all markedly increased. These are, of course, the 'greenhouse gases', elevating global temperatures. They inevitably produce marked climate change. In deed, the WMO record a full 10% increase in carbon dioxide over the last two decades. In 2023, atmospheric concentrations of this gas, were at the highest ever seen for thousands of years (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/28/planet-heating-pollutants-in-atmosphere-hit-record-levels-in-2023). There's been much debate about the dangers of 'runaway' climate change. There's also been numerous United Nations COP meetings. Countries and companies jumped to make 'pledges'. None of this seems to have made the slightest difference to 'greenhouse gas' emissions. 'Pledges' might cynically be defined as 'cheap promises, that put off the need for actual real action'. One thing is certain. We are not currently handling this anthropogenic (human-mediated) problem at all well.

Capitulating to Covid?

England has a dwingling population immunity to Covid. The Omicron subvariants are proving very successful in overcoming what remains of it. The UK Health Security Agency has noted that, in England, a) hospital admissions for Covid infections are markedly increasing and b) the percentage of folk with symptoms testing positive for Covid in sentinel tests, is also quickly climbing. Most folk are clearly no longer giving any thought to this viral infection. Some vulnerable folk don't even bother to get boosters. Immunologists now feel England has largely capitulated to Covid (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/26/covid-on-the-rise-as-experts-say-england-has-capitulated-to-the-virus). Specialists feel that booster vaccinations should be given more widely. They also think that testing for the virus needs to be re-boosted. A new variant of Covid, XEC, is now emerging. It doesn't seem very sensible to completely let our guard down at this time.

Worse Than Car Crashes

Pollutants from gas stoves annually kill more Europeans (in the EU and the UK), than car crashes. A detailed study considered only the health-damaging effects of nitrogen dioxide, ignoring the impacts of carbon monoxide and benzene derivatives. It consequently produced a conservative estimate of 40,000 annual deaths. The harmful gases released by gas stoves, have been strongly linked to heart and lung diseases. Overall, the study suggested they cut nearly 2 years off a person's life (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/28/pollutants-from-gas-stoves-kill-40000-europeans-each-year-report-finds). Cooking can also be done efficiently with air friers and induction hobs. They should replace gas hobs and ovens. These findings also provide another good reason to replace gas central heating with heat pumps. The home should never be less healthy than the motorway!

I Wouldn't Put It Pasta!

Asking a simplistic question like 'Is white pasta bad for you?', clearly illustrates the problem for folk trying to eat healthily. Regular durum wheat white pasta, was lauded in the 'low fat' era. Folk training for marathons, were urged to 'carboload'. The same food was subsequently demonised in the 'low carb' craze. White pasta made you fat! Many alternative brown 'pastas' have appeared, made from rice, soy and other materials. Do most folk have to strictly avoid all white pasta? (https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/oct/27/is-white-pasta-bad-for-you). White pasta is relatively cheap and quickly digested. This might result in folk over-eating. If, however, white pasta consumption is balanced by exercise, it's a fine source of energy. The 'debate' just reveals that certain foods elicit fad after fad. Statements by food companies, cooking programmes, restauranteurs et cetera generally leave joe public confused about what and how much he/she should eat. Some of the 'information' put out, is clearly tailored to increase sales, rather than inform. We really need to have clearer messages for the general public!

Seeing the Changes 2100

A Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) flitted on the cycle route in Penclacwydd.

Pigging Out?

In 2023, the Moolec Company inserted pig genes into soy plants. These plants made soybeans, expressing porcine proteins. More than 25% of the soluble proteins in some of these soybeans were pig. It would be much more efficient to grow traditional meat substitutes in soy plants, rather than feed the soybean crop (after transport) to pigs or cattle. This would also dramatically reduce climate-changing emissions associated with meat production (https://www.bing.com/search?q=pig%20genes%20in%20soybeans&pc=cosp&ptag=C999A9C7EDF55B3&form=CONMHP&conlogo=CT3210127). Much of the taste of 'meat' is said to be a consequence of its contained fat cells. The illustration is a London-based company that produces fat cells in giant incubators. Porcine soybean producers should get together with them to produce tasty sausages etc. Brave new world?

Support Biopiracy or Lose Your Jobs?

Poor, biodiverse countries are upset when they get nothing, as Big Pharma currently takes genetic codes from 'their' organisms, to develop new drugs. These countries sometimes call this 'biopiracy'. They have consequently advocated the introduction of a biodiversity drug levy to give them some compensation. A senior representative of AstraZeneca, at a DEFRA meeting, has now threatened that, if the UK government supports the levy, there could be cuts in UK jobs (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/25/astrazeneca-uk-jobs-biodiversity-drug-levy). This AstraZeneca response is a rather unsubtle move to protect company profits. One could reasonably argue that a levy would provide a financial incentive to biodiverse countries to remain biodiverse. Otherwise, such countries won't value what they have and might well destroy species-rich environments to develop more farmland etc. It's actually somewhat predictable that AstraZeneca is taking this line. The Swedish Astra arm of the conglomerate, made its early cash from cocaine. This was when, coca leaf extract was regarded as a wonder drug (used e.g. by the then Pope and Queen Victoria). Astra gave nothing to the Peruvian natives who had identified cocaine's properties. The company became very rich. I guess they would like to continue in this way.

Seeing the Changes 2099

A Fox moth (Macrothylacia rubi) larva strolled across the cycle route at Bynea.

Norovaccine?

Norovirus is the so-called 'vomiting bug'. Because vomiting can result in rapid dehydration, an infection is especially dangerous in the very young; the elderly and folk with impaired immunological systems. World-wide, there are almost 700 million Norovirus cases and 200,000 deaths each year. Currently, hospitalised patients, can only be offered an intra-venous saline drip. Moderna has been building on its experience of developing messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) vaccines for Covid-19 and its variants. mRNA is the chemical manufactured by a gene, specifying a precise protein. Pre-mRNA vaccines involved exposing the individual to a dead or a damaged microbe. This new technology allows the vaccine-maker to synthesize a mRNA sequence that, when injected, generates a protein identical to one found in the bacterium or virus. This protein is usually associated with the microbe's coat (used to obtain access to the host's cells). The body then produces antibodies (protein defence molecules), attacking the infective agent. Consequently, such vaccines can be produced a) without exposing the vaccinated individual to the potentially more dangerous agent per se and b) that can be quickly modified when the virus/bacterium mutates (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/23/doctors-trial-worlds-first-vaccine-against-vomiting-bug-norovirus). An effective Norovirus vaccine would clearly have both health and economic benefits. Folk can't work, when they are infected with the vomiting bug. The Moderna mRNA Novovirus vaccine is currently undergoing 'double blind trials' in England and elsewhere. One half of the test subjects are given the vaccine and the reminder a placebo (injection of saline). Not until the end of the study, will experimenters know which subjects received the vaccine and which the placebo. The incidence (and severity?) of Norovirus infections in the treatment and control groups will then be compared. In England, it will then be up to NICE to determine if the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its costs. If it does, the treatment will be offered on the NHS, along with vaccines for seasonal influenza, Covid-19 etc.

Bite of the Tiger Mosquito

Dengue fever is a debilitating viral infection, transmitted by the bite of the Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). 2024 has seen an impressive spike in infections. Thus far this year, there's been 12.4 million cases of Dengue fever. Most have been in Latin America; Africa and SE Asia. Cases are now, however, starting to appear in Europe and the US (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/oct/23/dengue-fever-record-cases-in-2024-so-far-what-is-driving-the-worlds-largest-outbreak). The infection spike appears linked to the spread of the viruses vector. Climate change (areas becoming warmer and wetter) and urbanisation (concentrating folk) are providing opportunities for the Tiger mosquito to flourish in new geographical areas. It's estimated that eventually, world-wide, some 4 billion people will be at risk of contracting Dengue fever. This would, of course, have major impacts on education, working populations and health services.

COProphagy?

Coprophagy is the scientific term for the consumption of faeces. This activity may have parallels with United Nations (UN) location choices for its Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings. For example, COPs 28 and 29 both focus on climate change. The former was in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Although it ended up calling for an eventual phasing out of oil and gas, it also provided ample opportunities for producers to lobby for substantial delays (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/11/cop28-draft-agreement-calls-for-fossil-fuel-cuts-but-avoids-phase-out). The subsequent planned COP29 will be held in Baku (Azerbaijan), just at the time that country is set for a major expansion of its fossil gas extraction (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/23/cop29-host-azerbaijan-set-for-major-fossil-gas-expansion-report-says). COP16 in Cali (Colombia) will focus on protecting biodiversity. It's scheduled for a location where a local 'warlord' is intent on deforesting sections of the Amazon rainforest (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/22/colombian-emc-warlord-amazon-forest-deforestation-colombia-ivan-mordisco-logging-ban-cop16-biodiversity). The UN does seem to have an incurable habit of selecting some very dodgy locations for its COP 'roundabout' of expensive (and polluting) meetings.

Let's Not Sleep on It!

Per and Poly Fluoro Alkyl Substances (PFASs) is a large family of synthetic chemicals. They're used to make a variety of products (e,g, clothing, cooking utensils, carpets and even fast food cartons) waterproof; stain-resistant and/or non-stick. They are also known as the 'forever chemicals' because they are not broken down by natural processes. This means, of course, that their environmental concentrations are inevitably increasing. It's long been known that PFASs have detrimental effects on somatic health. These chemicals have been linked, for example, to increased cancer risk and reproductive disorders. There's now growing evidence that PFASs can also influence the brain (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/18/pfas-sleep-disorders). A University of Southern California study, measured blood concentrations of PFASs in 19-24 year old folk (undergraduates?). It also looked at their sleep duration. Subjects in the top third of concentrations, slept, on average, for 80 minutes less than the cohort with lowest values. Scientists carrying out the study, noted that the PFAS under investigation, had an impact on 7 genes. One of these genes is involved in the conversion of the adrenal 'stress' hormone cortisol to cortisone. Cortisone has been shown to regulate human sleep cycles. There consequently appears to be a mechanism directly linking a PFAS, to physiology, to sleep.

COP Out?

UN COP16 starts this week in Cali (Colombia). One must ask, what they hope to achieve? It's already clearly evident to scientists that human activity has pushed the current world into the danger zone. COP16 will focus on the major biodiversity losses that are making the Earth less conducive to human life. We already know this. Significant damage is 'locked in' and it's inevitable that we will see more (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/21/humanity-earth-natural-limits-biodiversity-warning-cop16-conference-scientists-academics). Sadly, however, COPs tend to be 'talking shops'. They don't educate the uneducated. It's difficult to see countries and megacompanies changing their behaviours! We basically are a species, apparently intent on producing planetary changes, that will inevitably make it less 'human friendly'. It's not the world in the 'danger zone' (the planet and life will persist), it's the human species?

Litterbugs in Space!

Folk seem to fire as much junk into space as they like. In 2022, circa 6000 satellites were in orbit. It's now predicted that, by 2030, there may be 60,000. There are also now almost 37,000 objects, more than 10cm in size, circling the planet. These lethal objects can be tracked, with the hope of avoiding collisions. In addition, however, there are circa 1 million items, in orbit, between 1 and 10cm. These are untrackable but can be just as lethal (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/19/humanity-would-watch-helplessly-as-space-junk-multiplies-uncontrollably-has-the-number-of-satellite-launches-reached-a-tipping-point). The junk circling the planet makes space exploration more dangerous. It also makes astronomy difficult and damages the UV-protective ozone layer. The laws around what can be fired into space are almost 50 years old. They are also generally ignored by governments and commercial organisations. Just another example of how our species fails to worry about the longer term consequences of its actions?

Biodiversity Versus Housing

Middlewick Range, on the edge of Colchester (Essex), is due to be sold by the UK's MOD, to build 1000 homes. There's much debate about whether the biodiversity of this rare Acid Grassland has been properly presented and considered in the planning. The claim that applications of sulphur to existing grassland, will compensate for the losses on Middlewick Range is highly dubious (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/19/middlewick-ranges-sale-essex-acid-grassland-catastrophic-precedent). Given that much MOD land is already biodiverse, it would surely be better to retain such tracts for environmental reasons. If new houses are to be built on 'green' land, they might be better placed on marginal farmland. As mentioned, in an earlier post, agriculture massively reduces biodiversity.

Weight Loss to 'Cure' Worklessness?

There's little doubt that obesity damages health and can prove costly for countries. Whether it's appropriate, however, to offer weight loss injections to get folk but into work is debatable. Wegovy (semaglutide) injections are already available from UK Weight Loss Services provided by that country's National Health Service (NHS). It's also been suggested that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) could be prescribed by General Practioner doctors. The current Health Minister has strongly advocated weight loss drug injections, as a means of helping obese folk get back into work. He's approved a trial, to see if evidence for this link can be obtained (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/18/weight-loss-jabs-not-quick-fix-for-worklessness-health-experts-warn). Weight loss drug injections are very unlikely to provide a 'quick fix' for low economic productivity. Studies on weight change can produce odd results. For example, some folk deliberately put on more weight, to qualify for bariatric surgery. In a similar vein, if joblessness makes it more likely overweight workers will be prescribed weight loss drugs, some might resign from existing jobs! A cynic might even suggest that the UK's Health Minister is merely trying to appeal to the current Chancellor's obsession with economic growth. Making her feel that the NHS can be part of the solution, would be an astute move, to maximise his funding. Medical need ought to be the prime reason for offering weight loss drug injections. It would also be a deviation from medical ethics to coerce folk into taking drugs, if they don't want them. There also needs to be a much stronger focus on healthy diet and exercise. Otherwise, any benefits derived from drug treatment, might simply dissipate.

Seeing the Changes 2098

Fruiting bodies of Honey fungus (Armillaria mellea) on my Loughor lawn. Their extensive subterranean hyphal systems make them very large organisms. Watch out, trees!

Paying For Dubious Probabilities?

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a slippery beast! It can be influenced, for example, by characteristics of the tester and the tested. Although this trait has an inherited component, environment and random biological events also influence the 'score'. Access to healthcare; education and a supportive family environment are especially important. It's also a polygenic factor, influenced by a thousands of genes. This makes it very difficult/impossible to link IQ to particular genes. The US startup Heliospect, appears, however, to be preparing to launch a service they say will enable parents to select IQ and other 'desirable' traits (e.g. low risk of psychiatric disorders) in their embryos Heliospect's 'genomic prediction' services for prospective IVF couples, are claimed to have the potential to result in a 6 point IQ gain for selected embryos (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/18/what-is-genomic-prediction-and-can-embryos-really-be-screened-for-iq). Most experts think that Heliospect's claims are currently highly contentious. 'Genomic prediction' just seems to be adding further pressures to folk undergoing stressful (and expensive?) IVF procedures. Most couples don't have numerous viable embryos to select from and pregnancies are not always successful. Furthermore, a high IQ is by no means a guarantee of a happy and successful life.

Water, Water Everywhere, Nor Yet a Drop to Drink

Only 3% of the Earth's water is fresh. Of that, a goodly percentage (circa 75%) is currently frozen, making it difficult to use. This means that potable (fresh) water is quite a scarce resource. Agriculture; industry and private households currently use respectively 69%; 19% and 12% of available freshwater. A report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water notes that demand will outstrip supply by 40%, by the end of the current decade. As agriculture is the major user of freshwater, the report predicts that more than half the world's food production will be at risk in the next 25 years. Most governments appear to currently grossly under-estimate the amount of water required by their populations. Most operate basically assuming that, for health and hygiene, a single human needs 50-100 litres per day. For adequate nutrition and a dignified life, however, nearer 4000 litres per day is the requirement. Many countries simply can't supply these volumes, meaning that most food and materials (generated using freshwater) have to be imported (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/16/global-water-crisis-food-production-at-risk). The Global Commission on the Economics of Water report maintains that countries have a) to get better at conserving freshwater resources and b) end the destruction of the ecosystems on which freshwater depends. A half of rainfall over land, comes from healthy vegetation. Plant transpiration generates 'atmospheric rivers', carrying freshwater to new locations. China and Russia are the major recipients of these flows. India and Brazil are the major exporters. Destroying the planet's terrestrial ecosystems, will cause these 'atmospheric rivers' to effectively dry up. This could decimate food production in recipient countries. Even cutting food wastage isn't going to be sufficient, as the Earth's human population climbs towards its predicted 10 billion. We really have to value freshwater more!

Worse Than Warfare?

England's Salisbury Plain has long been a military training ground. Tanks churn up the soil and explosions are frequent. Sainsbury Plain has long been known, however, to be a haven for wild, chalkland flowers. Viper's bugloss; Small scabious and Kidney vetch abound in this location. Where there are flowers, insects and other animals prosper (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/16/plantwatch-military-training-ground-offers-surprise-haven). It's been evident for decades, that agriculture is generally more damaging to biodiversity than preparations for warfare. Military training areas avoid the planting of monocultures; over-use of fertilizer, as well as applications of herbicides and insecticides. Tank tracks and craters from shells can actually create niches. These facts are a clear illustration of why it's necessary to encourage UK farmers to rewild some of their acres.

Waste Not?

A BBC study has established that, over the last 5 years, nearly 50% of the household waste from UK homes, has been incinerated to generate electricity. A large proportion of that waste was plastics. As a fuel, waste produces 'greenhouse gas' emissions comparable to those from burning coal. Advocates of incineration, maintain that a benefit of incineration is that it reduces the need for expensive landfill. Disposing of such waste in landfill, would boost emissions of methane (a potent 'greenhouse gas'), as well as carbon dioxide (https://www.energylivenews.com/2024/10/15/burning-household-waste-now-uks-most-polluting-power-source/). It's claimed that carbon capture and storage, can be easily incorporated into incineration plants. Strangely, however, this facility is not a feature of most of these establishments. Actual recycling of household waste has also markedly declined, as incineration has increased in popularity. Most UK householders, are unlikely to suspect their carefully collected waste, might well be adding to environmental problems. There needs to be a fuller cost/benefit analysis of generating electricity by burning household waste. There's not much point in closing coal-fired power stations, if you replace them with something as damaging.

Sinks Sunk?

Carbon sinks are the natural mechanisms, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The most important of these sinks are the oceans, where zooplankton rise each day, to the surface to eat phytoplankton. This process helps take the results of photosynthesis into the depths. Other natural sinks include forests, soils and peat-forming bogs. In general, around 50% of the anthropogenic (human-mediated) carbon dioxide emissions are absorbed by the sinks. Carbon capture and storage is not an effective replacement. Worryingly, a recent study suggests that the land-based sinks have lost their effectiveness. In 2023, forests, plants and soils effectively absorbed none of the excess carbon (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/14/nature-carbon-sink-collapse-global-heating-models-emissions-targets-evidence-aoe). A failure of any of nature's carbon sinks would be really bad news. Obviously, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels would quickly build up. The 'greenhouse gas' effect would be intensified. There would consequently be a rapid acceleration of global heating, with more extreme weather events. All this seems to be occurring, just as countries and fossil-fuel companies are reneging on their 'pledges'!

BP Backtrack

For a time, so-called Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards were all the rage. ESG standards were cited as providing evidence for whether responsible investment in a company was ethical. Pension funds and others cited them. British Petroleum (BP) once 'bigged up' its new environmental focus. This was after being involved in a major pollution event. The company claimed it would reduce its emissions by 40%. Somewhat later, when big profits were to be made as a result of Russia's attack on Ukraine, BP slashed its pledge to 25%. This petrochemical giant now plans to forget any of its promised curbs on fossil fuel production. It has major new investments in the Middle East and the Gulf of Mexico (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/oct/13/very-concerning-bp-dilutes-net-zero-targets-as-global-retreat-from-green-standards-gathers-pace). The retreat from green standards is gathering pace. Did anyone ever believe that fossil fuel companies, worried about anything other than their profits? The 'greenwash' cycle appears to be over.

Dodging the Dodge Ram 1500?

A Dodge Ram 1500 is an American pick-up that weighs as much as a Panzer tank. in Europe, there's been a 20% increase in the importation of this and other SUVs. They seem to be purchased as status symbols by urban folk, who claim to feel safer, driving their families in such machines. This security, however, is counter-balanced by making endangering people they share the roads with. The bulk of these vehicles is a problem. Collision with an SUV can obliterate a traditional vehicle. They are also high and have really long bonnets. This means that, when they hit a pedestrian, it's likely to result in a fatality. Children are hit in the head (even seeing a smail child is difficult from the elevated driving position) and adults in other vital organs. Rather than being knocked to the side, humans who are hit are likely to be dragged under the wheels. All this and these monster trucks emit massive quantities of 'greenhouse gases' worsening climate change (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/12/monster-pickup-trucks-accelerate-europe-sales-rise-safety-fears). They are, of course, problematic to park on the streets of cities and towns. Little wonder, then, that some cities are banning or advocating the banning of the the Dodge Ram 1500 and all its relatives.

Aurochs Arise?

Aurochs were huge, wild cattle, once found throughout Europe. They disappeared in the wild around 1300 BC and the last female died, in Poland, in 1627. The DNA of Aurochs survived, however, in some modern cattle breeds. This loss of the Auroch, removed an ecological niche in Europe. Breeders, in The Netherlands, have created the long-horned Tauros, with many of the characteristics of Aurochs. There's a plan to introduce a herd of Tauros to the Scottish highlands. The intention is to see if they can fill the niche left by the extinct Aurochs (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/10/herd-of-tauros-to-be-released-into-highlands-to-recreate-aurochs-effect). It's likely that the Tauros will have a beneficial effect on the flora and fauna of the Scottish highlands. It's probable, however, that the herds will have to be culled to prevent over-grazing. It's either that or having to introduce wolves into the same locations.

Trunk Call?

Most humans are right-handed. A smaller proportion are left-handed. In the elephant some individuals have a preferences for picking up objects using the right side of the trunk. Others use the left side. The proportions of right trunkies to left trunkies is about equal. Scientists are now able to predict the trunkedness of elephants by looking at the wrinkles and hairs of the appendage (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/09/wrinkles-elephants-left-right-trunked-study). This distinction in elephants may simply be a consequence of usage, rather than reflecting any differences in cerebral hemisphere dominance.

Wildlife Being Pushed To Point of No Return?

A Zoological Society of London report notes that global wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 73% over the last 50 years. Humans are continuing to push ecosystems to the brink of collapse. The decline in Latin America and the Caribbean is even higher at 95%. This, however,may reflect the fact that the declines started in the 1970s in Europe and North America. This would bring the 50 year average down (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/10/collapsing-wildlife-populations-points-no-return-living-planet-report-wwf-zsl-warns). There's no doubt that biodiversity is on the brink. Urgent action is required, if the point of no return is to be avoided.

Earth's 'Vital Signs' Move Into the Red Zone

Record 'greenhouse gas' emissions, are followed by consequent global increases in ambient temperatures. For example, 50 degree Centigrade heatwaves now commonly occur in India. This extra global heat energy also boosts the power of hurricanes and other storms. Around 200,000 people are added to the world population each day. They are accompanied, every 24 hours, by circa 170,000 new cattle and sheep. Climate scientists regard these measures as the Earth's vital signs. They are a clear indication of the planet's 'health' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/08/earths-vital-signs-show-humanitys-future-in-balance-say-climate-experts). These flashing warning vital signs, suggest that societal collapse is now a distinct possibility. Perhaps folk will start to think about the consequences of their actions? Or, maybe, we are too entrenched to ever change?

The World's Rivers Run Dry

In 2023, the world's rivers were found to be drying up faster than at any time in the previous 30 years. Over the last 5 years, lower than average river levels have been seen across the globe. The World Meteorological Organization's ' State of Global Water Resources' report, notes the numbers of extreme floods and droughts as the Pacific area transitions from La Nina to El Nino. Currently, 3.6 billion people face inadequate access to water for at least 1 month in their year. This is expected to increase to more than 5 billion by 2050 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/07/climate-warning-as-worlds-rivers-dry-up-at-fastest-rate-for-30-years). There will be increasing populations of humans and farmed animals. Massive amounts of water are also needed to cool developments related to IT like data banks. Climate change will make reliable provision of water more difficult. The global water supply is at risk and the ingredients are there for the long-predicted water wars.

Record Low Atlantic Salmon Numbers in England and Wales

In 2017, a start was made recording Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) numbers in England and Wales. Prior to that time, at least 20,000 fish were counted each year. The Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science have now documented the lowest numbers of Atlantic salmon, since the records were started. Only 5,399 of these fish were recorded in 2023 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/07/salmon-numbers-in-england-and-wales-last-year-were-lowest-on-record). It seems very likely that this dramatic decline in Atlantic salmon numbers is due to a combination of pollution (from agricultural run-off and Water Company sewage discharges) and climate breakdown (causing some rivers to dry). Of 64 'principal salmon rivers'in England and Wales, only one is currently classified as 'not at risk'. The migratory Atlantic salmon could soon disappear from English and Welsh waters.

Parasitic Wasp to the Rescue?

Wilkin's bunting is an extremely rare bird. It's only found on Nightingale Island, which is part of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. Nightingale island's only native tree is Phylica arborea and the bunting feeds on its fruit. Humans, however, have inadvertently introduced a sap-suckling scale insect to the island. This scale insect secretes 'honeydew', as it feeds on the trees. That honeydew encourages the growth of a sooty mould, that first weakens and then kills the tree. Consequently, this scale insect could destroy Nightingale Island's forest and drive Wilkin's bunting to extinction (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/08/tiny-parasitic-wasp-rarest-species-bird-extinction-wilkins-bunting). The RSPB; the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International; the UK Food and Environment Agency and Tristan da Cunha's government have collectively launched a number of schemes to conserve Wilkin's bunting. They've introduced a tiny parasitoid wasp that prevents the scale insects breeding. The numbers of trees have been boosted by nursery growing. Nightingale Island's biosecurity has also been improved to limit further introductions of alien species. The schemes appear to be working as the numbers of Phylica arborea and Wilkin's bunting are both increasing. The wasp should die out, if the scale insects are eradicated.

Food Waste Fervour

Julian Baggini provides an interesting 'long read' on the problem of food wastage. He points out that "every informed observer agrees that food waste and loss must be eliminated, if we are to feed all humans." Traditional societies, like the Maasai of Tanzania, are outraged at even the thought of food waste. When it occurs in such societies, it's very obvious to the group who is the culprit. Folk living in the 'Western world', however, are generally unaware of the scale of food wastage. Actually, if food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third biggest source of greenhouse gas emisions on the planet. Producers, consumers and supermarkets are all at fault. Producers reject proportions of their output. Consumers generally cook too much and are often unclear about what can be safely stored and used later. Supermarkets want people to buy as much as possible. This is reflected in their packaging. The standard Supermarket BOGOF (buy one, get one free), has now mutated into 'buy three, pay for two, waste one'. Baggini notes that supermarkets think empty shelves are a turn off. They prefer to have left over stock, rather that risk running out. Even schemes like the food-waste app 'Too Good to Go' are in danger of becoming 'greenwash'. In Denmark, such schemes, offer 'magic bags' containing random collections of leftover food items. Supermarkets and bakeries now admit they are using it as a 'sales channel', to shift more product. They over-order to fill the bags (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/08/the-scandal-of-food-waste-and-how-we-can-stop-it). Stopping food waste, however, isn't just about feeding more people. As noted earlier, food that's not consumed currently generates 8-10% of annual total greenhouse gas emissions. We really don't want to accelerate climate change in such a useless process. The land turned over to cultivation/animal husbandry is also already enormous. This increases biodiversity loss and threatens the planet's fragile ecology. It would actually be beneficial to reduce the land needed for cultivation. This could be facilitated by reducing food wastage. There's no point in producing food that isn't going to be consumed!

Smoking Them Out?

Sales of UK cigarettes generate about £1bn profits each year. Most of this money goes to 4 companies. Health charities are, not unreasonably, calling for a 'windfall tax' on their profits (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/07/campaigners-call-for-tobacco-windfall-tax-and-yearly-surcharges-on-lethal-trade). It's clearly established that cigarette smoking causes health problems and many early deaths (notably from lung cancer). The UK currently imposes duties on tobacco products. It doesn't, however, come close to paying for the health damage caused to the population. A 'windfall tax' would go some way towards making the situation more equitable. One might go further. Many tobacco companies also produce vapes. These are claimed to have health benefits, as smokers are spared the cancer-causing tars. Nicotine is, however, highly addictive. Children are being targeted and the consequences of long-term vaping have yet to be fully evaluated. Vaping devices also utilise lots of lithium, plastic and electronics. They are also very difficult to recycle. Financial contributions to help clear these tobacco company-generated problems, also seem appropriate. Polluters should pay. Killers should be discouraged.

Carbon Capturing By the Fossil Fuellers

The new UK government's pledging of £22bn to subsidise carbon capture and storage, followed intense earlier lobbying by the fossil fuel companies. Oil and gas giants, attended 24 of the 44 external ministerial events discussing this technology by the previous government in 2023. The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) and Exxon-Mobil 'sang from the same hymn sheet', as the wording used in their submissions, were generally almost identical. The Oil and gas giants were either very convincing or the government 'pledge' is intended to be flexible, whilst keeping the fossil fuellers 'on side' (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/oct/07/uks-22bn-carbon-capture-pledge-follows-surge-in-lobbying-by-fossil-fuel-industry-records-show). It continues to look like a bad and expensive decision. The fact that the CCSA and Exxon-Mobil both pushed hard for this dubiously-effective technology, suggests they viewed it as a 'technofix', that would let them carry on polluting.

A Reward For a New Insight On Gene Function

The 'mantra' of Molecular Biology is 'DNA to RNA to protein'. This specifies that the coding for all the proteins an organism will need, are contained in a strand of its DNA. The protein-specifying gene, is converted into a molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). Each mRNA is then 'read' by a ribosome, producing the right sequence of amino acids to generate each protein. In multicellular organisms, different types of cells specialise, however, in varied proteins. The cells have identical DNA. So, how do the different tissues choose the 'right' proteins? Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have now shared the 2024 Nobel Prize for Physiology for elucidating this process. They studied the free-living, transparent roundworm, Caenorhabditis elegans. Ambros and Ruvkun found that small molecules of RNA, they called 'micro RNA', bound to mRNA sequences. The micro RNA could prevent the 'instructions' for the corresponding protein being 'read' by the ribosomes. They can also break down mRNAs that are surplus to the cell's requirements. Although this was initially thought to be a 'quirk' of protein production in C. elegans, active micro RNAs have subsequently been found in other organisms including humans (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/07/nobel-prize-in-medicine-awarded-to-scientists-for-work-on-microrna-victor-ambros-gary-ruvkun). This is another example of basic animal research generating knowledge that turns out to have relevance to medicine!

Zonal Pricing To Come to UK Electricity?

Zonal pricing is a proposed change to the UK energy market. It would result in energy consumers paying less for electricity, if they are based close to the generators, like wind or solar farms. Energy producers would also earn less for their electricity, if they are based far from homes and businesses. There seems a natural logic to zonal pricing. It's likely to make people more accepting of electricity production being sited near their homes/businesses. It's also more expensive to transmit electricity, when the distance between producer and user is great. Much of the UK's renewable electricity generation is currently distant from users. Scottish windfarms, have to transmit electricity to Southern England (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/oct/07/zonal-energy-pricing-plan-uk-industry-trade-groups-ed-miliband). Advocates of zonal pricing, claim it has cost savings. These will be sufficient to enable folk living near generation sites to have falling bills, whilst more distantly-sited consumers have only a small increase. Opponents of zonal pricing, conversely suggest its extra uncertainties for electricity generators, will prevent some much-needed developments taking place. It will be interesting to see how this 'pans out'.

Even Worse Than Coal?

Fossil fuel enthusiasts have pushed the line that Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) provides a 'bridge' as we transition from using coal to renewables. Unfortunately, detailed studies show that LNG actually generates circa 33% more 'greenhouse gas' than 'dirty, old coal'. Most LNG for export is produced in the US (often by fracking, a process that can liberate some methane to the atmosphere). Emissions are also generated by using energy to liquidize the gas. Exporting LNG to Europe and Asia, by marine tankers, adds yet more 'greenhouse gas' emissions. And, that's before the methane (itself a very potent 'greenhouse gas', if it escapes) has even been burned (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/04/exported-liquefied-natural-gas-coal-study). One could even add further to the LNG 'greenhouse gas' emissions balance sheet. Emissions are also generated by building the shipping and the terminals involved in the process. It's not the kind of 'bridge' that we ought to even consider. The sooner LNG is phased out, the better!

When Did They Come to the UK? 13. Red-eared Terrapins

Red-eared terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans), from the US South, first appeared in UK ponds and lakes in the 1980s. They were popular pets in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle craze.