CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING

[Whyperion]

What is the balance - this could also go in seen in the news, or science threads, or energy
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49567197

[Stanley]

See THIS report of the Bahamas getting another tropical storm which is dumping large quantities of rain on already devastated islands.
Remember the predictions of more frequent extreme weather events?

[Stanley]

See THIS BBC account of a report issued before key UN talks in New York. The data, compiled by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), says the five-year period from 2014 to 2019 is the warmest on record. Sea-level rise has accelerated significantly over the same period, as CO2 emissions have hit new highs.
If anyone was in any doubt, this must be another nail in the coffin of blind optimism. The elephant in the room is that many scientists suspect that the 'tipping point' may have been reached.

[Tizer]

It's the word `acceleration' that's most important. Not only are temperatures and sea levels rising, the rate at which they are rising is increasing. That distinction doesn't get over easily to the general public.

[Stanley]

Exactly Tiz and in cases like methane in the perma-frost the effect is exponential.
Later... I've just listened to the full version of Greta Thunberg's address to the UN on climate change, see THIS BBC report which includes a brief clip. There is no doubt in my mind that she is a natural phenomenon.

[Tripps]

She's certainly a phenomenon. Her strange behaviour and facial grimaces show that. She pulled a face when Trump went past, and gave him her 'death stare'.
I can't help thinking that in another earlier age, religion rather than climate would have been her driver. She'd have been a visionary or a prophet some such.

[Tizer]

Here's a video of Greta's stare when she saw Trump. If looks could kill, eh!.. LINK

More updating on climate change...
`Climate change: Scientists to report on ocean 'emergency' caused by warming' LINK

[Stanley]

"Thunberg: 'If you choose to fail us we will never forgive you'"

The other link on oceans is timely. I note they don't mention the release of methane locked in deep water sediments. Am I right in thinking that it could be another consequence and have knock-on effects to global warming?

[Tizer]

The methane hydrates in oceans sediments are thought to be less of a danger than those in the permafrost and wetlands. Methane released from deep ocean sediment gets metabolised as an energy source by microbes in the water column and therefore doesn't reach the surface; some methane from shallow water sediment does get through. Methane can be detected in ocean waters generally but that comes from bacterial metabolism (a bit like methane from cows!). There's more information here: LINK

Here's more evidence of climate change, 250,000 cubic metres of ice are in danger of breaking away from the Planpincieux glacier:
`Mont Blanc: Glacier in danger of collapse, experts warn' LINK

Here's news of how the Climate Summit ended, some good, some bad. At least some countries are trying to make an effort... LINK

[Stanley]

I heard that report Tiz. HERE'S a video on Youtube that gives a good look at the culprit. It looks nasty!

[Stanley]

Later, some surprising results from tests by Proctor and Gamble have found that 'delicate' washing machine cycles release more particles of plastic from artificial fibres than normal wash cycles. (LINK)

[Stanley]

I note that Greta Thunberg is making more waves in Canada. She's certainly getting attention and raising the profile of climate change and the need for action. I sincerely hope the politicians are listening and taking notice, particularly to her advice to talk to the scientists and more importantly, listen to them!

[Tizer]

This major article is in the The Guardian today...
`Revealed: the 20 firms behind a third of all carbon emissions'
New data shows how fossil fuel companies have driven climate crisis despite industry knowing dangers:
Half a century of dither and denial – a climate crisis timeline
Why we need political action to tackle the oil, coal and gas companies - video explainer
by Matthew Taylor and Jonathan Watts The Guardian

[Stanley]

It's self evident now isn't it that some business models are not acceptable. Problem is they are some of the most profitable in the world and have enormous lobbying power. Profit is all in the market place. Just think of energy and mining.

[Tizer]

Guardian articles on the background to climate change are coming thick and fast!
`Oil firms to pour extra 7m barrels per day into markets, data shows' LINK

`Revealed: Google made large contributions to climate change deniers' LINK

`How vested interests tried to turn the world against climate science'
`For decades fossil fuel majors tried to fight the consensus – just as big tobacco once disputed that smoking kills. Revealed: top UK think tank spent decades undermining climate science' LINK

[Stanley]

I think that supports my point Tiz, it's where the money and profit is.
I always distrust 'think tanks', too many of them refuse to disclose who exactly is funding them. Anyone denying an evident truth like global warming is of course automatically suspect.
Too often they obscure the argument by conflating Climate Change with Global Warming. I have always argued that despite being connected they are actually two different subjects and should be treated as such.

[Tripps]

This might be the answer to a great deal of the problem.

New type of Battery

Show me - hopeful, but not convinced.

[Pluggy]

Its effectively a primary cell, it produces a large amount of power and when it expires you replace it. It can be recycled to produce new batteries. You can't just plug it in at home or at a super charger some where, you take it out and replace it. (or at least replace the anodes which is what is eaten to produce the energy)

It has been around for decades: For a slightly more balnced view of this 'miracle' technology as the mail would have you believe, you could read the wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium ... ir_battery

With standardisation of the cells (like the ubiquitous AA battery) it could work, but the car manufacturers, I suspect, will fight tooth and nail to stop that happening.

I've moaned about using tabloids as sources in the past, the truth comes a very distant second to a good story.

[Pluggy]

Make your own :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy1oAeBxJ4A

One wonders why they invoke rocket science and spend king's ransoms improving Lithium Ion batteries.

[Stanley]

How are you these days Pluggy? I think about you often....

[Pluggy]

Stock answer Stanley, "struggling on". As I've already said, I gave up driving in July, I've had Occupational therapy round and discussed things, They put some grab rails in the bathroom to aid me. I have an appointment with a neurologist at Airedale in February (makes me think they've written me off so far ahead) I went on holiday to Canada and the US for most of September, I was in two minds as to bother going with my disabilities, with some preparing of where we were going and Airport special assistance we got there, had a great time and got back. I stopped paid advertising for my business before we went and work is only occasional now and I don't do house calls any more. I have reserves and the wife still works, we won't starve. Quite enjoying my 'enforced' retirement.

[Cathy]

All the best Pluggy. I think of you too.

[chinatyke]

All the best Pluggy. I think of you too.

the very best wishes from us, too, Stephen. I hope the eventual treatment helps you.

[Stanley]

"Quite enjoying my 'enforced' retirement."
I think that could be the key Pluggy and you have found it. As you know,I stopped driving and walking any longer than 30 minutes at a time. Notice that I 'stopped', I don't regard it as 'giving up' but a welcome respite from things that had become a burden. Like work and the demands of the wider world. You are allowed to be selfish and only do what pleases you and is possible. You are intelligent enough to have worked this out for yourself.
As for the disability itself, it's there and the trick is to live with it. I could easily go into a decline about cancer but refuse to do so, I just accept it and keep buggering on. When it's a bad morning and all the wage slaves are scraping ice off the windscreens be glad you aren't out there with them.
Oh, and devote some time to making sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to! You've paid into the system for long enough!
One question... If I needed help and sent a car for you would you turn out?

[Tizer]

Make it a chauffeur-driven Daimler and he might decide to come along!
We wish you success with the neurologist, Pluggy. Onwards and upwards.