Hi Folks,
Years ago, if anyone mentioned Climate Change, I would joke about my burning car tyres in order to raise the temperature in Scotland. So I might grow grapes up there. It wasn’t the funniest of jokes, but it would get a few ironic laughs. Not these days. These days, Climate Change is a big deal and another of those taboo subjects that you are not allowed to joke about or even question.
Climate Change Protest
This year has seen a step-change in the level of Climate Change debate. Well, not so much debate. More the level of Climate Change protest. Everyone from Politicians, Hollywood ‘A’ lister’s, School kids and of course the rather hysterical Extinction Rebellion mob, have all jumped on the Climate Change bandwagon.
At the risk of being called flippant, it’s hard to get too carried away with the prospect of Climate Change when you are living through a Scottish summer. Whilst there were one or two scorchers this year, the majority of our summer days were downright chilly. Climate Change seems a remote prospect when you are sheltering under a gazebo, huddled around the BBQ for warmth. In mid-August.
Cartoon by Camley sums it up, I think
What is Climate Change?
I should clarify, I am not a Climate Change denier. There is no arguing the world is getting hotter and weather events are getting more extreme. However, I should probably define what is meant by Climate Change, so we are all on the same page.
Climate Change refers to a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet’s weather patterns and average temperatures. Global warming is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the atmosphere. Global warming is a contributor to Climate Change. Both of these phenomena can, and have, occurred naturally in the planet’s history. The issue is the rate of change we are seeing today. This is attributed to human activities, specifically the levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) that are being emitted by human activities. Cars, industry, air travel, home heating, power generation. Lots of things.
NASA Measure levels of CO2 in the atmosphere
Increased atmospheric CO2 levels in 2016
Greenhouse Gases
CO2 is a greenhouse gas. When sunlight hits the earth, it’s reflected away. Greenhouse gases trap the sunlight, bouncing it back down to earth, increasing the heating effect. Hence, the more CO2, the more the temperature rises. Other greenhouse gases include methane and Chlorofluorocarbons, or CFC’s.
Remember the concern about the holes in the ozone layer? This was put down to the use of CFC’s. These are a group of volatile organic chemicals used as refrigerants and for fire suppression. CFC’s are notoriously difficult to contain and often leaked away. Increasing levels of CFC’s in the atmosphere were shown to be gobbling up the ozone, particularly at the poles, hence the ‘holes’. Ozone captures UV radiation which can itself increase temperatures but which is also a cause of skin cancer. So losing the ozone layer is bad. To combat this, a multilateral agreement, the Montreal Protocol, was introduced in 1987. This bound world governments to phase out the use of CFC’s in a phased manner. The ban has been quite successful and the latest data suggests the ozone layer is recovering. It’s a slow business. CFC’s can last a long time in the environment, but we are seeing increasing levels of ozone and the ‘holes’ are expected to be fully healed by the middle of this century.
Carbon Economy
I am not suggesting, reducing CO2 levels will be as simple or as painless as dealing with CFC’s. The World Economy is essentially based on carbon fossil fuels. Demand for oil is still increasing and the alternatives are not yet mature enough to be viable. So whilst it’s great that governments are trying to reduce net CO2 emissions, it is going to take time. It’s not going to happen overnight, no matter how loudly the likes of the Extinction Rebellion mob shout. Demanding a carbon-neutral economy by next year is essentially a call for the end of capitalism. Or to put that another way, it’s quite literally an end to civilisation as we know it. No government is going to sign up to that.
The World Economy is still tied to fossil fuels
Extinction Rebellion
Let’s look at Extinction Rebellion for a moment. I confess I don’t like them. No matter how noble their cause. No matter how right they might be, I just don’t agree with their tactics. Extinction Rebellion (XR) are a socio-political movement, who see themselves as the moral conscience of Climate Change. They believe in civil disobedience and non-violent resistance. This manifested itself as a number of demonstrations throughout London and other UK cities earlier this year. Major routes were blocked with static barriers and XR supporters chaining or supergluing themselves to, well anything they could, really. This resulted in disruption to the lives of ordinary people, gridlocking traffic (which then pumped more and more exhaust fumes into the atmosphere) and generally got everyone very annoyed.
Virtue Signalling
I hate these tactics. It’s virtue signalling of the worse kind and to my mind at least, it damages their cause. They self define as being good and virtuous, making self-sacrifices for the good of all mankind. By this very stance, they are implying that anyone who doesn’t support them is evil incarnate and hell-bent on selfishly destroying the planet. Then there is the faint whiff of hypocrisy. When personalities, such as the sainted Emma Thomson, jet in from LA, to demonstrate their solidarity with the cause when the carbon footprint for such flights is fairly significant, seems counter-intuitive. Wouldn’t a message of support have done? Doesn’t show as well on Instagram, I suppose.
Emma Thompson at ER Protest. “If I could fly cleanly, I would” she said. I have an idea. Don’t fly.
It certainly leaves me with the perception that XR are a bunch of spoiled, well off, hypocrites. People with too much time on their hands, who believe in one set of rules for them and another set for the rest of us. Its enough to get me back to burning car tyres. But I won’t. I guess there are probably a significant number of the XR mob who genuinely walk the walk, knitting porridge from lentils and cycling everywhere. Good for them. But to affect the changes they are demanding, they need to change government minds. I just don’t see their civil disobedience tactics doing that.
Greta Thunberg
The current darling of the Climate Change movement is, of course, young Greta Thunberg. She worries me. Or to be more precise, I worry about her. Anyone who saw her emotional speech at the recent UN conference cannot help but be impressed by her courage and her passion. But what I also saw was a vulnerable young girl having a teenage strop. You could almost hear the metaphorical bedroom door being slammed.
Greta Thunberg
Greta is only 16. She suffers from Asbergers and Anxiety disorders. If you read an earlier post of mine, you will know that at this age, the brain is still a work in progress and susceptible to the hormones raging around the teenage body. This has the effect of increasing the intensity of everything. At the same time, teenagers lack the experience and maturity to process these feelings.
Double Edged
As I say, it’s obvious that Greta is passionate in her beliefs and has done an amazing job in raising the profile of Climate Change. But she is a kid. She isn’t an expert, yet she is getting unprecedented levels of exposure at the very highest levels. I worry she is being cynically exploited by more virtue signalling adults who should know better. If I were her father, I would be very proud of what she has achieved, but I would also want to protect her.
This exposure and celebrity is a double-edged sword as she is now being exposed to criticism and abuse. Sadly, when you put yourself into the spotlight in this digital age of 24 hr social media, you have to expect this. A lot of adults struggle with this sort of abuse, so how is a vulnerable 16-year old supposed to cope? I worry she will be badly affected by the trolling she is receiving. And I blame the people who are thrusting her into the spotlight to further their own cause. Adults need to sort this mess out. Greta has done her bit, let her go back to being a kid.
Strike 4 Climate
Recently, we have had a series of kids “Strike 4 Climate” demonstrations in support of tackling Climate Change. Kids encouraged to bunk off school and protest. No doubt, Greta has been an inspiration for this. But again, I can’t agree with it. Kids need to be in school. By all means teach them about Climate Change. Perhaps one or more of them will come up with an amazing answer to resolve the issue when they grow up. But the sight of parents encouraging their young children to protest, holding banners with slogans they possibly don’t even understand. I see this as more virtue signalling by their right on parents who should actually be ensuring their kids are in school.
A day off school for Strike 4 Climate
Kids grow up way too soon as it is these days. I strongly believe it’s a parents job to protect their children. Let kids be kids and let them enjoy their childhood. Psychologists are reporting an increase in children suffering from anxiety. Nightmares about the end of the world and their impending demise. Goodness knows, they have enough to deal with at the moment without worrying about global extinction. This has to be down to parents using their offspring to show off their own liberal credentials. Exposing them to this isn’t virtuous. It’s irresponsible and cruel.
What Next?
I don’t know if we are facing an extinction event or not. I don’t believe we are. If you live on the coast, it might be a good idea to look for a house further inland and ensure you can swim. But I have faith we will address climate change before it gets to end of the world status. This won’t be by civil disobedience or by frightening children. It will be achieved by government policy, influenced by science and facts, not by virtue signalling liberals. Change is going to take time, but it is coming. We cannot change a global economic system overnight. The consequences of trying too could very well prove catastrophic a lot quicker than climate change.
We can all do our bit to help, no matter how insignificant. However, supergluing yourself to the M2 at Dover isn’t going to make a jot of difference. Apart from irritating a lot of people and showing just how stupid you are.
As you have probably realised, I am no more a Climate Change expert than Greta is. The above is my personal opinion. I have a small daughter and I want her to grow up and lead a happy, healthy life. I think she has got a bright future. Not without challenges, certainly. But I don’t see an impending zombie apocalypse. Have I got it wrong? What do you think? Let me know your thoughts and how you think we should tackle the challenge of Climate Change.
Graham Wannabe, 2nd October 2019
oh wow, protesting for climate change, just hearing about this. Well our weather here has been very friendly enough even in summer. Maybe we over here have nothing to worry about,
Where is ‘Over here’? Sadly, it’s a worldwide thing, but the protesting is definitely 1st world at the moment.
I am not a climate change denier either and the way out climate and weather changes this days, proper care needs to be taken. We human cause must changes I tell you.
👍
Nice cartooning, Graham. I dtrongky support you when you state it that kids should be well informed about Climate Change simply because one or more of them will come up with an amazing answer to resolve the issue when they grow up. This is nice!
glad you agree.
Well, that’s just a view of my opinion. Thanks for sharing
The topic “Climate Change” is not an elephant in the room..government has a lot to do in this regard..people should be educated about the effect of climate change..we should all work together to combat it..We have only one planet and destroying it is not a wise decision…
It wouldn’t be our best idea. I believe at the moment there is too much hyperbole around the topic. We need a straight story and some facts. I like justifiable facts.
Kids grow up way too soon as it is these days and parents needs to protect their wards against Climate change. Its everywhere, no one is exempted. Let us all work together to make the world a better place.
here here. Well said
of course, young Greta Thunberg is bringing a great difference and I pray quality hands join her. Saw her UN speech on YT. So wonderful, quality packed
thanks for commenting
It’s Thunberg Graham. Ex President Obama warned us all about Climate Change. And he has now purchased a lovely sea front property, merely inches above sea-level, for over 15 million $. Do you think he knows something we don’t?
Jon
Either that or he is really, really stupid. ANd blame my stupid spell checker. 🙂
Oh, and good to hear from you chum
I believe climate change is s worldwide thing and all what we need is just the right information to combat it. The protest should be in tier 1 countries for now.
Climatic conditions are sometimes not favorable the world over. I still humans should do things that will boost it than destroying it the more.
Global warming is one of the biggest factor of the climate change. We should help mother earth to preserve our race.
Climate change isn’t just cool with some parts of the world. Global warming has always being a huge challenge to man. We just have to tackle it properly.
Climate change is one thing every human must understand and be on a look for. I so much have faith we will address climate change before it gets to end of the world status. The children should be well oriented on climatic weather change so they can go on further research if we are unable to meet our target. Thanks for this brainy post.
I think you have a good approach. It’s definitely a heated topic. I agree that kids should be in school and that there should be more climate change education readily available. I think having a positive outlook like yourself shapes our universe, so we can overcome any environmental disaster. Staying well versed in the topic and doing our part to keep oceans clean, emit less gasses and preserve forestry will ultimately sustain our healthy foundation of life. As long as we work together and raise awareness we can make this foundation a reality.
I really don’t like the fact that the earth is getting hotter and is making ice melt in glaciers. That, and the fact that animals are fast disappearing at a very alarming rate. A lot of them are tied to the entire climate change thing going on and unless something can be done the planet would then be beyond any hope of being saved. I do admire Greta, I say she is doing what she thinks she can to do her own part in trying to save the planet.
Well written piece listing the science behind climate change and all the opposing opinions. Everyone should do their part in preserving the earth, but I agree that it should not be at the expense of leaving education out to dry. Paying attention to the indisputable facts and supporting leaders with realistic courses of action is the best way to move forward in protecting our planet.
We should help in keeping the planet Earth from disaster that could happen because of your actions and activities associated with the weather. Starting with spreading the right information about this will help.
Spending Trillions on measures that won’t change the temperature measurably seems futile to me. If we want to look after the planet why not spend money on issues we can have an affect on – cleaning up plastic and providing water and sewerage facilities in the poorer parts of the world for example. Not believing there is an imminent climate crisis doesn’t stop me agreeing that the world needs to be a better place.
Thanks for listing all the relevant information about the topic. It was interesting reading about the extinction rebellion theories and all the other case studies mentioned. Best thing is to stay informed and make logical steps forward that reduce our carbon footprint.
Very Informative. Although this CLIMATE CHANGE has been on the buzz for years now.. I think it is more known now than before thanks to SOCIAL MEDIA. Yes I always believe that Media can be productive. If you can spend time reading about negativity why not use it to be better. This is a good example of it. You are helping the planet by giving it awareness.
Weather change is to be handled with care. Children should be given better education on weather change. Thanks for this post.
We can already see its effects. In my area storms are stronger than usual. I do not know if that is directly related but fact is the planet is changing. It is a phenomenon that we hope we do not see because in this battle we loose. Respect Nature or else she will reclaim all that she has given. Most of the time it cost us our lives.
I hope it won’t get to a point where our planet will be destroyed completely..a lot needs to be done to combat climate change
I just hope our planet won’t be destroyed.. we all need to combat climate change..The fight is not for certain people but all of us
I just hope this planet will not be destroyed.. The fight against climate change should be a collective effort
I just hope the planet won’t be destroyed.. The fight against climate change is for all
Thanks for all of your comments people. I do appreciate them. Moreover it’s good to see people thinking about climate change. I am still delving into the topic and still trying to figure out where I stand.
Climate change affects the whole world, it one thing that’s worldwide and if it come from or arises issued that are man-made, the earlier it is tackled the better.
It’s a complex issue and is going to be difficult to resolve. Let’s hope we can do what’s necessary
Climate change is a serious issue now in the world. If we don’t act now, it will be harder for us to recover.
Indeed and we can all do our bit to help, no matter how seemingly insignificant. I am not talking about protesting. Turn off lights. Turn down the thermostat. May seem trivial, but has to be better than ignoring the situation.
I will be all for any change that will help improves our climatic conditions. This will be good for everyone well-being, we should shun all that will abuse it.
It’s a very complex issue and does need serious efforts from all of us. I just worry that the antics by the likes of XR actually do more harm than good, by antagonizing people and turning them away
I know the problem of climate change is a complex one but if we can join hands together, we can make it less complex by not working against it.
I actually support you about the climate change, I am also not a denier or climate change and urgent needs are to be put in place to prevent havoc. We cause most climate change. 😡
Absolutely correct
Thank you
The world will be a better place if we all think more about how we can protect the environment.. We always forget that we have only one planet
You are right, but it’s a horribly complicated issue with no simple answers. All we can each do is strive to make small differences. And hope.
If only we could take care of nature the way it takes care of us, then problems of climate change would not be part of us. We definitely need to take radical measures to conserve our planet for the sake of our children.
You are absolutely right
Kids need to be in school. By all means teach them about Climate Change. Many don’t understand this and they neglect the roles of kids when they grow up
👍
Thanks for the explanationa bout the greenhouse gases, I didn’t know about this proces so I used to think t that the planet was getting warmer ’cause of the holes produced in the ozone, letting pass the sun directly.
Thanks for reading. I am still trying to learn more about climate change. It’s a complex issue with no simple answers.
Maybe if we all do simething to help or at least to don’t increase the problema it could have an impact. It may feel like a drop of watter, but lost of drops can make an ocean.
You and i are agreed on that 👍
I think younger people are typically more adamant about protecting the environment, which is why there has been such an uproar like you mentioned. It’s good you know the facts though because all arguments have to be well researched. Generally having a positive outlook is a good way to prepare for the future and shape a better planet for our habitation.
Thanks for commenting. I am still trying to figure it all out but agree, a positive, but hopefully not deluded attitude can only help.
Very interesting outlook. Thanks for all the information!
You are welcome. Thanks for reading
Thanks for posting! This is a very important topic.
Glad you agree. Thanks for reading.
Climate Change is a big deal and another of those taboo subjects that you are not allowed to joke about. thanks for educating us on climate change.
Thanks for reading, but I am not qualified to educate anyone about climate change. I am still working it out for myself.
I saw this girl on YT and what she is doing is admirable. However, she has to grow fast in this. I mean, being concerned with Earth is cool but she is a kid and it is shocking that a kid would think to this extent.
Was this young Greta? Yes what she is doing is admirable, but I am concerned she is being exploited. I agree she should be allowed to be a child. This is not to say she shouldn’t be able to express her views. But she should be removed from the damaging exposure of trolling.
You have done what most researchers and bloggers refused doing. Climate should be put to individuals to know how to adjust during weather and season change. You must be a tutor and an expert of weather?
You must be a tutor and an expert of weather?. You have done what most researchers and bloggers refused doing. Climate should be put to individuals to know how to adjust during weather and season change. I really appreciate this post Graham.
you re welcome, but I am far far from being an expert. I am still figuring it all out for myself
Since you are still figuring things out, you will soon get there. Every expert grew from some where. Thanks doe this reply.
Thanks for reading and commenting
You are so much recognised my great mentor. Your post are so educative.
That’s very kind of you to say. Thank You. However, I am not an expert. Hopefully, you can look into the issues yourself and perhaps you can educate me further?
Of course, young Greta Thunberg really pulled the cloud but I pray good quality join her soon. Saw the video on YT and was really inspired.
good to know
Thank you🥰👍
This year has seen a step-change in It It warms my heart that a plethora of people have jumped on the Climate Change bandwagon..a lot will be done if people come on board to look for solution …
time will tell, but it would be good it they could apply their efforts in a useful way and not just indulge in virtue signalling
Change is going to take time, but it is coming. This is something that will keep evolving as time.
thanks for commenting
If I could fly cleanly, I would. Well, I see green towns around. What do you think about that?
I take far too many flights per year, but it kind of goes with the territory., I have to fly. As for green towns, I absolutely support planting more trees and having green spaces in our towns. If you get to Dubai, take a look around the parks. Even there they have lots of greenery. We used to live at Green Community, with lots of trees and grassy spaces. It makes a huge difference.
With lots of trees around, the community will enjoy a wonderful cool time. I believe that many communities should desist from deforestation.
I love seeing the trees. Our garden has lots of mature trees. I got quite upset when Wifey decided to have some taken down to improve the view. In fairness, some of them were in danger of falling down, so it was a safety thing too. We had a group of mature cedar trees. They did overshadow one of the main windows into the living room. They were removed. It’s brighter now, but I miss my trees. Worse, I still have all the logs to chop up.
Climate change is a huge topic now!!! It is just sad though because her intentions are pure no doubt but the people riding the bandwagon just to look good. I would like to look for a solution. HELP!!! and not hyping it up just to be used by any agenda.
Sounds like a good policy. Best of luck
CO2 emissions hasn’t been reduced as far as I am concerned. This really needs a drastic action before our environment suffers further
True, but how? Without an effective alternative to carbon-based energy, what happens to industry, transport, eating, pretty much everything. It’s complicated. Global acknowledging its a huge problem would be a good start.
Am alternative is really needed soon cause the environment is weeping 🤔
Possibly, but it’s getting the right response and involving everyone. As long as countries such as China, the US and Russia are ignoring the need for change, it’s going to be a struggle.
Climate change is not what someone should just overlook. These days, Climate Change is a big deal and another of those taboo subjects that you are not allowed to joke about or even question is climate. Its changes when not prepared for will hurt you. Thanks for this educative post..
Climates change is not what someone should just overlook. These days, Climate Change is a big deal and another of those taboo subjects that you are not allowed to joke about or even question it. Thanks for this reasonable post to help save lives.
Thanks for commenting
Its my pleasure man. Thanks for this notes on climate.
Other things being equal, climate change will be a thing of the past
As long as humanity isn’t also a thing of the past!!
The write up on climate change is okay. it’s obvious that Greta is passionate in her beliefs and has done an amazing job in raising the profile of Climate Change.
Thank you for commenting 👍
Climatic change is something that is necessary but its coming might be catastrophic. Lots of burning everywhere.
It’s going to be a challenge, but I believe we will rise to the challenge.
Climate Change is a big deal. Many catastrophe and chaos all in the name of change.
We do seem to be experiencing more extreme weather events. The question is, is this natural, part of the usual weather cycles the earth has gone through or is it entirely man-made. Can the earth adapt or can we reverse the impact we are having? Either way, we face some interesting challenges.