Whilst rapid jerks in the Net Zero Scrutiny Group pursue a well funded campaign to undermine the UK Governments commitments to climate action – the climate emergency continues to build momentum. Troops can be with drawn by Putin, but the climate emergency cannot be reversed for maybe decades. It is not an optional extra to take action now. It may cost money, but there is plenty around – the NZSG would like to continue to receive their dividends from the energy companies. Blaming the new green technologies for cost of living rises is dishonest. Transporting energy materials like gas and oil contribute almost 50% to the greenhouse emissions of ocean transport.
WEATHER
Two storms line up to batter Ireland and Scotland, Dudley and Eustace will be most harmful in the north but it is windy band wet here at the moment.
Around the world – Madagascar bracing itself for its third tropical revolving storm, Spain is suffering from drought, Australia experiencing some bush fires, China Winter Olympics are very cold and has unexpectantly heavy snow. Northern Japan has record snow.
CRISIS – OCEANS
Many people in the world have never seen the life blood of our planet. Out of sight, out of mind may apply to them, but the importance of our oceans is a rather neglected aspect of our global environment. CO2 content of the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect grab the headlines. But p17 of the Guardian reports the sixth consecutive year of hottest temperatures for oceans. Should be Front page of all papers as the Partygate thing will be forgotten by summer.
USA WILDFIRES
WEATHER
Oh so warm – but temperatures will drop into the new year to the average for the time of year. Some possibility of frost in the last third of the month. A New Years wish is for better weather for our wildlife, especially butterflies and insects; and favourable winds for migrating birds like the swifts and swallows and martins which seem to need a bumper breeding season.
CLIMATE CHANGE – A PLEA
There are many scientists and others studying climate change. Can we have a monthly bulletin with statistics – I am not sure people understand them but they are influenced by them. Sea level rise, global temperatures, renewable energy generation, electric car sales, butterfly counts, etc. just keep the topic at the forefront of peoples minds.
SNOW
Not likely this year. Dismal weather set for the rest of the year – maybe a bit of sun at times.
Sunday 2 Jan – Sunday 16 Jan
Any unsettled conditions during the start of the New Year are most likely to be confined to west and south-western regions, where longer spells of rain, and perhaps areas of snow, are possible with occasional strong winds. Through January, cold air is signalled to develop and remain in place across parts of Europe. From here, there is a chance that an easterly wind could bring periods of cold weather, and associated wintry hazards, to the UK. Milder spells are still likely, with these potentially bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and potential snow. Overall, the period is slightly more likely to be colder than normal although a lot of uncertainty surrounds this.
TORNADO – USA
CLIMATE CHANGE
Surely we should have weekly or at lest monthly press briefings on the Covid style regarding climate change.What progress has been made, what new threats are appearing? Scientists and experts could support whoever leads the briefings. I suspect not Johnson as his knowledge of the environment is almost certainly less than my grandchildren’s!