Waving a Big Stick

Just a comment. George Monbiot opines that the the new UK government's obsession with Growth Domestic Product (GPD) at the expense of environmental issues cannot deliver a feel-good factor for the general population. Government wants to 'take a big stick' to environmental regulators who get in the way of 'economic progress'. GPD, however, merely makes the already rich, richer. Monbiot points out, that even if building new airport runways and motorways, has any impact on wealth creation, it will take circa 20 years.  The environmental damage is being experienced now and is growing. He asks whether people actually voted for this (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/30/labour-environmental-vandalism-rivers-wildlife-air-government-gdp).  A new Member of Parliament (MP) in the government's own party thinks the 'growth at any price' message 'reeks of panic'. He's likely to 'have the whip removed' (be expelled from his party), if he's not careful. This is yet another 'big stick'. MPs of the ruling party were ordered to 'talk out' (destroy) legislation aiming to making the UK's environmental pledges mandatory   (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/31/labour-mp-government-growth-heathrow-party). Talking of 'big sticks'. I don't want to be a mega-Grinch but folk appear easily distracted by these wooden implements. An Instagram site posting videoclips extolling the virtues of sticks, reportedly has 3 million avid viewers (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jan/31/stick-nation-instagram-official-stick-reviews). Nice to know that folk can find simple pleasures in sticks, unrelated to GDP, the environment and politics.

Seeing the Changes 2109

The sky in Loughor last night was like Edvard Munch's 'The Scream'. Difficult to know what causes such changes! Perhaps it's just a cry of despair from the planet? 

Does a Third Runway at London's Heathrow Make Sense?

There's a discussion whether the UK Chancellor's support of a 3rd runway for London's Heathrow airport a) will boost economic growth and b) can be compatible with net zero undertakings. 'Answers' depend on who is asked (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/29/scepticism-in-whitehall-that-heathrow-plan-can-be-reconciled-with-climate-targets). In one sense, support for the 3rd runway is a reiteration of the old 'country being open for business' signal. The basic difficulty is that 'business' doesn't care. Various sections will use any argument to boost their bottom line. No announcement of being more concerned about the economy than the environment will change behaviour of bond and share dealers. The next bonus is all that counts.

Is 'Brain Rot' Simply Confirmation Bias?

 

'Brain rot' is currently word of the year. The term reflects a fear that 'excessive' computer use is damaging the IQ especially of young folk. Most of the support for this view, however, appears to be based on 'low quality' research. These studies have small sample sizes, often lack control groups, aren't peer-reviewed and are sometimes completely bogus. One example in the last-mentioned category, is a cited 'paper,' claiming that emails were as damaging as smoking marihuana. That was apparently based on a day's media consultation with a single psychologist. He apparently advised against making that claim. There never was any actual published paper. It appears evident that people have 'got it into their heads' that people's intelligence is declining. They have linked this decline to the the rapid adoption of computers and social media. Poorer quality claims of damage consequently receive massive media attention, whereas better studies showing benefits are largely ignored. Even meta-analyses (combining the findings of several studies) can be distorted by this process. This appears to be  confirmation bias, folk accepting studies 'supporting' their beliefs and 'filtering out' contrary findings.  (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jan/29/all-in-the-mind-the-surprising-truth-about-brain-rot). There's little doubt, however, that folk can be damaged by social media use. They can be bullied, sexually exploited and brainwashed. In deed, social media frequently makes use of confirmation bias. It often uses programmes  to tell people what they want to hear and/or sell them something. The result is a lack of balanced, fair-presented information, rather than direct brain damage. Correlation doesn't establish causation. Many other things have happened in the last decade e.g. growing concerns about the environment; the Covid19 pandemic; outbreak of wars; economic crises etc.

Pets Arresting in the Nest

 

A Sussex University study looked at the pet hairs, used by Blue and Great tits, to line their nests. In every nest examined, the lining hairs were contaminated with insecticides. These were chemical treatments, given to pets, for flea and tick infestations. These insecticides resulted, however, in the deaths of some chicks, being reared in the nests (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/27/pet-fur-found-in-songbird-nests-contains-high-levels-of-pesticides-study-finds). This appears to be yet another pressure on UK garden birds. Many vets apparently advocate routinely treating cats and dogs with anti-flea powders even when the animal is uninfested. The authors of the Sussex study, suggest limiting powder application to  pets with fleas or ticks. Responsible owners might also think about trying to reduce the access of garden birds to treated pet hairs. 

My Garden Birdwatch

 

Completed my 2025 Annual Garden birdwatch for the RSPB today. Around 20 Black-headed gulls flew over the garden in the hour. Spotted Blackbirds (4), Blue tits (2), Dunnock (4), Robin (1), Starling (10) and Wood pigeon (2). House sparrows (22) were, by far, the most common garden bird. I hardly need a survey to tell me that the species diversity and numbers have crashed in recent years. 

Plucked From the Jaws of the 'Worm'

The Old Norse word 'orm' can mean a dragon. Worm's Head is a headland off the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. It's supposed to look like a dragon, face down in the water. That headland can be reached by crossing on foot a rocky causeway. The causeway is normally accessible two and a half hours either side of low tide. Scrambling across, generally takes around an hour and three-quarters. Attempts to cross outside this 'window', have led to deaths, with folk carried away by the strong currents. There was local excitement last week, when seven American students had to be rescued by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) from Worm's Head. At the time, storm Eowyn, was producing wild winds, driving rain and choppy seas. The RNLI had to make a total of four trips to retrieve the students who had been spending time at Swansea University (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/26/rnli-rescues-american-students-from-welsh-island-during-storm-eowyn). Although there's information about times of safe crossing times on the mainland, they may be changed by storm conditions. Climate change might well result in a further narrowing of the 'window'. Generally, it's  best to remain on the headland, if you miss your crossing. Means of communication also need to be carried. The American students were apparently intrigued to learn that the RNLI is a charity, with unpaid volunteers. Not everything is market-driven!

 

Last Orders Please?

 

The inexorable march of the weight-loss drugs continues. It's now suggested they may be used to counter alcoholism, compulsive shopping and smoking. In addition to dramatic weight-loss, folk privately injecting themselves with drugs purchased from 'online pharmacies', have noted big decreases in their cravings for alcohol, as well as a markedly reduced tolerance to booze  (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/26/skinny-jabs-are-turning-slimmers-teetotal-and-drinks-companies-are-feeling-the-loss). Semaglutide is the active factor in the weight-loss drug, Wegovy, as well as the type-2 diabetes treatment, Ozempic. Tirzepatide accounts for Mounjaro's weight-loss properties. Both active factors apparently convince the body it's already satiated. It's uncertain how these compounds have their actions on alcohol consumption. As alcoholic drinks are packed with calories, one would expect ingestion to be reduced anyway. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide may also simply suppress neural, dopaminergic reward pathways. This could account for their effects on a wider range of compulsions. Alcohol producers are seeing declines in sales. Some investment bodies are selling their shares in these companies. There's also likely to be negative impacts on restaurants and catering. Perhaps they might even be used eventually to treat compulsive gambling? 

Putting Off the 'Pledges'?

 

It's been reported that UK ministers have 'seen off' a likely rebellion from members of their own party. The rebels were minded to vote in favour of a private members bill that would have made the UK's climate and environmental 'targets' legally binding. The likely rebels have been promised they will have input to environmental legislation (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/24/uk-climate-nature-bill-dropped-deal-labour-backbenchers). This activity can't be unrelated to the UK chancellor's claim that economic growth 'trumps' (a term from card games, indicating a card that beats all others) all other considerations (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jan/25/no-more-reviews-reeves-impatient-pace-change-quest-growth ). There's no doubt that 'pro-growth' moves (on travel, taxation etc.) have negative impacts on urgent environmental problems. A sensible species would recognise this. The problems are, however, that 1) the political cycle encourages short-termism; 2) folk are generally unwilling to wait for change; 3) people generally only vote for increases in their relative wealth and 4) parties are punished for failure to deliver. Having made its pitch largely on increasing economic growth, the UK's current government is, like many others, 'between a rock and a hard place'.

Watch the Birdie!

 

Climate change and bird 'flu appear to be decimating UK garden bird populations. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) organises an annual Big Garden Birdwatch. Volunteer participants count the numbers of birds of different species that visit their plots in a one hour session. The RSPB is encouraging all 'nature lovers' to participate in the 2025 exercise. It hopes the increased observations will provide answers to a number of timely questions (illustrated above)  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/24/nature-lovers-urged-to-take-part-in-uk-bird-count-amid-fears-over-climate-and-disease). The RSPB wants to assess population numbers of birds in UK gardens. It would also like know whether there've been reductions in migratory species, like the Redwing (Turdus iliacus), visiting UK gardens. In addition, it wants to see if small-bodied birds, like the Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), were decimated by the cold spell in December 2024. Finally, it wants to assess the possibility bird feeders (illustrated with Blue tits [Parus caeruleus]), help spread the bird 'flu virus to garden birds.

Economic 'Growth' and the Environment?

 

The UK Chancellor's supports building a 3rd runway for London's Heathrow airport, as well as expanding nearby Gatwick and Luton. She believes these developments will boost economic growth. Other members of her own party (and others), however, think any increase in air travel in Southern England, makes it virtually impossible for the UK to achieve its net zero pledges (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/21/heathrow-third-runway-rachel-reeves-sadiq-khan). It's a complex calculation. Air flights can bring in more tourists and business folk. The vast majority of passengers, however, are likely to be UK holiday makers. Flights for any passengers are, however, considerable generators of 'greenhouse gases'. These gases increase global heating, making the entire planet's climate much less predictable. UK damage from extreme weather events (droughts, flooding and storms), as well as agricultural losses, will both be increased. Consequently, although these proposed changes will boost airline and travel company profits, it's by no means certain they will make the country, as a whole, any richer. Expanding these airports, is also hardly a clear signal the UK is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously.

Birder's Bonus 243

A large accumulation of Black-headed gulls in the sunshine on the Loughor estuary.

No Vaccine Is Totally Safe But the World Is Safer With Vaccines

 

All medical procedures carry some risk. Infections with viral, bacterial, protists (single-celled organisms) and multicellular parasites, however, cause profound ill-health and multiple human deaths. David Milliband runs the International Rescue Committee. This NGO, operates the Reaching Every Child in Humanitarian Settings project. This project tries to get vaccines to children living in fragile or conflict-affected locations, with no or only partial government. Milliband warns the rise of 'alternative facts' about vaccines, is making it increasingly difficult to protect these vulnerable children (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jan/22/david-miliband-warns-rise-of-alternative-facts-threatens-global-vaccination-drive). A trigger for Milliband's concerns must be the activities of Aaron Siri (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/13/rfk-jr-aaron-siri-polio). Siri is advisor to Robert F. Kennedy junior, the 'pick' for US Health Secretary. Siri has already petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration (USDA) to withdraw approvals for a raft of vaccines, including that for polio. Kennedy has attempted to 'distance' himself from this pressure on the USDA. Apparently, however, he still subscribes to the totally debunked claim of a link between vaccines and autism. There're no facts (alternative or otherwise) in science! Science deals with probabilities. It's highly probable that reducing access to vaccinations (especially in difficult areas of the globe), will result in more illness and deaths. That's about as certain as one can get!

Weight-loss Drugs: A Panacea?

 

GLP-1RAs are found in all weight-loss medications including Mounjaro; Saxenda;and Wegovy. A very substantial US study, looked at almost 216,000 diabetics who were given weight-loss drugs in addition to their normal medication. Their incidences of a variety of medical conditions were compared with those of more than 1.2 million 'controls' who only received usual care. Folk exposed to GLP-1RAs showed a reduced risk of 42 conditions. These included, Alzheimer's, bacterial infections, Bulimia, clotting disorders, kidney disease, opioid-use disorders and Schizophrenia. Patients showed increased risk of abdominal pain, arthritis, kidney stones  and  low blood pressure. It's claimed that the benefits of weight-loss drugs also occur in non-diabetics  (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jan/20/weight-loss-jabs-linked-to-reduced-risk-of-42-conditions-including-dementia). There seems a real danger of prescribing weight-loss drugs to treat a vast array of physiological and psychological problems. This, could result in increases in other conditions (like arthritis). This medicalisation of treatment, however, seems likely to reduce the chances of physicians thinking about the needs of individual patients. It seems to reduce the chances of folk being encouraged to  cure themselves by adopting a healthier life-style, changing their diets and exercise regimes.  

Seeing the Changes 2108

 

Scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) fruiting in Loughor.

Birder's Bonus 242

Lots of waders on the Loughor estuary at Bynea.

Coming Round Again?

 

The kinetic power of flowing water was once much used (along with that of the wind) to drive industrial processes like  grinding, pumping, mixing and milling. In deed, waterwheels were a common sight in hilly areas of the UK in the Industrial Revolution. They largely disappeared, with the advent of steam (and later, petrol-fuelled) engines. Waterwheels have the environmental benefit, however, of not producing any 'greenhouse gas' emissions. This feature seems to have resulted in their reappearing in parts of the globe with reliable flowing water. It's basically 'free' energy. These mini forms of hydropower, now appear to be back in vogue in locations like the Himalayas and even parts of Northern Ireland. They tend now, however, to be largely used to generate electricity (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/17/how-climate-friendly-waterwheels-are-coming-around-again). Waterwheels seem a useful development for small-scale electricity generation in appropriate locations. It's 'green' , non-visually invasive and doesn't prevent fish migration. 

Bioconcentrations of 'Forever Chemicals'

 

As one goes up a food chain, concentrations of  pollutants in tissues and organs, increase. PFASs (so-called 'forever chemicals') are no exception. Some 'top predator' forms of wildlife, have many times the 'safe' concentrations of these persistent, synthetic chemicals in their bodies. Species especially impacted include dolphins, otters and porpoises. Fish are loaded with 'forever chemicals'. PFASs (used in many industrial processes) have been linked to cancers, immunological impairments and to infertility. Humans are also now clearly at risk as 'forever chemicals' are found in most surveyed drinking water (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/17/otters-among-uk-wildlife-carrying-toxic-forever-chemicals-analysis-shows). The potential health risks posed by PFASs have been known for decades. It's only recently that some countries have moved to restrict their spread. As , however, 'forever chemicals' are not broken down in the environment, their use in any part of the globe will be transmitted. Rainwater samples, taken from across the Earth, all contain PFASs

Seeing the Changes 2107

Fungus on the wooden footbridge in Bynea. Possibly, Red-belted bracket (Fomitopus pinicola) from Scandinavia.

Quid Pro Quo?

 

The Latin phrase quid pro quo means getting 'something for something'. That's neatly-illustrated by the US oil and gas firms, who gave more than $75m towards Trump's last presidential campaign. 'Coincidentally', they now stand to benefit from his 'drill, baby drill' exhortation to extract yet more fossil fuels. These oil and gas companies clearly 'needed a break'. Their collective wealth only went up by 15% in the last 9 months (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/18/us-oil-gas-industry-wealth-trump). The US fossil fuel companies are already massively rich. They pay, however, nothing towards clearing up the environmental hazards they help create. Guess the US won't be needing as much oil and gas from Canada? This whole transactional equation seems designed to push climate change well past any tipping points (essentially, points of no return). 

Dumping It On 'The Net Zero Hero'?

 

Net Zero Heroes are lauded for prominently fitting solar panels on their houses and/or buying electric cars. For some folk, these 'climate warriors'  prove motivational, even driving grassroots movements. In others, however, they induce helplessness and disengagement, rather empowerment.  A University of Sydney study finds the way the energy sector shapes the narrative, ensures net zero heroes will fail. Individual actions can never be sufficient, That study also opines, that placing responsibility on the consumer, is a ploy. It's a device used by energy producers and governments, to downplay the significant contributions, they need to make to achieve emissions reduction goals (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/19/net-zero-hero-myth-unfairly-shifts-burden-of-solving-climate-crisis-onto-individuals-study-finds). Dumping responsibility on to the consumer isn't new. It's the consumer's fault, our environments are awash with soft drink cans, beer bottles, plastic wrapping, fast-food containers, used disposable vapes, 'forever chemicals' etc., etc. It never seems to be up to businesses to spend some of their profits, a) clearing up the mess they have effectively created and/or b) finding ways of avoiding it!

Mood Music?

 

In 2015, singer/song-writer Joni Mitchell had a massive stroke. When she left hospital, she could neither walk nor talk. Her prognosis was very poor. A friend, a fellow musician but also a neuroscientist, Daniel Levitin, eventually advocated playing her a compilation of her favourite music. Fortunately, Mitchell had actually made a compilation, intended for a Starbucks initiative. This was on a bookshelf in her home. Nurses repeatedly played her the music and Mitchel made a dramatic recovery. She's now back, performing. Levitin now recommends 'Music as Medicine', not only for stroke victims but for sufferers of depression and dementia (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jan/18/she-couldnt-walk-she-couldnt-talk-music-therapy-helped-joni-mitchell-recover-from-a-stroke-could-it-ward-off-depression-and-dementia-too). This story doesn't, of course, establish a causal link between the playing of the music and recovering brain function. It's not, however, the first time that the benefits of exposing patients to familiar sights and sounds has been advocated. Proving a clear benefit will be very difficult but there appear no downsides to using this 'therapy'. I'm making my compilation now!

Fusion: Confusion?

 

Nuclear fusion involves light elements, like hydrogen, being combined under pressure, with a massive release of energy. It's basically how our sun produces its constant radiation. It can be argued that reproducing this process on Earth, is attractive, as it could generate electricity without 'greenhouse gas' emissions (as do coal, oil and gas power plants) or dangerous radioactive waste (as do nuclear fission reactors). The UK government has now promised £410m to help establish a nuclear fusion device in England. Could this money be better spent?  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/16/ministers-pledge-record-410m-to-support-uk-nuclear-fusion-energy). Folk have been studying nuclear fusion for many decades. In addition to the UK's programme, there's a collaborative enterprise in Europe and a small undertaking at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The MIT project is the most advanced and seems likely to be ready to produce some electricity later in 2025. Progress on such projects is, however, glacially slow. It's likely to be decades (if ever?), before any UK-based nuclear fusion plant could boost its energy security. One might ask "why attempt to produce a mini-sun, when the real thing is already above us?" It could be reasonably argued that the £410m could be better spent on fitting solar panels to UK homes and other buildings. This would produce a much bigger and more immediate 'bang for the buck'. Time is of the essence, as they say!  

Fickle Financial Fashions

Adrienne Butler notes that, after COP26, the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) was set up, many global banks rushed to commit to this voluntary body to align "lending and investment portfolios with net zero emissions by 2050".This didn't, however, seem to change their behaviour. Members of NZBA actually lent more to fossil fuel consortia than non-members. The impending US governmental changes has led to a rush for the door. Since the start of December 2024, six major US banks have left the NZBA (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/15/woke-capital-net-zero-banking-alliance). Banks, especially in the US, appear worried about being labelled as 'woke capital'. There's even been suggestions that banks will be sued for discrimination, by not lending to coal companies. What we have is confirmation of two truisms. Firstly, most banks only want the appearance of acting in the best interests of humanity. They crave maximising profits. Secondly, the fossil fuel companies have all the cash. They ought to be paying for their environmental damage but in stead they use their massive financial reserves to avoid any curtailing of their activities. 

'Bringing Back the Leech' in Jersey?

 

The PFAS ('forever chemicals') saga runs on and on. It sounds Medieval, but Jersey residents (UK, Channel Islands) are now being advised to blood let. In the Middle Ages, leeches were commonly used for blood letting. Blood removal was erroneously regarded the 'cure' for a variety of  human ailments. Jersey's private drinking water supplies are contaminated by PFASs via  water run-off  from the busy airport. Fire-fighting foams (largely used in exercises), appear the primary source of pollution. Folk, with dangerously high levels of blood PFASs, are being urged to undergo medical blood letting. This would be done by blood donor teams rather by leeches. The extracted blood couldn't, of course, be used in transfusions. 'Patients', however, can replace it relatively quickly, reducing their blood PFAS levels  (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/16/bloodletting-recommended-for-jersey-residents-after-pfas-contamination). This seems to be the shape of things to come. PFASs are now a wide-spread threat to human health. Their usage needs to be strongly curtailed.

Reach For the 'Forever Chemicals'?

 

PFASs (so-called 'forever chemicals') contaminate ground waters in many UK locations. Hotspots include sewage treatment plants; sites where firefighters are routinely trained and Royal Air Force bases. Fire-suppressant foams and cleaning agents  are especially loaded with PFASs. Forever chemicals don't breakdown and have been linked to cancers, impaired immune responses and fertility problems (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/15/raf-bases-hotspots-of-forever-chemical-groundwater-pollution-mod-documents-show). Ground waters, however, don't stay in these locations. The water finds its way into aquifers and rivers, supplying folk with drinking water. Living near a hotspot, carries serious health risks. Most people are fairly near a sewage treatment plant.

Climate Denial: Coming To a Stage Near You!

 

It seems odd timing, given the US devastation produced by the Los Angeles fires. But a US climate denial lobby group is extending its 'business' to Europe. Heartland UK/Europe has opened its doors in London. The body receives funding from the oil giant ExxonMobile and a slew of wealthy US Republican donors. They proclaim that climate change is a 'scam' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/15/farage-and-truss-attend-uk-launch-of-us-climate-denial-group-heartland). There is, of course, a 'scam'. The scam is claiming that climate change has nothing to do with fossil fuel emissions and that attempts to limit their impact, is a cunning ploy to make the general population poorer. Oil companies need to continue to 'drill baby, drill' to add to their already massive profits. The only way the general population is made poorer, is if they have to pick up the costs of attempts to limit climate change and/or the damage produced by extreme weather events. The polluters should pay (they can afford to)! The collection of right wing politicians, clustering around Heartland UK/Europe's launch, presumably see opportunities to benefit from the generated misinformation.  

What Goes Up?

 

Patrick Schroder notes there's been more than 60,000 space launches, over the last 60 years. There's now 56,450 tracked objects, orbiting this planet. Since 1961, more than 560 orbital fragmentation events have also taken place. The created debris, is making life more hazardous for astronauts as well as folk on the ground. Not everything burns up, as it re-enters the atmosphere (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/13/space-junk-rockets-satellites-hazards-regulation). Things are getting more problematic. Commercial organisations are increasingly entering the 'space race', making it even more likely that space junk will accumulate. There's also likely to be duplication of effort, driven by competing communications systems as well as alternative 'space tourism' initiatives. Folk on the ground, have already had damage to their properties. People might well be killed. It will be interesting to see how courts react to lawsuits in the more developed parts of the globe. It's also worth reiterating, that space junk also makes life very difficult for astronomy.

Forever Costly

 

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is a family of circa 10,000 synthetic chemicals, used in many consumer products (clothing, carpeting, food packaging etc.) and industrial processes, to make items water and/or stain resistant. They have, however, long-established problems. PFASs are known as 'forever chemicals' as they're not broken down in the environment. They're becoming ubiquitous, being even found in rainwater across the globe. PFASs have also been shown to influence disease (e.g. cancers) and fertility in humans as well as other animals. It's now been estimated that a clean-up of  'forever chemicals' in the UK and Europe will take at least 20 years. The costs to the entire continent is estimated at £1.6tn. The UK alone would have to pay £9.9bn per year. Under these circumstances, one might have thought that PFAS producers would be ceasing making these compounds. In actuality, however, they are following the 'tobacco playbook' to fend off regulation. This play book involves casting doubts on findings and finding excuses for delaying actions (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/14/cost-clean-up-toxic-pfas-pollution-forever-chemicals). The 'forever chemical' problem is yet another human-manufactured health crisis. There must be better ways of bringing rogue manufactures to heel. The trouble is that producers can be tricky. If they are rich enough, they can 'get away with murder', reinventing themselves. It's notable that the aforementioned tobacco companies are now producers of vapes. They are, of course, creating the next generation of nicotine addicts, as well as causing considerable environmental problems. Nothings stops our profits!

Rainbows Fading?

 

Since 2012, a 'mystery disease' has been decimating Rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) populations in Queensland and New South Wales. These Australian birds become paralysed, being unable to fly, swallow or even breathe. This disease spikes in December and January, leading to thousands of lorikeets having to be treated in RSPCA Wildlife hospitals in these States. There's a tentative link to botulism which is seen in local waterfowl but emissions from lead smelters, may also be involved. An apparently similar disease also started to appear in Flying foxes in 2020. The Flying fox disease has similar symptoms and characteristics (it also spikes at the same time) but it's uncertain whether it has the same causal factor(s) (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/13/australia-rainbow-lorikeet-flying-fox-deaths-mystery-paralysis). Wildlife is constantly threatened by disease outbreaks. Bird 'flu, now this! There's a need for vigilance, especially when human activities (smelting and water treatment) may be involved.

Crops Cropped From UK Menus?

 

UK folk have been warned that crops including broccoli; cauliflower and cabbage will be in short supply this Spring. Locally-grown Brassicas  have emerged too early in the 'season' as a consequence of a mild Autumn (Fall) and Winter. Unseasonal flooding in key European areas, will also stop these shortfalls being 'cured' by imports (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/13/uk-faces-broccoli-and-cauliflower-shortage-this-spring). People will, of course, have to get used to disruptions in their food supplies. Rampant climate change is making it very difficult for growers to maximise their crops. Importing crops (especially from distant locations) will also increase prices. 

Oiling the Meals?

 

As proposed Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy junior appears to subscribe to the full range of conspiracy 'theories'. For example, he claims that seed oils are 'poisoning us'. Many seeds contain oils, as these natural lipids power the plant's germination. Seed oils, can be extracted from Rape (Canula oil in the US); Sunflower; Soybean; Corn; Grape; Safflower etc. They are cheap and easy to cook with. Seed oils are also ingredients in many food products, especially in the US. These oils contain unsaturated fats, and are considerably more healthy than cooking with butter or lard (pig fat). These latter saturated fats, are strongly linked to arteriosclerosis. They deposit plaque in the linings of blood vessels, greatly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Kennedy claims that seed oils increase 'inflammation'  and, possibly, type 2 diabetes. He also worries about hexane, a solvent used to facilitate oil extraction from some seeds by certain producers  (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jan/13/robert-f-kennedy-jr-claims-seed-oils-are-poisoning-us-heres-why-hes-wrong). Firstly, one should note that inflammation is a natural, protective mechanism, when it occurs at the right time in the right location. Secondly, attention should be drawn to a number of well-conducted, independent experiments on human volunteers, that have found no evidence that seed oils increase inflammation. This is in spite of their containing omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids (unlike omega-3 counterparts) may be inflammatory in animal studies. In humans, however, Sunflower and Rapeseed oils are actually anti-inflammatory. Lastly, it's important to stress that the hexane used in oil extraction is removed at the end of the process. The concentrations that are allowed in seed oils are less than one is exposed to, on a daily basis, by air pollution. Persuading folk to replace their seed oils by saturated fats, would have detrimental effects on their health. The thing about conspiracy 'theories', however, is that no amount of contrary evidence ever seems to convince their acolytes. Failing that, perhaps the best advice is to use, if you can afford it, a good Olive oil?

Can Conspiracy 'Theories' Be Countered By Science?

 

There's currently a 'war on facts', generally instituted online by prominent folk, with millions of 'followers'. The motivations of these 'influencers' may be political, financial and/or purely to generate attention-seeking disruption. Emily Bell  opines that urgent pushback is need, if we are to avoid a fact-free world (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/11/trump-musk-zuckerberg-war-on-facts-truth-pushback-now). I can only comment these trends in relation to science. The difficulty for science is, that even in the developed world, the general population can have a surprisingly poor grasp of this diverse body of knowledge. A survey was carried out several years ago, assessing the science knowledge of US citizens. Almost as many believed the sun travelled round the Earth as vice versa.  A substantial majority thought humans and dinosaurs were contemporaneous, rather than  present at times hundreds of millions of years apart. Most respondents thought radioactive milk could be rendered safe by boiling it. Actual public understanding of science, in most countries, is consequently poor. Followers may not even want to understand the science. They may simply want to feel valued by their group. One has to admit that science often doesn't help itself, by over-complicating the language it uses. In fiction, scientists are also  often portrayed as 'evil' megalomaniacs, intent on world domination. We have a bad 'press'. In actuality, of course, it's the mega-rich 'war on truthers' who really want to take over the planet. Sadly. I don't think the current anti-science trends can be simply countered, by scientists stressing scientific truths harder. Who's to say the algorithms will even allow folk to see the alternatives? The assumption is made that scientists have vested interests, as a slightly frightening 'unelected' cohort with a superiority complex. 'Too clever, by half', as they say!

Seeing the Changes 2106

 

On the Bynea-Penclacwydd border, some Hazel (Corylus avellana) had both tiny red female flowers and male catkins.

Is Mobilising Scientists the Answer, In A Climate of Anti-Science?

 

Bill McGuire (Professor Emeritus University College of London) and Roger Hallam (co-founder of the climate activist bodies 'Extinction Rebellion'; 'Insulate Britain' and 'Just Stop Oil') jointly opine that UK scientists should stop prizing their neutrality and " must fully back the climate movement" (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/09/planet-dying-climate-crisis-emergency-scientists). Scientists are folk who use (with varied degrees of competence), the scientific method. Practitioners make observations. On the basis of what they 'see' (it's not always visual), they then construct testable hypotheses (potential explanations). Then, on the basis of the results of repeated (often numerous) tests, they increase or reduce their support for particular hypotheses.  Eventually, one hypothesis might emerge as a theory that most experts in that area of science  accept. Scientists deal in probabilities rather than certainties. Sections of the general population don't understand and/or are suspicious of non-certainty. Scientists are also far from being a  homogeneous group. They include anthropologists; astronomers; biologists; chemists; computer scientists; economists; engineers; geologists; medical practitioners; meteorologists; nutritionists; pharmacologists; physicists; psychologists; psychiatrists; sociologists etc.; etc. Many would, consequently, claim to have little direct  expertise in climate change science. They may well have views on the climate emergency but this wouldn't result from any application of science. Like any other 'big tent' grouping, there will be some individuals who would prefer not to commit themselves. It must also be noted that there's currently, in some circles, a profound distrust of science. Some of this is 'whipped up' by social media posts, linked to so-called  'conspiracy theories'. Some have even been generated by 'rogue scientists'. Vested commercial interests also attack science when it seems likely to impact their profits. I fully support the call for action on the climate emergency. I think, however, that this should be directed to the general population. Scientists can be too-easily dismissed, as an 'unelected  (and consequently untrustworthy?) elite'. Singling them out is, I feel, mistaken.

Sliming Their Way Into Affections?

 

Lucy Jones and others, sing the praises of Slime moulds (Myxomycetes). They are interesting acellular organisms, often, like fungi, with attractive fruiting bodies. Jones points out that they're often to be found, with a hand lens, on the undersides of wet logs and broken twigs. Slime moulds have been credited with interesting powers of 'learning', with no obvious mechanism for retaining information. They have also proved to be interesting model organisms in many areas, notably including town planning (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/08/slime-mould-dark-matter-transport-networks). Jones notes that Slime moulds were once classified in the Fungal kingdom, but have, she says, now been transferred to that of the Protista. Protists are basically organisms that are unicellular or acellular (depending of your taste). Many Biologists, however, think the Protista is a polyphyletic grouping. This acellular state appears to have independently arisen on a number of occasions. So, Protists are not inter-related. Evolution doesn't always make organisms more complex. Simplification may have benefits for a number of lifestyles. Think of the changes seen in the bodies of endoparasites (internal organisms, like flatworms, that live in our guts). Some Protists (e.g. Amoeba and Plasmodium) are clearly animal. Others (Euglena and Chlamydomonas), are unicellular plants.  There's a distinct probability, that Slime moulds are Fungi that have adopted a non-cellular existence. That, of course, doesn't make them any less interesting. 

Wider Environmental Impact of the Los Angeles Fires

 

The combination of climatic changes leading to the Southern California fires, have been confirmed. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/09/los-angeles-wildfires-climate-disasters). Although most of the media attention has been directed to the impact of the conflagration on Hollywood, people's homes etc., its consequences will be felt over a much wider area. The fires produced enormous clouds of smoke, blown considerable distances by the powerful winds. This smoke contains masses of carbon particulates. When breathed in by humans and other animals, they markedly damage health. Particulates increase both respiratory diseases and risk of cardiovascular events ('heart attacks'). This air pollution, will reduce longevity of organisms exposed to it. This can be many miles from the flames.

Missing Lynx

 

Two Eurasian lynx were illegally released in the Scottish Highlands near Drumguish. Both have now been recaptured and placed in quarantine in the Highland Wildlife Park (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/09/two-lynx-captured-after-being-illegally-released-in-scottish-highlands). There's a good argument for restoring this predator to the Scottish highlands. They would provide a natural control for burgeoning deer populations, threatening the maturation of the mountainous forests. Illegal release is, however, distinctly unhelpful. Effective release should only be done under well-controlled, approved circumstances. Only animals proved free of potentially problematic pathogens, should be liberated. Releases must also be trialled in defined areas, where the consequences can be professionally evaluated and, if necessary, terminated. All relevant shareholders in the locality  including farmers, campers and walkers have to be reassured. Illegal releases and its resulting media firestorm, makes this very difficult. 

Awake And Smell the Coffee?

 

The US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey looked at self-reported coffee drinking by more than 40,000 adults between 1999 and 2018. Participants noted both their daily intake and when they drank the beverage. Thirty-six percent were morning coffee drinkers, whereas 16% imbibed later in the day. The data suggested that, over the 10 years, moderate or heavy coffee drinkers were, respectively 16 and 31%, less likely to die from any cause or a cardiovascular disease than non-coffee drinkers. These statistical benefits, however, only applied to morning coffee drinkers (https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/jan/08/coffee-drinkers-reap-health-boost-but-only-if-they-do-it-in-the-morning). At face value, this study suggests that having coffee with your breakfast is a healthy option. It has, however, a number of limitations. Firstly, it's based on self-reported intake and folk are notoriously bad at doing this accurately (especially for an extended period). Secondly, even when controlling subjects for age and gender, morning coffee drinkers may differ from counterparts drinking later in the day. The groups could vary in their alcohol intake, levels of daily exercise and even the stressfulness of their occupations. Finally, its not absolutely certain, what's meant by a 'cup of coffee'. Does decaffeinated count?  Mugs also contain more fluid than a standard cup. Different coffees even have varied caffeine (and other chemical) contents, making it difficult to specify an active factor.