Independent Science & Technology
30 miles or so off the west coast of Cornwall, here in England, there is a small cluster of islands known as the Scilly Isles. It's elderly and backward population live in a community several steps behind that of the mainland and given that one can walk anywhere on the largest island in less than hald an hour, it is horrifying to see carbon emissions from vehicles that would be barely legal elsewhere. Neither have the few shops serving the locals exactly cottoned on to energy efficiency and ecologically sound products. There is a derth of everything and what there is costs too much. The economy centres on fishing, spring flowers and summer tourism. Plus a few Autumn birdwatchers who don't spend enough for the locals to like them much! The fisherman can't sell to the locals - it gets bought en-masse by the meg-corps and does a tour of the country before arriving back frozen for retail.
Long-hailed for their outstanding beauty, the islands have attracted visitors wanting to benefit from the climate. Why? Well, like some parts of Ireland, this is a part of Britain that traditionally experiences sub-tropical weather conditions. The lagoon-like outcrop provides shelter from the Atlantic forces whilst the warm currents of the Gulf Stream travel right through their epicentre. Or rather they did! As locals increasingly moan about the weather, few of them seemed to even know that the position of the Guld Stream itself has shifted in the last decade or so. The change is a sad loss but somehow fitting for a population who market their environment whilst taking little care of it. Without the long hot summers, one wonders exactly how the community will survive.
Mass awareness of pollution and its effects becaome commonplace in the 1960s, but rather than act to protect the future, western consumerist culture chose largely to block it from their minds. And now it is too late! Today's link leads to one of many covering the now official news about the Gulf Stream - it's not just shifted but is now slowing down and could halt completely. Places like Britain could experience arctic conditions and have their climate changed forever - despite warming and desertification in other parts of the planet. The lack of foresight by sucessive governments means we are now having problems reaching sustainable energy levels based on current demands - just how we would get the resources to maintain today's lifestyles in an even harsher climate beggars belief. Canada's recent "Son of Kyoto" summit was once again scuppered by Amerikan self-interest and here in the UK, Blair thinks in nuclear terms - the most costly and least sustainable option of all. It's not at all clean when considered over the whole production cycle, it still not anything like safe and it is also a limited-lifespan, short-term fix. It is also unworkable economically without financial support, so we will end up paying not only higher power charges but will also be subsidising the operation through general taxation.
If the government were really concerned about long-term sustainability, they would make it compulsory for new homes and offices to incorporate solar collection panels and domestic wind generators. In combination they should provid enough power whatever the weather. There should also be a fixed term plan to covert existing premises. Many properties could also be adapted to recycle waste and produce more fuel in the form of methane. Methane and hydrogen cells can also be used to power motor vehicles. It would be a costly exercise but it would protect the future. Nor need the petrolium and utility industries lose out - they could be the ones charged with manufacturing and installing eco-friendly systems in return for giving up their rape of our increasingly scarce planetary resources. Indeed, there would be whole new areas of the economy emerging, with employment opportunities that could be addressed locally all over the country. As an island itself, Britain could be a planetary showpiece by 2050. We could also be a lot safer by dis-engaging from the imperial plunder of other nations, cultures and their property. If we have to preach - let it be by example.
Later.
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