Tropical Storm Wanda is probably the last of the season which has been one of the busiest on record, although most activity has avoided landfall, with the notable and destructive exceptions of Fred, Grace and Ida. 21 named storms were recorded this season which is the 3rd highest recorded.
WHAT A CLOWN
I am developing coulrophobia just reading about Johnson. “We are are on one minute to midnight” speech to world leaders. Firstly I believe he is wrong and will explain later but secondly if he believes this why is his government promoting a coal mine and new oil wells, not insulating buildings properly, allowing new houses without solar panels, etc.etc.etc.
BREXIT
When science and facts meet populism. The Office for Budget Responsibility has stated that Brexit will reduce UK GDP by4% or over £100 billion. 44% say the UK economy is worse off due to Brexit (28% said better!). I wonder how many will deny voting for it. Project Fear was probably understated and it looks like things will get worse as our posturing scare crows trumpet their hollow challenges.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE
WEATHER
Wet or what! Although warm for time of year it has been wet. Not in the usual autumn way of showers but intense storms on top of it. This area has had more thunder and lightning this year than I can remember for the last 5 or 6 years together. And we have another yellow rain warning for tonight/early tomorrow morning. Flood warnings across the south west and worse in Scotland. Perhaps storms for the next 2 weeks of COP26 would be good with the lack of investment by water companies resulting in sewage down the streets – it might make the so called ‘world leaders’ realise that shit happens, especially when economics becomes more important than environment.
COP26
Johnson talks a good talk, almost Churchillian in content and delivery. But then we think back to the budget just 3 days ago where levies on short haul flights were reduced and fuel duty frozen. The latter of these two makes sense at the moment but there was mention of climate change, no plug for insulation, solar panels, wind turbines, etc. Nothing in the way of positive action. Zilch. The man is all hot air and bluster.
CROWDFARMING
A box of mangoes and lemons arrived today from Maria Marinez in Malaga. Fresh organic produce straight from the farmer. They get a decent price and it cuts out the middlemen and supermarkets – and makes me feel good too!
POLLUTE THE AIR AND COVER THE RIVERS AND SEAS IN SHIT
CLIMATE CHANGE
A government blueprint for changing public behaviour was withdrawn because Johnson did not like it because it contradicted the lies and bullshit he pronounced earlier.
EARTHSHOT – £1million each
The winners
Protect and Restore Nature:
- The Republic of Costa Rica: Costa Rica was a country that once cleared most of its forests, but it has now doubled the number of trees and is seen as a role model for others to follow. The winning project is a scheme paying local citizens to restore natural ecosystems that has led to a revival of the rainforest
Clean our Air:
- Takachar, India: A portable machine created to turn agricultural waste into fertiliser so that farmers do not burn their fields and cause air pollution
Revive our Oceans:
- Coral Vita, Bahamas: A project run by two best friends who are growing coral in the Bahamas, designed to restore the world’s dying coral reefs. Using special tanks, they have developed a way to grow coral up to 50 times faster than they normally take in nature
Build a Waste-Free World:
- The City of Milan Food Waste Hubs, Italy: Another challenge is waste – and the city of Milan in Italy wins a prize for collecting unused food and giving it to people who need it most. The initiative has dramatically cut waste while tackling hunger
Fix our Climate:
- AEM Electrolyser, Thailand/Germany/Italy: A clever design in Thailand using renewable energy to make hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is a clean gas but it is usually produced by burning fossil fuels