This is not so much about the environment, but about the state of science and its reporting.
Last night I watched a doco on a tsunami that was supposed to have happened in the Cro-Magnon era of human existence in the Mediteranean.
Seems a slab of Etna on Sciliy may have slid down and sent out a wave a 100' high that washed the East shores clear.
And I recall a similar recent progamme about the Caanry Islands whereby the US eastern seaboard is soon to be wiped out.
Now, I am all for awarness and preparation, but I do rather wonder what, other than getting some worried, such as the latter really achieves.
But I also wonder about the science. In both shows, the most telling demo is when a slab of material is rushed down a slope in a lab to impact a model of a water feature. Sure enough, by the end a dirty great wave was impacting the other end.
Thing is, whilst accpeting the sheer power of the forces, but I do have to wonder about the relative sizes we're talking about here. A small section of an island in an entire ocean does not seem comparable. Nor does the 'route' being a narrow channel constrained by perspex. The energy disapation in a radial manner over tens of thousands of square miles would surely absorb a heck of a lot?
However, when an entire undersea shelf drop/rise over multiple miles takes place, as it did with the Boxing Day tragedy, that is a different kettle of fish.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Watching the box
I don't sense the main thrust is enviro, but this may be worth following:
The Box takes off on global journey
The Box takes off on global journey
2 B or nt 2 B?
Texting is doing for our bees?
Electronic smog 'is disrupting nature on a massive scale'
Worth noting that a lot of what 'we' do/demand/expect in our modern lifestyles can adversely affect nature.
Now, the odds of many, especially vocal eco-types (esp. yoof), giving up their moblys...?
Electronic smog 'is disrupting nature on a massive scale'
Worth noting that a lot of what 'we' do/demand/expect in our modern lifestyles can adversely affect nature.
Now, the odds of many, especially vocal eco-types (esp. yoof), giving up their moblys...?
Green tops
I'm sure that it has been/will be mentioned (I usually get a PR from them on everything), but this is so far how I came by some not insignificant Green political news of note:
Ch4 - GREENS PICK FIRST LEADER
The Greens have elected their first outright leader, after many years getting by with mystifying multiple arrangements. Caroline Lucas MEP.
There were always passionate defences of the old system, but it did seem to have problems. Will be interesting to see how it pans out.
Ch4 - GREENS PICK FIRST LEADER
The Greens have elected their first outright leader, after many years getting by with mystifying multiple arrangements. Caroline Lucas MEP.
There were always passionate defences of the old system, but it did seem to have problems. Will be interesting to see how it pans out.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Let's have a look inside that pudding, then
I have long cautioned against throwing about sky falling stats and deadlines that can prove problametic if they don't deliver, even if it is just within timeframe.
This is especially true of matters climatic, where nature seldom moves to the beat of the next soundbite.
We live in a literal world, and if your prediction fails to meet claim or expectation, that's going to be a problem.
I vaguely recall a twinge of unease in this regard when this was first outed.
Now, while such as this is littered with 'likely's' and 'could's', the confidence level was pretty high that this would 'make people more aware of the effects of climate change'.
But all I am seeing is references to this, the fact that his wish was granted and he couldn't make it, and not really always in the best way to inspire a climate cautious outlook. So, simplistically, does the fact that he was unable to get there mean "we really are no longer in deep trouble."
I don't know, but I am not sure that he proved what he set out to in the best way possible. There are positives and supporters, but in today's media age I fear I have read a lot more on the fact that the point was not made, and hence...?
'If the glove doesn't fit only works' if it doesn't... and you have a got lawyer. Of course it helps to have a team. And a PR crew. And lots more shrinking wilderness to highlight by all going there (how?) mob handed next time. Hmnn.
BBC - Kayaker's climate change trip
EU Referendum - Idiots Abroad - An unfair headline in my view, but it does rather show how these things need to be throught through.
Times - All this rain . . . obviously global warming - QED
I spent 40 years forecasting the weather, and I can tell you that this was in many ways as normal a British summer as we could expect
Michael Fish, the former BBC weatherman famed for his “no hurricane” forecast in 1987
This is especially true of matters climatic, where nature seldom moves to the beat of the next soundbite.
We live in a literal world, and if your prediction fails to meet claim or expectation, that's going to be a problem.
I vaguely recall a twinge of unease in this regard when this was first outed.
Now, while such as this is littered with 'likely's' and 'could's', the confidence level was pretty high that this would 'make people more aware of the effects of climate change'.
But all I am seeing is references to this, the fact that his wish was granted and he couldn't make it, and not really always in the best way to inspire a climate cautious outlook. So, simplistically, does the fact that he was unable to get there mean "we really are no longer in deep trouble."
I don't know, but I am not sure that he proved what he set out to in the best way possible. There are positives and supporters, but in today's media age I fear I have read a lot more on the fact that the point was not made, and hence...?
'If the glove doesn't fit only works' if it doesn't... and you have a got lawyer. Of course it helps to have a team. And a PR crew. And lots more shrinking wilderness to highlight by all going there (how?) mob handed next time. Hmnn.
BBC - Kayaker's climate change trip
EU Referendum - Idiots Abroad - An unfair headline in my view, but it does rather show how these things need to be throught through.
Times - All this rain . . . obviously global warming - QED
I spent 40 years forecasting the weather, and I can tell you that this was in many ways as normal a British summer as we could expect
Michael Fish, the former BBC weatherman famed for his “no hurricane” forecast in 1987
In the deep end
I am just watching the news coverage of the consequences of the last few days heavy weather.
My ears pricked up at a report from Tenbury Wells which, it seems, suffered badly. But, and taking the media's rather spectacular way of quoting things into account, it seems the mood there is 'why were we not warned?'.
Contrast this with my situation. Here in Ross-on (and, at times -in) -Wye we are not unfamiliar with the perils of flooding. Nothing as bad (yet and, fingers crossed, ever) as others around, but it can get quite hairy.
So I was perturbed, and took quite seriously the message on my mobile and complementary email that arrived soon after to tell me that we were up for a serious flood and I should take all measures and hit the high ground. I even called the Environemnt Agency to ask what was meant by that. The chap said that it meant what I said. So I called BBC Hereford & Worcester. A nice lady there said she didn't know as they just read out what the EA gave 'em, but a lot of folk like me were calling up to ask the same thing.
Thing is, 18 hours later... nada. Well, a puddle. As I look out the window not even the lake on the footy pitch between my house and the Wye, which is a regular feature of swollen rivers in the frequent past.
Now, I am all for 'better safe than sorry', but I have to now question the value of all these systems. On the one had they either didn't work or didn't apply where they were needed... and frankly were a more than a little OTT where they patently were not... at last this time.
I just have a nasty sense of a box being ticked and backside being covered. If our house had been hit then smug smiles all round. No actual help, but I couldn't say I hadn't been told. But inasmuch as I paid little heed this time, with reason, I fear my faith in the next means its value may be even more reduced.
I guess it is difficult, but the sheer level of inaccuracy seems astounding to me in this day and age (this is not where Gustav may make landfall; this is the progress of a surge down a river valley of about 20 miles in length that could have had me evacuating my family overnight), and I have to wonder how much is ploughed into looking like stuff is being done vs. actually doing things. In this day and age, why am I not surprised?
Addendum - Mon 9, 10am - Interestingly, having been warned Friday, if have just been advised that there is no longer any concern. Thing is, as I look out my window the waters are about as high as they have been so far.
Times - Bad building, not heavy rain, made these houses flood
My ears pricked up at a report from Tenbury Wells which, it seems, suffered badly. But, and taking the media's rather spectacular way of quoting things into account, it seems the mood there is 'why were we not warned?'.
Contrast this with my situation. Here in Ross-on (and, at times -in) -Wye we are not unfamiliar with the perils of flooding. Nothing as bad (yet and, fingers crossed, ever) as others around, but it can get quite hairy.
So I was perturbed, and took quite seriously the message on my mobile and complementary email that arrived soon after to tell me that we were up for a serious flood and I should take all measures and hit the high ground. I even called the Environemnt Agency to ask what was meant by that. The chap said that it meant what I said. So I called BBC Hereford & Worcester. A nice lady there said she didn't know as they just read out what the EA gave 'em, but a lot of folk like me were calling up to ask the same thing.
Thing is, 18 hours later... nada. Well, a puddle. As I look out the window not even the lake on the footy pitch between my house and the Wye, which is a regular feature of swollen rivers in the frequent past.
Now, I am all for 'better safe than sorry', but I have to now question the value of all these systems. On the one had they either didn't work or didn't apply where they were needed... and frankly were a more than a little OTT where they patently were not... at last this time.
I just have a nasty sense of a box being ticked and backside being covered. If our house had been hit then smug smiles all round. No actual help, but I couldn't say I hadn't been told. But inasmuch as I paid little heed this time, with reason, I fear my faith in the next means its value may be even more reduced.
I guess it is difficult, but the sheer level of inaccuracy seems astounding to me in this day and age (this is not where Gustav may make landfall; this is the progress of a surge down a river valley of about 20 miles in length that could have had me evacuating my family overnight), and I have to wonder how much is ploughed into looking like stuff is being done vs. actually doing things. In this day and age, why am I not surprised?
Addendum - Mon 9, 10am - Interestingly, having been warned Friday, if have just been advised that there is no longer any concern. Thing is, as I look out my window the waters are about as high as they have been so far.
Times - Bad building, not heavy rain, made these houses flood
Friday, September 05, 2008
AWARD - Shell Springboard 2008
WHEN: Deadline Nov 7
WHAT: Shell Springboard 2008
WHAT... MORE?: A programme that provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK. The idea behind the programme is that the business response to climate change should not be all about compliance and cost. There is a huge business opportunity if society is to move from a carbon-constrained world.
The criteria for those businesses which apply are very simple. Applications will be considered if the product or service will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emmissions, is commercially viable and is innovative.
HOW MUCH: Free, but work required
URL: http://www.shellspringboard.org/about/
COMMENTS: We've tried before. But will go again. Seems worth a punt.
WHAT: Shell Springboard 2008
WHAT... MORE?: A programme that provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK. The idea behind the programme is that the business response to climate change should not be all about compliance and cost. There is a huge business opportunity if society is to move from a carbon-constrained world.
The criteria for those businesses which apply are very simple. Applications will be considered if the product or service will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emmissions, is commercially viable and is innovative.
HOW MUCH: Free, but work required
URL: http://www.shellspringboard.org/about/
COMMENTS: We've tried before. But will go again. Seems worth a punt.
EVENT - Big Debate: young leaders or green saviours?
WHEN: 15th September
WHAT: Big Debate: young leaders or green saviours?
WHERE: ICC, Birmingahm
WHAT... MORE?: The event, organised by Birmingham City University, follows research into attitudes and influences in developing green policies, reviewing how individuals can proactively apply green lifestyle choices in the workplace.
HOW MUCH: Free, but limted spaces
URL: http://www.bcu.ac.uk/green/debate.html, http://www.thebigdebatebirmingham.co.uk/
COMMENTS: See you there... watch out for the pink Junkk Vac:Sac backpack!
WHAT: Big Debate: young leaders or green saviours?
WHERE: ICC, Birmingahm
WHAT... MORE?: The event, organised by Birmingham City University, follows research into attitudes and influences in developing green policies, reviewing how individuals can proactively apply green lifestyle choices in the workplace.
HOW MUCH: Free, but limted spaces
URL: http://www.bcu.ac.uk/green/debate.html, http://www.thebigdebatebirmingham.co.uk/
COMMENTS: See you there... watch out for the pink Junkk Vac:Sac backpack!
Whoops, he said. From his cosy study.
UK's top boffin: Renewables targets were 'a mistake'
"I think there was some degree of confusion at the heads of states meeting dealing with this,"
Fortunately, the poor loves 'confused' by such complex issues will not be likely to suffer the consequences as much as those who have paid them all their lives to get to grips with such things.
Along with, apparently, CEOs of vested interest energy supply companies, etc.
As to my dear old Mum, however...
"I think there was some degree of confusion at the heads of states meeting dealing with this,"
Fortunately, the poor loves 'confused' by such complex issues will not be likely to suffer the consequences as much as those who have paid them all their lives to get to grips with such things.
Along with, apparently, CEOs of vested interest energy supply companies, etc.
As to my dear old Mum, however...
Left Hand. Right Hand. And what's inbetween
I often derive a small measure of amusement from unintentional combinations, and have been known to share in other's misfortune.
So here's one of mine I just noticed as a bit of Friday fun:)
Thursday, September 04, 2008
It's not just who you know
There's a rather dusty, cobweb-bedecked page on the main site called 'Legal Eagles'.
It's there to post and share little snippets from the legal world of business that affect us and, in possibly you too.
Hence I'd like to pass on this from dotmailer, who handle our regular (I'd love to write 'monthly', but that's still an ambitious commitment I am unsure I can meet yet) newsletter mailouts.
Are you registered as a Data Controller?
As pointed out the fee vs. fine makes it a smart thing to do if you have a mailing list.
We have been registered from day 1. And have in place all checks possible to protect the data held on our behalves. Not too terribly sure what the ICO does to make things better, as all they have ever done is sent us an invoice, but there you are.
It's there to post and share little snippets from the legal world of business that affect us and, in possibly you too.
Hence I'd like to pass on this from dotmailer, who handle our regular (I'd love to write 'monthly', but that's still an ambitious commitment I am unsure I can meet yet) newsletter mailouts.
Are you registered as a Data Controller?
As pointed out the fee vs. fine makes it a smart thing to do if you have a mailing list.
We have been registered from day 1. And have in place all checks possible to protect the data held on our behalves. Not too terribly sure what the ICO does to make things better, as all they have ever done is sent us an invoice, but there you are.
Little acorns?
In the spirit of pushing BTNs I share...
Sainsbury's and HP buddy up on recycling jamboree
However, a day at a store smacks of a stretch.
Sainsbury's and HP buddy up on recycling jamboree
However, a day at a store smacks of a stretch.
See, oh... who cares? If it has carbon in it something will stick
Keeping up with carbon jargon
All I know is an awful lot has already been committed to stuff based on definitions no one has yet to agree on, let alone understand or get behind.
All I know is an awful lot has already been committed to stuff based on definitions no one has yet to agree on, let alone understand or get behind.
Just the facts, Ma'am
A worthwhile piece (ongoing series) by Auntie:
What the survey didn't say...
The myth of counting
Putting percentages in context
Just what is average?
Just because?
With luck her reporters, anlaysts and commentators (and others) may take heed.
What the survey didn't say...
The myth of counting
Putting percentages in context
Just what is average?
Just because?
With luck her reporters, anlaysts and commentators (and others) may take heed.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
What the guys who sell you stuff think...
Will consumers pay more to buy green?
So... who can think of a way to go green without asking anyoen to pay more?
Anyone?
Thrift usurps green at top of the new consumer agenda
So... who can think of a way to go green without asking anyoen to pay more?
Anyone?
Thrift usurps green at top of the new consumer agenda
...5...4...3...2....1...then what?
Recently I have been rather bombarded by PR, reports, and then reports about PR, and then stories about reports about PR about a movement behind our race having 100 months to a 'tipping point'.
As this is all a bit close to the whole climate change 'discussions' I have wearied of, I have tended to ignore it all as, rather typically, we have ended up with two camps, 'pro' & 'con', though I am not exactly sure, if they are either, of what they are advocating, or why.
If it's a hurry up call, well OK, but history has kind of shown me that the chicken little approach seems to be brought out a tad too often, and a tad too precisely, and often to serve all sorts of other agendas.
What concerns is that, though this is dealing in matters of years (well, a decade), it is still a) a bit far off for most folk to get their heads around (especially pols fighting for their jobs and families their finances) and b) once (if?) we get that far and at 9 years, 11 months and 30 days if the measure is missed for any reason (and there could be many), it will be yet another (and there have been a few), for the more vocal climate optimists to add another alarmist scalp to their rather one-sided view of what's what.
Thing is, outside of some rather, how to put it, usual suspectesque outlets, this essentially 'end-of-the world is nigh' prediction hasn't exactly yet set the major media or many 'official' outlets alight as yet. And while I am more than concerned, self evidently, the origins of all this have already got my eyebrow cranking simply because of what is being said, they way it is being said and the provenance of some of those saying it all.
Here's 'a' link about it from the Guardian, though I do wryly note their non main-news g2 section, so I almost missed it: The final countdown
Can you imagine if a telescope spotted a meteorite that in 10 years was going to write our race off?*
ps; What got me on this eventually was being berated for not replying to a 'poll' on a forum that offered me only choices of tipping point from 2 years to twenty. As I am not qualified and hence have no idea, as this was not an option I declined to respond.
Rather typically, of those that did the 10 year assessment is now being touted as a more substantive measure. I am unsure of the make up of the rest of those 'polled' (don't forget the only correct answers presumed a certain view), but I very much doubt they are much different to me, so this already smells of a pr exercise that can and will lead to some rather uncritical journalistic reporting as 'fact' very soon.
Which, IMHO, serves few of us well. Well, some may disagree:
Spread the word about OneHundredMonths.org
(Early pollsters can give themselves a small back-pat for being in the 1-10 years bracket... 100 months being around 8.3 years...)
Personally I feel this adds some fresh light to the recent discussions around “putting more coal on the global bonfire” and highlights the importance and wisdom of Climate Camp...
I am not saying they (who ever they are) might not be sincere an have many good points, but in my main area of interest - how things play with the public - if I am already cranking an eyebrow there have to be questions, again, on methodology.
BBC - Climate crisis: Roosevelt revisited
Guardian - NEW - How can we save the planet in 99 months? Over to you - When this latest little effort popped up I must confess I passed; along with pledges, I rather view deadlines in this arena as at best pointless and at worst a potential set up for a fall. However, in reading this the intention seems at least noble and with latest reminder there at least looks to be a spirit of proactivity. So good luck.
I of course would advocate reuse and designed in second use, as espoused and promoted by such as http://www.junkk.com , representing a worthy compromise between economic constraints, majority consumer (ie: those who may not select the Guardian as first choice of daily, and hence actually are more significant as a public force of influence) behaviours and the chance that we really should get around to re-addressing a lot of what we currently do pronto.
Sadly, at current count this is but one of only a few that actually have tried to answer the invitation. The rest, totalling some 15 to date, being the near inevitable 't'is/t'isn't' 'warmings' (a sort of climatic flame exchange) from various camps that rarely seem to serve much bar heating things up a tad more. Sigh.
*In case you are interested
As this is all a bit close to the whole climate change 'discussions' I have wearied of, I have tended to ignore it all as, rather typically, we have ended up with two camps, 'pro' & 'con', though I am not exactly sure, if they are either, of what they are advocating, or why.
If it's a hurry up call, well OK, but history has kind of shown me that the chicken little approach seems to be brought out a tad too often, and a tad too precisely, and often to serve all sorts of other agendas.
What concerns is that, though this is dealing in matters of years (well, a decade), it is still a) a bit far off for most folk to get their heads around (especially pols fighting for their jobs and families their finances) and b) once (if?) we get that far and at 9 years, 11 months and 30 days if the measure is missed for any reason (and there could be many), it will be yet another (and there have been a few), for the more vocal climate optimists to add another alarmist scalp to their rather one-sided view of what's what.
Thing is, outside of some rather, how to put it, usual suspectesque outlets, this essentially 'end-of-the world is nigh' prediction hasn't exactly yet set the major media or many 'official' outlets alight as yet. And while I am more than concerned, self evidently, the origins of all this have already got my eyebrow cranking simply because of what is being said, they way it is being said and the provenance of some of those saying it all.
Here's 'a' link about it from the Guardian, though I do wryly note their non main-news g2 section, so I almost missed it: The final countdown
Can you imagine if a telescope spotted a meteorite that in 10 years was going to write our race off?*
ps; What got me on this eventually was being berated for not replying to a 'poll' on a forum that offered me only choices of tipping point from 2 years to twenty. As I am not qualified and hence have no idea, as this was not an option I declined to respond.
Rather typically, of those that did the 10 year assessment is now being touted as a more substantive measure. I am unsure of the make up of the rest of those 'polled' (don't forget the only correct answers presumed a certain view), but I very much doubt they are much different to me, so this already smells of a pr exercise that can and will lead to some rather uncritical journalistic reporting as 'fact' very soon.
Which, IMHO, serves few of us well. Well, some may disagree:
Spread the word about OneHundredMonths.org
(Early pollsters can give themselves a small back-pat for being in the 1-10 years bracket... 100 months being around 8.3 years...)
Personally I feel this adds some fresh light to the recent discussions around “putting more coal on the global bonfire” and highlights the importance and wisdom of Climate Camp...
I am not saying they (who ever they are) might not be sincere an have many good points, but in my main area of interest - how things play with the public - if I am already cranking an eyebrow there have to be questions, again, on methodology.
BBC - Climate crisis: Roosevelt revisited
Guardian - NEW - How can we save the planet in 99 months? Over to you - When this latest little effort popped up I must confess I passed; along with pledges, I rather view deadlines in this arena as at best pointless and at worst a potential set up for a fall. However, in reading this the intention seems at least noble and with latest reminder there at least looks to be a spirit of proactivity. So good luck.
I of course would advocate reuse and designed in second use, as espoused and promoted by such as http://www.junkk.com , representing a worthy compromise between economic constraints, majority consumer (ie: those who may not select the Guardian as first choice of daily, and hence actually are more significant as a public force of influence) behaviours and the chance that we really should get around to re-addressing a lot of what we currently do pronto.
Sadly, at current count this is but one of only a few that actually have tried to answer the invitation. The rest, totalling some 15 to date, being the near inevitable 't'is/t'isn't' 'warmings' (a sort of climatic flame exchange) from various camps that rarely seem to serve much bar heating things up a tad more. Sigh.
*In case you are interested
Monday, September 01, 2008
More Geo-engineering Ideas
The latest in a long line of suggested methods of geo-engineering the earth to limit warming involves throwing large sprays of salt water into the air to encourage cloud formation as reported today in the Yorkshire Post.
There is also a summary of other geo-engineering concepts in the Indy today too.
Some ideas seem rather off the wall, but it is all very interesting stuff.
There is also a summary of other geo-engineering concepts in the Indy today too.
Some ideas seem rather off the wall, but it is all very interesting stuff.
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