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.
DROUGHT
Groundwater, river levels and reservoirs are all at the lowest level for 21 years. Of course climate is a major factor but we should not ignore the impact buildings and roads have, together with intensive agriculture, In the last 100 years e have lost 90% of wetlands and 150000miles of hedgerows. The more impervious the surface, the faster the runoff and the lower the infiltration. this means more floods and more severe droughts. House will need to be built with separate sage and storm water systems, all houses will have to have water butts.
Rain again!
DROUGHT-FLOOD
Absolutely no planing or preparation for events that are 100% predictable. Create mini-lakes to absorb flood waters, plant more trees and shrubs, Every Parish Council should be mandated to come up with a plan to ameliorate floods and drought. Discounted water butts and pond liners, free wild flower seeds. Cut green bin collections to 6 a year.
Increase council tax for paved over lawns. Nature should come first.
WEATHER
So the 4 days of the latest heat wave has gone, we had about a mm this morning but unless we get a thunderstorm it is unlikely to do much. Another area high pressure is likely to build next week. I recommend https://guyonclimate.com a blog with lost of facts and sensible comment.
1976
A similar dry summer with hosepipe bans. In 2022 the announcement of a hosepipe ban was announced with a plea ‘to dob on a neighbour’. In 1976 this came much later. In 1976 we had a government (not in 2022). Will this government make golf courses and stately piles exempt? Will it impose laws that wastage must be cut by 15% per annum with no dividends until this takes place, and no price hikes.
Of greater importance is the need to ensure a long term protection for our chalk streams and wildlife. If these waterways are in private ownership, then the owner must create access in a equable way.
Water companies must comply to environmental standards or be nationalised without compensation. They should also have to pay an environmental fee for the privilege of becoming guardians of our environment. Everyone should also be provided with a set quantity of water free. I do not know how to work this out – but 5 toilet flushes per person, 3 minute shower, 5 litre for cooking and 10 litre for washing up. Then charge.
Perhaps the same should occur for households. The first x therms free, then progressively tax (allowances made for disability recipients).
WEATHER
Have just retreated indoors to sit by the fan which states a temp of 29C. I have filled some bowls with water for the birds and insects. We have a few more days of this I think. The south east looks totally parched. Tomatoes are ripening quickly at the moment.
WEATHER
Temperatures growing, but more concerning is the drought. I think my water butts will be ok until next week, we should not need a hose pipe ban here so I might resort to a hosepipe next week – my house plants take 7ltr a day, and the greenhouse another 10ltr/day and hanging baskets and front garden 5ltr/day.
CLIMATE CRISIS
Discussion in village with “I am not convinced by CC” person. After about 45 secs of hearing nonsense I told him I could not waste my breadth arguing the obvious with him in case he told me the Earth was flat and Brexit was a good idea. One way to make friends eh?
WEATHER
MetO predict 80% chance of rain whilst other say none. It would be good to top up the water butts. Not picking tomatoes today – I will leave to John and Linda to do that. I got a parcel ready for Cornwall but Mart is going on the train – which is the best option anyway.