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Post by triitout on Sept 9, 2017 0:33:38 GMT
Unfortunately we are experiencing epic extreme weather in Texas and Florida. Wildfires out west. Flooding in Bangladesh. Ice cap melt and warming seas. Finally, I hope people begin to respect the science of greenhouse gases, rising temperature and its relation to climate change. How can you not? It's playing out in real time. Unfortunately, I still don't see a sense of urgency in dealing with these issues in the timely fashion it cries out for in my very coastal NY metro area. From what I've read, you guys in the UK, London in particular, appear to be so much more on the ball. Exciting to hear that charging stations outnumber petro stations in London. How is that working out? Charging stations are so few and far between on Long Island that the only option is home charging. EV cars are a rare sight here. Clearly seeing an uptick in solar rooftop panels. I made the investment this year and couldn't be happier with the result. It made sense both environmentally and financially. There is more interest in solar and electric vehicles with support of rebates and tax incentives which shows the needle of interest moves with economic incentives. There are not enough tree huggers to have an impact. It needs to make sense economically. No surprise there! Nissan Leafs are currently the hottest car because the local utility is giving out $10,000 rebates. Suddenly they make sense. If only renewables got the same subsidies as fossil fuels we might be seeing more rapid adaption. I'm very curious on what's going on in your country or state. Are you seeing a change in understanding, attitude, actions and incentives to change? I hope this thread takes off in an informational and inspirational manner.
Cheers,
Michael
What does climate change and our forum have in common?
They're both global and have a lot of hot air!
Prayers are with any members (proaktiv52?) in Florida as Irma approaches.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,386 
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Post by Jem on Sept 9, 2017 21:05:59 GMT
Very thought provoking thread Micheal. I intend to respond with some 'inspirational information or informational inspiration?' as you had hoped, and will really try hard not to get too political as that never goes down well on a forum, but in reality I don't think I can separate the two -so apologies to those now that are easily offended by hearing different views. I am sure we can manage here not to fall out?  There had been some reasonable tax breaks and other incentives here to take up solar for personal and professional use in the UK, but these have been rolled back in the last 5 years , with the PM or his aid saying they were, quote " cutting all the green crap". So,if we didn't know before, that kind of signalled the way the Gov't would be leaning on renewables. There is a take up of electric cars and I see more charging points, but the discussion in the pub round here hasn't gotten to the point where it becomes a conversation many people I know are having While in Norway last year, the energy debate was something the majority of the population would have a strong opinion on if asked, and would explain why investing in clean energy is the only way to go. I think they are aiming for carbon neutrality very soon. They invested much of their oil revenue money from 70's/80's on research into getting energy from clean renewable sources. Whereas, other countries with oil in Northern Europe (cough cough..uk) with less for foresight, used it for tax breaks for higher earners and big business and wasted an opportunity in my opinion. In terms of climate change , I don't think that many here are still in denial (except maybe Jeremy Clarkson and one or two CEO's of the petroleum companies who are bunging dubious scientists a brown paper bag with cash in order to fabricate some data - in much the same way as the tobacco companies did with doctors in the 50/60's to claim that smoking didn't cause cancer and in fact had positively healthy benefits) I have been reading the brilliant Naomi Kline's book about climate change (This Changes Everything) and it is quite chilling...I think she states that scientists are saying that the 2 degree increase in the climate is a tipping point that will cause an acceleration and be catastrophic. Her most recent book about Trump points to the absolute stupidity of countries pulling out of the Paris Agreement at this point. So, I am not sure we are much ahead of you, and in some ways the whole push towards diesel cars a while back has become a shambles here with data showing that we went up a blind alley with the automobile companies acting with great self interest. Maybe when their car plants flood, or the roof melts they might take notice? My worry is that the extreme weather in Northern Africa and the Middle East are just going to create such a crisis of refugees and famine that we need to change our approach and attitude sooner rather than later. It can only be led by Government, hence, that is way this thread can't be anything but political in my mind. |
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