It's now or never for the planet

I'm surprised that you haven't had an answer yet Daisymae.

But I think that shows how this isn't really at the top of anybody's mind and confirms to me that the chance of any government taking the action needed is pretty slim. It will be put off and put off until it is too late.

Well, they really need to tell China, India and Russia. I think our various governments are trying, but I really am sick of getting preached to while all these other countries do exactly as they please. Remember CopOut26? What a waste of time and money that was, and to my knowledge countries gave it "all that", but so easy to talk the talk and not walk the walk. The UK is trying to do it's best, time for other countries to step up to the plate. This is only my personal opinion.

Any reduction in driving that we, in the UK, might achieve will be wiped out many times over by the opening of new coal-fired power stations in India and China.

(Some) Scientists telling everyone what to do over a massively exaggerated threat again. No thanks, had enough of that with Covid. Anyone might think with all this hyperbole the Covid scientists and modellers from Imperial College we’re having a dry run.

Oh well let’s not bother and just wait till half the planet is inhabitable as we will be long gone and to hell with the generations to follow.

Unless other nations join in there is no point in this country ‘bothering’. Beggaring this country and its people for nought!

Of course our government's not trying. They want to open new fossil fuel sources.

And this China of which you speak? Is that the China that is devoting more research money than any other country to their renewables program?

Urmstongran

Any reduction in driving that we, in the UK, might achieve will be wiped out many times over by the opening of new coal-fired power stations in India and China.

(Some) Scientists telling everyone what to do over a massively exaggerated threat again. No thanks, had enough of that with Covid. Anyone might think with all this hyperbole the Covid scientists and modellers from Imperial College we’re having a dry run.

Can't let that stand without comment, sorry.

I think what you mean is:

Every serious scientist who isn't in the pay of big oil laying out the facts of what is going to happen.

Do not pretend this is a hoax.

If yesterday's reports are anything to go by the answer is no.

Producing more gas and oil is on the table and wind farms are to be rejected as they are, according to Grant Shapps, 'An eyesore'.
inews.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-new-dawn-nuclear-energy-cabinet-split-planning-reform-wind-farms-1555156

One ray of hope is that the muppet Farage's (Russian oil and gas backed??) attempts to discredit net zero don't seem to be gaining the blind support he perhaps hoped for.
inews.co.uk/news/environment/nigel-farage-fails-convince-conservative-voters-ditch-net-zero-climate-change-1552609

I didn't reply earlier as the war in Ukraine occupied 90% of my thoughts yesterday. Perhaps it was that rather than disinterest that caused the lack of replies. Thanks for raising this Daisymae.

Beggaring this country and its people for nought!

Becoming self sufficient in renewable energy will not beggar this country but will ensure an independent future without reliance on countries such a Russia for our energy.

It is important, but anything done by any country unilaterally will make little if no difference.

Every Country on Planet Earth needs to take action, not just pay lip service to the agreement’s made during COP.

Many folk are doing what they can for the planet, but again unless we stop buying and that includes technology we are heading into an unknown scenario, one which I think will be extremely unpleasant for a large section of Earths population.

Who is willing not to have mobile phones, laptops, TV’s with all the streaming channels, latest trainers, jeans etc. Who can afford an electric car (or the electricity to charge it).

The planet is still being plundered for its resources and I cannot see any appetite for frugality amongst the populace.

The U.K. has seen a catastrophic drop in wildlife with over 70% fewer insect species in the last 50 years for one. Sewage in the sea, coal mines, agriculture and fishing industries allowed to poison the land and oceans - let’s clean up our own act and not just point the finger at others.

Im more shocked anyone on here can admire China for anything! Especially after the last two years......

Its quite interesting that people think saving the planet means being frugal and giving things up. The business opportunities for moving to renewables, finding new ways of doing things and so on are immense. But there are too many vested interests stopping things from moving on.

Interesting too to compare this with the thread about how politics affects scientific belief...

Pepper59

Im more shocked anyone on here can admire China for anything! Especially after the last two years......

Who is admiring China, please?

Agree we all must Reduce, Remove, Recyle, Repair much more and just not bothering till others bother is a ridiculous argument. The average US and U.K. citizen creates many more carbon emissions that the average Chinese or Indian individual. That’s a useful starting point. Let’s clean up our own waterways, seas and land - yes it will cost us but just sitting around waiting for heatwaves and floods to drive half of humanity to seek refuge somewhere else is not the answer.

Pepper59 I think some people will be equally shocked that you think the UK is doing its best, especially in light of the failings listed in Vegansrock's excellent post.

volver

Its quite interesting that people think saving the planet means being frugal and giving things up. The business opportunities for moving to renewables, finding new ways of doing things and so on are immense. But there are too many vested interests stopping things from moving on.

Interesting too to compare this with the thread about how politics affects scientific belief...

Sorry volver is there an alternative to the metals used in microchips which is currently mined by children in Africa and used in everything from eco household white goods to cars ?

I do know that there is R & D going on constantly regarding renewables etc. how long before these become economically viable and their production and resources used are less destructive than current alternatives?

Vegansrock, do you have evidence for this? That we are polluting more than countries like China, India and Russia. Have you ever seen pictures of say, Chelyabinsk? (Apologies if spelling is wrong). I'm not sure what you say is correct. Of course we here, should continue to do our best, but it is hopeless trying to save the planet unless every country is on board. Also as I think Granny Gravy stated, who is going to give up fancy gadgets? Who is going to give up driving a car or flying abroad for holidays?

Who is going to give up fancy gadgets? Who is going to give up driving a car or flying abroad for holidays?

Me and many people.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

I will give a personal instance, we changed energy supplier a few years ago, part of the deal was that they came round and replaced all our light bulbs with led’s, which are more energy efficient.

When we asked what to do with the multitude of discarded bulbs we were told to put them in the general waste, so our light bulbs are in landfill somewhere for the next 100+ years.

We try to only purchase eco friendly when our appliances are unable to be repaired, but I dread to think how much we have sent to landfill sites over our lifetimes.

Sorry volver is there an alternative to the metals used in microchips which is currently mined by children in Africa and used in everything from eco household white goods to cars ?

Yes.

Do we know what it is yet? No

So just sitting around and saying that we can't be expected to give up our mobile phones is not the answer. We've got to invest in the things that will really help, not pour more money into the coffers of the fossil fuel industry.

In the nineteenth century Whale Oil was a major source of lighting and heat. If you'd told the whalers that the future depended on the oil we had to find under the North Sea, they would have laughed in your face. The world changes.

Coastpath, I haven't flown since the mid 1990s. It is admirable that you practice what you preach.

I hear you Granny Gravy and I feel the same regarding electric cars.