STOP GROWTH

Wildlife numbers have fallen by 70% in the last 50 years and is falling at 1% per year. The worst decline is Latin America (down 98%), Africa (66%), Pacific (66%), North America (20%), Europe and Central America (18%). The report points out that the UK had diminished its wildlife well before the 1970’s, with it being one of the mist nature-depleted. countries in the world.

SOLAR FARMS

The Environment Minister has announced plans to curtail new solar farms on agricultural land. this has been condemned by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy who are faced with coping with the energy crisis; The right wing Institute of Economic Affairs think tank and the Green Alliance think tank.

CLIMATE CRISIS

I am not a scientist (I was crap at science at school), however I was OK at mathematics. So if a country like the USA has had 4 (possibly 5) “once in a thousand years” events this summer; China has temperatures never recorded before of over 50C; Pakistan has record floods; Europe’s main river for trade – the Rhine – has record low flows; crops across Europe and worldwide are having lower yields; sea. levels are rising and coastal erosion increasing; glaciers are melting at record rates in all continents; species extinction due to climate change (as opposed to population growth) is increasing; CO2 levels have doubled in last couple of centuries; methane levels are increasing; IT IS A NO BRAINER NOT TO REACT TO THESE FACTS.

SCHOOL NUMBERS

Latest project states a fall in pupil numbers from 7859000 to 6915000 in the next decade. As school finances are based on student numbers that creates a major problem. I am sure the geographical spread is uneven, which will create more pressure in some areas.

CLIMATE

Firstly this is not necessarily climate change, but probably is. The Mayor of London has, correctly, called a climate emergency for the next few days. But our government – do we have one? has not said anything!

PANIC

I live in a rural village in North Somerset. My garden is full of insect friendly flowers. Weather sunny. Few insects. What the fuc* is going on?

CLIMATE ALERT

Portugal declares state of emergency as temperatures soar. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/04/spain-and-portugal-suffering-driest-climate-for-1200-years-research-shows

EXAMS

Students are now taking GCSE and GCE Exams with 15-20 different exams. Why so many? Surely an exam in English – written and oral, and one in Maths should be enough. Other subjects could be assessed by competencies (especially the arts and practical subjects). Humanities subjects could be assessed by a reasoning paper with access to internet.

FARMING

Firstly it should be protected from the import of inferior produce with duties and protective legislation. (Taking back control!). Secondly there needs to be a distinction between family farms and those run for investment purposes and pure profit. Third it may need support to change to restorative techniques. Fourth the land owned by farmers should be excluded from property development.