Avian 'Flu Safety Net Cut?

 

(https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/11/rfk-jr-trump-vaccine-research-avian-flu).

A Better Year For Some Butterflies?

 

It's only an impression, but it seems to have been a much better year for the above species of butterflies in and around Swansea.

Seeing the Changes 2180

 

More flowers in bloom in Loughor. Noted Welsh poppy (Meconopsis cambrica); Great bindweed (Calystegia sylvatica); Pineapple mayweed (Chamomilia suaveolus) and Redshank (Persicaria maculosa).

Seeing the Changes 2179

 

Enchanter's nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) was blooming in Loughor.

One Thing After Another?

 

Deep Science Ventures has compiled a report on chemical pollution's effect on human health and the environment. It's claimed that its threat level is of a similar order to that of climate change. The general public, however, are relatively 'in the dark' about the dangers posed by chemicals in the air they breath, the water they drink, the foods they eat and the products and furnishings in their homes. (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/06/chemical-pollution-threat-comparable-climate-change-scientists-warn-novel-entities). The report points out that more than 100 million 'novel entities' (chemicals not found in nature) have been created by industrial economies. They include gases from exhaust systems, pesticides, synthetic chemicals (some 3600) derived from materials used in food preparation and packaging, as well as the now ubiquitous PFASs ('the so-called 'forever chemicals'). Many have been linked (correlationally or causally) with impacts on human reproduction, immune, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, liver, kidney and metabolic systems. The human health consequences can range from ADHD, infertility to cancers. The report advocates paying at least as much attention to chemical pollution, as is currently given to climate change. 

Seeing the Changes 2178

Around Bynea, spotted yet another flowering of Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), whilst Common hemp nettle (Galeopsis tetrahit); Water mint (Mentha aquatica); Marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris) and Ribbed melilot (Melilotus officinalis) were also in bloom. Alien Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus); Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Lords and ladies (Arum maculatum) were in fruit.

Seeing the Changes 2177

On the Loughor-Gorseinon border, noted Sneezewort (Achilla ptarmica) in flower as well as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Dog rose (Rosa canina) in fruit. Also spotted many Large white (Pieris brassicae) and Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) butterflies as well as wild bees.

The Cost of Plastics

Since 1950, the world's production of plastics has escalated 200 times. Production is set to triple again, to more than a billion tonnes per year by 2060. The most rapid increase, of course, has been in the production of single-use plastics for drinks bottles and fast food containers. Currently, 8bn tonnes of plastics pollute our entire planet. A new Lancet  review notes that plastics hit human health at every stage of life from infancy to old age. In deed, that review concludes that the current 'plastics crisis' is responsible for at least $1.5tn a year in health-related damages. Although microplastics are becoming recognised to be a ubiquitous health threat, plastics have detrimental environmental effects at every processing stage. This is from the obtaining of petrochemicals for their manufacture, to their disposal. Less than 10% of plastic is actually recycled (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/03/world-in-15tn-plastics-crisis-hitting-health-from-infancy-to-old-age-report-warns). It's been noted that petrochemical producers and plastic industry lobbyists are attempting to derail negotiations on a legally binding global plastics treaty to tackle the plastics crisis. One suspects they are not at all keen to be held responsible for any part of the $1.5tn health damage costs. Polluters, however, should pay. 

Priorities?

 

It's difficult, even for folk with vested interests in oil and gas, to deny that global heating and climate change are occurring. Extreme weather events, like heatwaves, droughts, floods and violent storms, are globally increasing in frequency and intensity. One current line of argument is that climate change worries have been 'overblown' and that 'fuel poverty' must be a greater concern. There's certainly an increased demand for electricity, to power many aspects of modern life (including data centres for AI). If there's any merit in this apparent reversal of priorities, however, it can't logically follow that increasing the extraction of oil and gas provides an answer. That would inevitably exacerbate the problems caused by global heating by 'greenhouse gases'. Surely, a more rapid replacement, where possible, of gas, oil and coal usage (already very finite resources) by solar, wind, hydroelectric and wave power (much less limited in terms of availability and longevity) makes more sense?

Heathrow Row

Amidst all the fuss about another runway for London's Heathrow airport is the real concern that the extra carbon dioxide emissions it would produce will prevent the country from achieving its nett zero targets. The UK government seems to be relying on improbable  'technofixes' such as 'green fuels' and electric planes. They don't appear keen to charge the airlines for carbon capture and storage (an also, perhaps unrealistic solution). (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/01/labour-plans-offset-heathrow-expansion-emissions). They could, however, try to get short haul flights within the UK or to EU locations in France and Belgium replaced by trains journeys. This would, of course, require either making a) train journeys much cheaper and/or b) the heavily subsidised flights more expensive. The former would require more taxpayer's money and the latter would annoy middle-class voters. Neither appears to be likely to happen. 

Seeing the Changes 2176

 

In Bynea, Square-stalked St Johns wort (Hypericum tetrapterum); Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) and Scentless mayweed (Matricaria perforata) were in bloom.

Seeing the Changes 2175

 It's odd to have to record thing after a long break but certain plants are now very notable in the Loughor region. They include:- Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare); Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus); Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea); Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense); Great bindweed (Calystegia silvatica); Great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum); Rosebay willowherb (Epilobium augustifolium) and Small-flowered evening primrose (Oenothera cambrica).

For the Birds?

European leaders are urged by the current US President, to stop the proliferation of  'windmills' (wind turbines) in their countries. In addition to spoiling the vistas, he claims these electricity-generating devices kill birds (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/27/president-trump-administration-news-updates-today). Wind turbines can certainly endanger migrating flocks. Pet cats, however, kill many more birds. It's also certain that climate change is a bigger threat to bird life than either 'windmills' or cats. Tapping wind power to generate electricity, is certainly much better for the planet than fracking and/or extracting oil. In deed, the US itself could more than fulfil its entire energy requirement by solely depending on available wind power. Tilting at 'windmills' isn't an answer.

Seeing the Changes 2174

It seems a bit early, but there's already a decent crop of Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) in Loughor.

Seeing the Changes 2173

 

I have (obviously) been out of the country for several months. Yesterday, however, I spotted my first Comma (Polygonia c-album) of the year at Langland.

Off With Your Ofwat

 

Ofwat was set up, at the time of establishing England and Wales' privatised water companies. It was supposed to ensure that the companies took their responsibilities seriously. Many people actually feel Ofwat was part of a cosy cartel encouraging cultures of underinvestment in essential infrastructure combined with gross financial mismanagement. It's now reported that the UK government will follow its commission's  recommendation to simply abolish Ofwat. A new body, for England and Wales, combining the water/sewage responsibilities of Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Environmental Agency will be created. Perhaps it will prove more effective in dealing with the companies than its predecessor. Climate change, urbanisation, proposed establishment of water-hungry datacentres, and population growth, all mean that there's now a very urgent need to 'futureproof' potable water provision for homes, industry and agriculture. The disposal of sewage also needs to be greatly improved to protect the environment. None of this will be cheap! Costs to end-users wouldn't have been so great, if these changes had been funded by these monopolies decades ago, rather than frittered away in bonuses and inflated share dividends. The end-user will, unfortunately, have to pay again. Folk  won't be happy.

Planes and Trains and Old Folk

My trip home from Honolulu to Swansea simply cemented how difficult travel has now been made for the elderly (especially if they have a mobility problem). It was a truly horrendous experience. Basically, I had to change my return ticket to a later date, as well as buying a single ticket to Heathrow for a new  companion. That meant telephoning British Airways offices whilst in I was in Honolulu. I paid the penalty for changing my ticket, as well as the complete price for my companion's ticket. The representative suggested an early (8am) flight by their partner Alaska Airways to Seattle (rather than the LA link I had previously planned) and assured me we would be able to sit together on that flight and subsequently on BA to Heathrow. I attempted to confirm my flight 24 hours previously but Alaska Airway's website wouldn't allow me to do so and I was blocked advancing to the BA site (an error reading repeatedly came up). We arrived early at Honolulu airport, to find enormous queues for the flight, to help people print boarding passes and documentation for luggage. One 'helper' spent more than an hour dealing with a military couple and their dog. Eventually, a battered wheelchair was found for me (I was 80 with damaged ligaments in my leg). Our boarding passes for Honolulu to Seattle plus our luggage documentation were printed. When, however, I checked only my companion had her boarding pass for Seattle to Heathrow. I was assured this was an oversight and my pass would easily be made available in Seattle. In Seattle, I was eventually transported to the very distant BA gate. The wheelchair was removed and we attempted to interact with the BA ground staff. They claimed they had had to put me an standby, as I hadn't electronically confirmed. They also claimed that my modified ticket and my companion's ticket were separate transactions. For 3 hours, they assured us that a solution would be found but they largely ignored us until my companion berated them and refused to move. Eventually, a supervisor was called, who claimed that I would be allowed on the flight and the staff on the plane would 'sort it'. The staff on the plane clearly didn't think it was their job but sub-optimal seats together eventually materialised. After a long flight, it became clear that my mobility problem hadn't been notified to Heathrow staff but our large cases were successfully reclaimed from baggage. There were then 2 80 year olds (both with mobility problems) and 4 relatively large pieces of luggage on a trolley. We had to wheel it to the terminus for the Heathrow Express. The trolley's then had to be discarded. We struggled on to the train but couldn't get seats partly as 2 young uniformed folk were occupying both the specified seats with their luggage and playing on their mobiles. There was chaos at a very hot Paddington Station with cancelled trains to Wales. There were no trolleys, folk couldn't tell us when the Swansea train would arrive or at which platform. The helpdesk people couldn't (or wouldn't) give any help. Eventually, the platform was announced and there was a mass stampede for the train. No seat reservations applied. Two old folk, struggling with 4 cases, were  predictably at the rear. Eventually, we forced our way on to the train with our cases but had to stand until we reached Swindon. Some nicer folk helped with cases. We also got seats. Troubles over?  It was eventually announced that the Swansea train would terminate in Cardiff, as it was needed back in London. We then had to move to a distant platform to do this. Fortunately some kindly folk helped in this process. Thus ended the journey from hell. Neither British Airways nor British Rail have asked me for my opinion of their 'service' thus far. To say I think it stinks is an understatement.

Sandwich Island Saga 41. Overview

At the end of my first return to the Hawaiian Islands for some 30 years, a recap seems appropriate.  The islands are American without quite being America. Tourism is still their major commercial activity.  Activities that were formally free have become regimented and more exploitative. If anything, the islands seem too dependent on tourism. Tourism itself may well become less acceptable. Many of its young people move to the mainland, being replaced by less well paid immigrants from areas like the Philippines. Interestingly, immigrants seem well accepted here. The Hawaiian Islands are notably prone to some of the obvious dangers of climate change (e.g. sealevel rise, coral bleaching, hurricanes, wild fires, flash floods, heatstroke etc). The flora and fauna of the islands is a hotchpot of rare endemics and a vast array of introduced species, some beneficial, others less so. Hawaii remains a tantalising mix of order and chaos. 

Sandwich Island Saga 40. Brown anole (Anolis sagrei)

This juvenile explored the patio.