The UK's Tomorrow Is Already Here?

 

Climate change inevitably means the weather becomes less predictable. There will be more extreme events including droughts, floods and violent storms. The UK's Climate Change Committee says the country's economy and environment is in increasing peril. Government is cutting back on flood defences and has not yet forced its privatised water companies to prepare for the coming challenges. Transport, commerce and farming are sure to be impacted  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/30/labour-not-protecting-people-economy-and-homes-from-climate-crisis-watchdog-says). Governments always seem to assume they can hope for the best, rather than making preparations for the inevitable consequences of climate change. The assumption seems to be that any available finance should be directed to the economy and/or military preparations. Both, however, will be severely damaged by extreme weather events. 

Seeing the Changes 2156

In Loughor, a Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) had become an ETA.

Intimate Insects 9. Propylea 14-punctata (Wales)

 

Seeing the Changes 2155

White clover (Trifolium repens) flowering on Loughor Bridge.

Burying : The Bad News?

 

Folk, in England and Wales, want cheaper, more reliable and 'greener' electricity. They seem, however, to be generally averse to having distribution pylons on their 'green and pleasant land'. The Institution of Engineering and Technology have estimated that, the alternative, underground cables, are an average of 4.5 times the cost of pylons. Sometimes, in deed, they can be vastly more expensive. Pylons are also quicker to build and easier to service than underground alternatives  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/29/labour-to-press-on-with-pylons-as-study-shows-underground-cables-more-costly). Given the shortage of money and the urgency of tapping into abundant wind power, the UK government seems to have little alternative. It must rapidly build more pylons in England and Wales to distribute electricity. The government is already offering 'sweeteners' to folk who end up with a new pylon nearby. Perhaps, however, residents could also be given the alternative of underground cables, if they can raise the extra cash? Cases could be quickly considered by the National Lottery and other funders. In deed, rich landowners might want to pay for it themselves?

Intimate Insects 8. Phyllobius pomaceus (Wales)

 

Seeing the Changes 2154

Lots of Common mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) around in Bynea.

I Am a Rock, I Am an Island!

 

The Pacific Island States are especially exposed to the climate crisis. Elevating world temperatures raises sea levels. It's, not only a consequence of melting ice in polar regions, but also due to the thermal expansion of ocean water. Low-laying islands are also particularly vulnerable to violent storms. Global heating intensifies these. The Pacific Island States, however, have tiny carbon footprints. It's the large, rich industrialised countries who are responsible for most of climate change. Island nations are predictably concerned that major industrialised nations are 'dragging their feet', when it comes to cutting their 'greenhouse gas' emissions. It now seems highly unlikely that limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Centigrade above pre-Industrial levels, is still achievable. As part of the Paris Accord, all countries undertook to develop national plans to achieve that limit (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/26/pacific-island-states-urge-rich-countries-to-expedite-plans-to-cut-emissions). The lack of urgent progress on  'greenhouse gas' emissions is most disturbing. If anything, progress is slowing. Polluters will not be, of course, the major victims.

World-Beating England!

 

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are a rather vague category. They're essentially foods, whose generation involves an excessive amount of extraction and/or chemical manipulation. UPFs certainly include, certain breads, cakes and 'ready meals'. These products are, of course, largely devised to appeal to cash- and/or time-poor. UPFs are often marketed by very large Food Consortia. They're intended to be 'addictive' in a strictly non-medical sense. Folk are encouraged to repeatedly eat UPFs to boost consortia profits. Consuming them, however, increases the risk of premature death. It's estimated that an extra 10% intake of UPFs, increases the risk of dying before age 75, by circa 3%. Of the countries recently surveyed, England is currently the world leader. Fourteen percent of its early deaths, were attributed to unhealthy food  (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/28/ultra-processed-food-increases-risk-of-early-death-international-study-finds). England's unhealthy performance seems encouraged by a persistent political belief that folk should be 'free' to make their own food choices, without the interference of the 'nanny state'. Fairly obviously, poorer sections of society are likely to be disproportionately impacted by what's really a drive by Food Consortia to maximise their profits. All sections of society need to be better informed of the dangers of UPFs and the Consortia should be better regulated. There are considerable societal costs of these unhealthy diets that shouldn't be tolerated.  

Intimate Insects 7. Gastrophysa viridula (Wales)

 

Seeing the Changes 2153

 

Lots of small fungi on the Bynea-Penclacwydd border. Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) and Green field speedwell (Veronica agrestis) were in bloom. Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) was coming into flower. 

Committed To the Deep?

 

The rush for rare metal continues as these are essential for electronic devices, including some military applications. Nickel, cobalt and manganese can be found in some deep-sea nodules in parts of the world. Worryingly, an Executive Order has been signed in the US instructing their National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to 'fast-track' permits for companies to mine the ocean floor in both US and International waters.  This move concerns folk who believe the activity will inevitably damage marine ecosystems. Many people depend on these systems for their livelihoods. The move also ignores an ongoing process aiming to adopt international rules for deep-sea mining, which would limit the damage (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/26/trump-deep-sea-mining). The ocean bed seems to be getting a bit like 'the wild west'? The impact of deep-sea mining could be quite complex.

Intimate Insects 6. A beetle orgy on Hogweed (France)

 

Seeing the Changes 2152

In Bynea, a single, nibbled Yellow fieldcap (Bolbitius titubans) was evident.

Keeping the Power in Our Own Hands?

 

There was a recent Energy Security meeting in London.  It was generally agreed that, having secure and reliable supplies of energy, was a top priority. Demand is increasing and supplies are getting less secure. Although the US is still set on relying on fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), this clearly isn't an option for most countries. Fossil fuels, for most recipients, are subject to control by potentially unreliable partners. Burning hydrocarbons also adds to climate change, damages air quality and, at their current rate of use,  will last for less than 100 years. China, although it wasn't formally present at the meeting, clearly sees climate action as an alternative means for it to build international relationships. Some countries still see nuclear power as part of the mix for their energy security solutions. This is in spite of its high initial costs, reliance on imported fuels and spent fuel legacy. Some delegates thought the US rejection of climate policy, would offer them opportunities by diverting investment on renewables (solar and wind power) elsewhere. The availabilities of critical minerals (currently, largely controlled by China), will, however, be crucial for these developments (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/25/five-things-we-learned-about-the-future-of-energy-security-at-uk-summit). Clearly, Energy Security is national security. Changing circumstances, mean that counties are likely to move, where possible,  to solutions where they are not dependent on the vagaries of supplies from external sources. 

Any Old Rubbish

 

Old landfill sites, unlike newer-constructed versions, were never lined, in an attempt to prevent chemical leaching. In England, circa 100 old landfill sites may be leaching highly-hazardous chemicals into their surrounding areas. Since 2000, at various times, these sites have been flooded. Inadequate council records, also means that nobody is entirely sure what materials were dumped in them (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/26/more-than-100-landfills-in-england-may-be-leaching-highly-hazardous-waste). The old 'philosophy' used to be 'out of sight, out of mind'. So, some very toxic materials (containing e.g. lead, mercury, DDT, organophosphates etc.) could have been directed to landfill over the decades. One might get more than Victorian cod bottles from such locations. Climate change, with its increased flooding risk, probably requires some sites to be urgently re-evaluated

Intimate Insects 5. Common green shield bug (Wales)

 

Seeing the Changes 2151

In Bynea, Black medick (Medicago lupulina) and Cultivated apple (Malus domestica) were both in bloom.

Incompatible Planning?

 

It's interesting that two articles, in close proximity in the same journal, should arrive at diametrically opposite conclusions about issues that are essentially linked. Polly Toynbee sees signs of hope 'inside Labour's top-secret plan for new towns'. This is part of a UK drive to build more housing to satisfy parts of its electorate. There have been complaints about the inability of young folk to 'get on the housing ladder'. Toynbee suggests that, 'with visions and patience', some of the previous housing planning mistakes can be avoided. Certainly, some of the earlier attempts to replace 'slum dwellings', with shiny communal housing blocks, simply didn't work. These new buildings rapidly became the new slums (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/24/labour-top-secret-plan-new-towns-hope). In stark contrast, George Monbiot decries Labour's proposed changes in house building planning as the 'great nature sell-out'. He regards these changes as the 'worst attack on England's ecosystems'. Monbiot's basic complaint is that, in an effort to encourage house building, many environmental protections are scheduled for removal. Building may be allowed in the green belts around cities, in areas with designated protections and in locations where environmental impacts have not been carried out. Many of the changes appear to be from the wish-lists of major house building company CEOs. There appears, he says, too much reliance on 'compensating' for damage in other locations  (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/24/labour-nature-england-ecosystems-planning-bill-keir-starmer). There's certainly said to be a popular demand for more 'reasonably-priced' housing, in the right locations. House builders are, however, in the business of maximising their company profits. They build with sales in mind. The trouble is that UK folk have been sold the idea that, becoming a house owner, is a 'passport' to economic freedom. The rental sector is expensive, relatively insecure and often of poor quality. The UK is relatively small and crowded. It could make better use of its existing housing by a) giving more property to Housing Associations; b) improving the rental market and c) financially encouraging folk to 'downsize, when their families have moved away. Perhaps the focus should be on houses as somewhere to live, rather than being financial investments. The UK is already Europe's most environmentally impoverished country. It needs viable ecosystems to maintain the health of its populations. 

Seeing the Changes 2150

In Loughor, Mock strawberry (Potentilla indica) was in bloom.

Intimate Insects 4. Common blue damselflies (Wales)

 

Seeing the Changes 2149

 

Yellow oxalis (Oxalis corniculata) was flowering in Loughor.

Peanut Allergy Relief For Adults?

 

Peanut allergy causes serious reactions, including death. 'Immunotherapy' has prove effective in children. Here, allergic children are given increasing daily dosages of peanut flour. This eventually prevents many of them developing full-blown allergic reactions. Successful treatment also reduces parental anxieties when eating out. Immunotherapy has now been tried on 21 adults, aged 18-40 years, all with a clinical diagnosis of peanut allergy. After treatment, 66% of the sample, were able to eat the equivalent of 5 peanuts without reacting  (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/24/daily-peanut-exposure-can-desensitise-allergic-adults-study-suggests). Although this is a very small study, its results are encouraging. Adults also need protection from peanut allergy. This is especially so, if they are likely to travel to Asia. Asian cooking can often use peanut oil. 

Intimate Insects 3. Chrysomela populi (Wales)

 

The Sound of Silence?

 

Recent studies suggest that 80-89% of the global population want stronger climate action. This figure is much higher than the same public's estimation of circa 61% support for countering climate change. It's suggested that this disparity leads to a 'spiral of silence' with folk not expressing their support (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/22/spiral-of-silence-climate-action-very-popular-why-dont-people-realise). This could, of course, be because the well-funded 'anti-climate action' folk have greater finance, control more of the media and are just more scary (in spite of it being supporters of climate change action, who currently tend to end up in jail). Advocating taking little or no account of climate change is unpopular, whether it's outright rejection or on the basis that any action's  'too expensive'. In deed, failure to support action to counter climate change, may not prove to be the great, new vote-winner (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/23/nigel-farage-net-zero-new-brexit-starmer-labour-reform).

Let's Have a Toast To Forever Chemicals?

 

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are the group of around 1000 synthetic 'forever chemicals'. They were given this description because they persist in the environment. PFASs are produced for a variety of uses, including making commercial products, non-stick and/or stain and water resistant. Products include, clothing, carpeting and even some containers for 'fast foods'. When ingested by humans (and other animals), they increase the risks of cancers and inherited disorders. PFASs are becoming pretty ubiquitous. The Pesticide Action Network Europe tested 49 bottles of wine. The tests revealed, that wines produced after 2010, showed a steep rise in trifluroacetic acid contamination. Trifluroacetic acid  is a breakdown product of PFASs. This contaminant is absent from wines, produced prior to1988 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/23/alarming-increase-forever-chemical-tfa-european-wines). It looks as if wine drinkers, wanting to sensibly avoid increasing their 'forever chemicals' intakes, will have to purchase older vintages. These will, of course, eventually run out.

Intimate Insects 2. Blue-tailed damselfly (Wales)

 

Sparks Flying in the UK!

 

In the UK, it's currently estimated that circa £1.5 bn of gas and electricity is 'stolen' annually. It's not, however, the 'energy impoverished' who are responsible for all these thefts. Some major criminals power their illegal marijuana 'farms' with stolen energy. Enormous amounts of energy are needed to power LED lighting, provide heating and to dry their product. Other tricksters, use massive amounts of illegal electricity to 'mine' for bitcoin. It should be noted, that 'stealing' energy requires pipes and cables to be rerouted, bypassing monitoring devices. Some of this is done quite professionally, sometimes with bribed electricians. In many cases, however, the bodged manipulations are highly dangerous. This 'heist', of course, also drives up costs for legal users (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/22/fight-against-britain-billion-pound-energy-heist). UK folk are consequently in danger of losing out in terms of costs and safety. The scams don't stop there. 'Energy impoverished' folk are further targeted by the wide online availability of 'energy-saving' electrical plugs (https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/apr/22/illegal-potentially-unsafe-energy-saving-plugs-available-uk).These devices neither save electricity nor can they always be safely-used. 

Seeing the Changes 2148

In Gorseinon, the Scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) was in flower.

Intimate Insects 1. Azure damselfly (Wales)

 

I ran out of Lepidoptera- so, here are a few more insects.

Lecherous Lepidoptera 12. Small blue (Wales)

 

Seeing the Changes 2147

At Worm's Head on the Gower, noted what could well be a Death's-head hawk moth pupa, emerging from the soil.

Lecherous Lepidoptera 11. Six-spot Burnet moth (Wales)

 

Seeing the Changes 2146

On the Loughor/Gorseinon border, Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) had unfurled. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata); Bluebell (Endymion non-scripta) and Field mouse-ear (Cerastium arvense) were in bloom.

Lecherous Lepidoptera 10. Orange tip (Wales)

 

Hard to Swallow

It's well-established that heavy metals impair human brain function. In spite of this, many recently-tested toothpastes contained lead, arsenic, mercury and/or cadmium. The US Lead Safe Mama organisation tested 51 toothpaste brands. Ninety percent were contaminated with lead.  Arsenic, mercury and cadmium were found respectively in 65, circa 50 and 33%. Contamination was even evident in toothpastes intended for children (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/toothpaste-lead-heavy-metals). The toothpaste heavy metal concentrations in Lead Safe Mama's tests didn't exceed Federal limits. Some, however, were higher than approved state values. There's actually no safe limit for lead intake. It, consequently, seems extremely odd for any toothpaste to contain heavy metals. They're bound to increase the risk of cognitive damage, especially in children.

P-P-Particulates!

 

Atmospheric carbon particulates damage human health even causing premature deaths. We are used to blaming these emissions on diesel cars. Currently, however, even in the UK, more particulates are produced by household wood burning than via all vehicle emissions. Part of this, appears to be a fad for wood-burning stoves, especially in some wealthier urban areas. Recently, a University College of London study used 26 million energy performance certificates to map areas in England and Wales with potentially high particle pollution. Wood-burning was more common in rural area where this fuel is cheap and easily available. Urban areas tended, however, to have a higher overall concentration of wood-burners. This was a particularly high in smoke control areas (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/18/map-residential-wood-burning-england-wales). The data essentially confirms that some folk employ wood-burners because they regard them as being 'ecofriendly' and cosy. This is rather like the situation for diesel fuel that was once strongly advocated, as it produced less carbon dioxide than petrol. Particulates are, however, more immediately dangerous to human health, especially when they are generated in the home. 

Lecherous Lepidoptera 9. Medus brown (Sikkim)

 

Seeing the Changes 2145

On the cliff walk between Langland and Caswell, spotted lots of Garden tiger (Callimorpha dominula) lavae. Also noted blooms of Tormentil (Potentilla erecta); Thrift (Armeria maritima); Common milkweed (Polygala vulgaris); Gorse (Ulex europaea) and Red valerian (Centhanthus ruber). The solitary bees were also feeding. In the water, Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) fished but sadly a Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) carcass washed up.