Leaving Lovers and other lists

When in doubt, make a list: How to save the planet

Actually, to be semantically picky, quite a lot are ways to slow down the screwing up of the planet, but their hearts are in the right place.

I will await the document to arrive as I am on their mailing list and can't read PDFs onscreen easily, so it will be... interesting. First up I will be keen to see what constitutes a panel of experts .

But at least it is a 'to-do' list. That is a pretty big step in the right direction. To do. However, looking at numbers 1 & 2 I do wonder (I have highlighted in red and green what I think is a bizarro or a goodie, either in itself or its position. But a lot just mean diddly out of context or without further explanation.) how useful it is...

1 Dramatically improve the energy efficiency of electrical goods - just these?
2 Religious leaders to make the environment a priority for their followers
3 Encourage the widespread use of solar power throughout the world
4 Secure a meaningful post-Kyoto treaty on reducing the emissions that contribute to global warming
5 Encourage households to generate much more of their own power
6 Introduce tax incentives to "buy green"
7 Tackle the rapid growth in aviation emissions
8 Wean ourselves off dependency on petroleum
9 Encourage individuals to buy less non-essential "stuff "
10 Dramatically improve public transport
11 Aim for a "zero waste" culture
12 Install "smart energy" meters in all homes
13 Introduce a measure of economic success that includes the environment
14 Fully harness Britain's huge potential for generating renewable energy
15 Seek alternative, less damaging sources for biofuels
16 Bury carbon dioxide from power stations underground
17 Encourage hydrogen fuel cell technology in cars- drive less!
18 Implement government policies to control global population growth - top 5!
19 Reach international agreement on preserving rainforests - top 5!
20 Create better incentives to improve energy efficiency in the home -top 5!

And then one gets to have a say:

50 ways to save the planet

Though I'd be hard-pressed to agree with this: The Environment Agency's '50 things that will save the planet' list showcases some truly inspirational ideas... ranked as a list of actions in order of importance.

I loved that the idea of a global price for carbon ranked so low, but that's me just cherry-picking to suit my beliefs, as I think the top set are pants. But at least the notion of handing this all to be-suited traders is seen to be as dire as I find it when it comes to actually making a real difference to the planet and not just a minority's profits.

Here's wot i rote:

Very worthwhile, thought-provoking piece(s - both of them).

But there is a lot of tip-toeing still, no? And I'm sorry to disagree with Leo... I've about had it with awareness if it means more of the talkfests we have been subjected to so far, from headlines to vastly-funded campaigns. They don't seem to have worked too well to now. Put the money and energy in more actual DOING.

Here are some areas I'd vote for (rush draft without the concern of worrying to much how socially, financially, politically, etc they happen. Conveniently for me):

1. Reduce... population increase to break even (as this is a 'to do' list that carries scary connotations, so using PeeCee-speek analogies from the job market I'd say it's more 'voluntary redundancies' over time than 'firing', though often you hear the phrase 'natural wastage'. I guess nature may yet play a part, then:)

2. Stop using/wanting to use so much (we don't really need). And I write that with a straight face looking at the car and travel ads all around.

3. Reuse and/or repair at every opportunity until these options are no longer viable, and then recycle the leftovers wherever and whenever practically possible with an enviROI+ (so carting a 2litre bottle of fresh air to a recycling station 100 miles away doesn't count, even if it ticks a box).

4a. Deal with the biggies and quit sweating the small fry. So chill, sensibly.

4b. Encourage any and every actual way/initiative/idea that has DO at its core, especially those that offer clear rewards, and stop fussing over all the trivial nonsense that has 'don't' as its sole raison' d'etre. And all the bozos who make a lot out of dealing in that word.

4c. Leave anything that has guilt, fine, fear, loathing, ratings (and a bunch of other really negative vibes) at the door.

5. Take it all deadly seriously. But in debate realise there will be different views. So be civilised, pragmatic, understanding and keep a sense of humour. You'll win converts quicker that way.

Just as you guys have questioned some significant high ranks and absences, it all really highlights how diverse 'we' are. Perhaps what 'we' need is something that makes the human race pull together as one. Where's there an alien invasion when you need one?

Whatever... we may yet make it. It's what keeps me going at least.

Doing what I do.

ADDENDUM - A reply prompted a follow-up from me (whilst noting this topic - in the Guardian - has elicited 7 replies to date) :

'I am truly sorry to offend, but these questions are really silly. Stick a tax on carbon forthwith and see what happens. Hey presto! It works.'

'I am truly sorry to offend, but these questions are really silly. Stick a tax on carbon forthwith and see what happens. Hey presto! It works.'

I'm sorry too. I don't quite understand what you mean by 'questions'.

As to sticking a tax on carbon as you indicate I'm unsure how you know it works if you have yet to find out what happens when you do.

Actually I suspect you are right, at least in cutting carbon emissions. But I would also hazard it is not as simple as that. Take air travel, which really needs addressing. Tax its carbon to a point where it becomes meaningful as a deterrent and you are in the realms of political suicide and social division when it comes to creating something only the rich can 'enjoy'. And there's also the small (well..) matter of economics and employment.

Tax it to the point it stops, and the global tourism industry pretty much ceases. Which means you have roughly 10% of the global working population out of, and looking for a job. Along, one suspects, with the guys in power seen to have put them out there.

So it's really waaaaay more complex than guys like us can really do justice to, with either suggestion pro or con, in a few paragraphs. Which is why I don't envy the politicians. Allowances, the only way I can see that such as personal travel can be addressed, only work if it is fair and all comply. Sadly I am not seeing much statespersonship anywhere to have much faith it can be done effectively any time soon.

Human nature, its variation and numbers is a fact that will need to be lived with... and negotiated around.

I personally believe that, while there are many 'dont's' that could well have immediate and effective results, they have to be viewed in terms of those they are to be imposed upon. Look how well and how long anti-smoking efforts have 'persuaded' just the UK population. One problem is the lack of any perceived real compensatory benefits, though how improved health and bank balance doesn't sink in is telling.

So I think it must be baby steps, but as the topic of priorities has been raised, they have to be dirty great big ones, and where they can count. And if they are in 'unsexy' areas so be it.

How much waste is there in electrical distribution, for example? I've been told as high as 40%. Why? Can it be reduced? If not, why not? Money? Greed? Political Will? Lack of interest (making a grey box in a field a lot better at what it does certainly won't hit the national news as much as a town banning plastic bags)... Or simple engineering reality?

Or pumps. I have also been told that these all-pervasive tools of industry are immensely inefficient and hence gobble vast, unnecessary power. Can they be improved? And globally? Do we force a change? Or do we find ways to ease them in? Interest-free loans to companies backed by mandatory conversion orders . I don't know. But for my kids' sake I want big wins.

And if they are not sexy so be it. We can try and find stuff to keep the media and our pleasure centres happy once we have in place some things that really are doing their best to make a difference.

And then talk about the twiddly bits to our hearts' content.