Cryosat

I was very sad to hear about the Cryosat mission failing so dramatically. It's objective was to take measurements and other data from ice in the artic.

There is still so much scepticism about global climate change, espcially from the leaders of massive industrial nations, such as the United States. While certain leaders continue to deny the extent of the problem and others prevaricate, we are just digging ourselves deeper and deeper.

I was left speechless by the statement issued by the G8 this summer (paraphrased):
We wanted an agreement that climate change is a problem, that human activity is contributing to it, and that we have to tackle it. We have to tackle it with urgency. In order to do that we have to slow down, stop and then in time reverse the rising greenhouse gas emissions. We have to put in place a pathway to a new dialogue between the G8 countries and others on how we confront and tackle this problem.

Many individuals work hard to make environmentally sound choices in their day to day lives but we need changes to be made at a global level to have any real impact. Whether or not the present predictions of global warming are entirely accurate is irrelevant, we cannot deny that they way we are treating the planet is irresponsible and unsustainable. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face!

Here are some recent articles that we should all be concerned about:

Severe smogs above big cities are on the increase and these result in respiratory discomfort for many people. Ths summer there was a London smog alert advising asthmatics and those with respiratory diseases to take it easy as the quality of air was predicted to be so poor.

This article on the BBC provided some comprehensive information on glacial melting - Earth, Melting in the Heat? The worrying thing is that melting in certain areas will release Methane which is a greenhouse gas. In addition ice reflects heat from the sun and liquid water absorbs it. Less ice, more heat - ever decreasing circles ...

These two points are also covered in two recent articles:
Artic Ice disppearing quickly states, 'The Arctic climate varies naturally, but the researchers conclude that human-induced global warming is at least partially responsible. They warn the shrinkage could lead to even faster melting in coming years.'
Siberia's rapid thaw causes alarm. The article explains, 'The huge expanse of western Siberia is thawing for the first time since its formation, 11,000 years ago. The area, which is the size of France and Germany combined, could release billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.'

The changes could also impact the whole environment in many other ways that we don't fully understand. Such as, the predictable ocean currents could change which would have an impact on the eco-system which could effect the lives and livelihoods of those who 'farm' the oceans. The UK is currently warmed by one such current. If that were to change, we might find ourselves experiencing much harsher winters.

Some of these events may be cyclical to an extent as there is still much we have to learn about global weather systems but our impact on the earth's environment is undeniable.

And the worst thing in all of this?
I try to be careful about my electricity usage; I don't own a car and therefore walk or use public transport; I try to think about production mileage on products (buying British wherever possible instead of something that has been flown half way around the world).

But what does this really achieve?

It's the G8 leaders and the leaders of the 'emerging nations' that need to look to their electricity and gas usage, and to think how their industries can minimise emissions and develop alternate forms of energy.

Hmm, I feel a bit better for the rant - thanks for listening.

Eco-friendly Journeys.