Can we please stop the hypocrisy. China is not a virtuous virgin of world politics, but neither is a panacea of all ills. Its human rights record is appalling – we will never know if Covid originated in a lab, but can be sure that if it did we would suffer from a pandemic sooner or latter. The odds are that it developed from bush meat or the strange eating habits associated with traditional Chinese medicine.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
An old but interesting subject. RollsRoyce are going ahead with a part government funded scheme to develop mini nuclear reactors. In many ways this seems to make sense, an emergency would be presumably on a smaller scale. There has been no reports of what to do with the waste – but given urgency in replacing fossil fuels and long term battery storage and hydrogen fuels still in the ‘promising’ class it would seem to make sense. How I hate admitting that the government might have got something right!
HURRICANES, CYCLONES, TYPHOONS
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!