Government is in a bind over loss of tax as more cars go electric. Estimates of the tax loss are £10 billion by 2030 and £30 billion by 2040. It can hardly put tax on electric cars, at least until they are the norm, and cannot replace the fuel tax as electricity is ubiquitous. We already have road pricing of sorts with the congestion charge in London, and the Motorway Toll road.
ENVIRONMENT
it is time we got some accountability from government. it was sadly better when we had nameless bureaucrats in Europe running the show. There have been numerous International Conferences and Treaties over the years, but none have resulted in accountability. We expect teachers to report on the progress made under their tuition in numerous subjects and social ares. Why not the same for each ministry.
PASTA CONCERNS
The hot dry spell has hit the durum wheat crop in Canada, whilst the wet spring has already affected the Italian crop. Climate change hitting spagbol and pizza is a real crisis.
Prices for pasta are expected to rise by 50% in line with recent price rises of the wheat. I shall stock up on ‘OO’ flour.
HURRICANE LARRY
Likely to lash into Bermuda later today, at the moment is too far north to affect USA. 9th of September is early to have reached L in the alphabet of storms and there are 6 or 7 weeks of potential hazards to go.
EDIBLE FLOWERS
I know this is pretentious nonsense but have just made a salad with chicory flowers (blue), pot marigold (orange) and nasturtium (yellow and red). I might use the marigold flowers to dye some cakes or even cheese straws later! The flowers are lovely so I will limit my consumption and leave most for the insects. I especially like the chicory flowers which have self seeded from one plant last year to 3 this year.
CLIMATE CHANGE DENIERS
I like the quote ‘there is no need to give two sides of an argument about whether it is raining – just look out of the fucking window”. The fossil fuel industry, having spent $billions supporting spurious scientific claims about climate change is in retreat. However the Tory party is full of selfish pricks.
POSITIVE NEWS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Well done Julia Davies, lawyer and former part owner of Osprey Europe outdoor equipment company. rather than buy and rewind some land herself she has guaranteed a £4 million loan to Dorset Wildlife Trust to obtain and rewild Court Farm near Bere Regis. this loan whatever then enabled the trust to obtain further grants. Let’s hope there are more philanthropists like her to counter decades of harmful farming policies.
GREEN ISSUES
The governments Environment Bill is an attempt to reduce domestic environment thresholds following Brexit. the House of Lords have tabled over 100 amendments. The ECJ is to be replaced by an Office for Environmental Protection. Which will weaken not strengthen environmental protection. The government maintains that it will be operationally independent from Defra and ministers will not be able to influence its decisions. Anyone who believes that is a total fool.
CROWD FARMING
Take a look at this web site and if interested in sharing a box of clementines or whatever let me know. Crowd Farming
HURRICANE IDA
Is on track to hit New Orleans on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Sunday. A storm surge of 3m is expected in many areas and winds in excess of 130kph. Oil production has been ceased in many rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. And another depression developing in mid-Atlantic whilst Hurricane Nora hits the eastern Pacific region with high winds and rainfall near Puerto Vallarta and Baja California Peninsula.