Last week, researchers at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that Carbon Dioxide levels had hit a new record high, of 387 parts per million (ppm), as measured by their research outpost in Mauna Loa, Hawaii. This may not mean a lot to people less obsessed by CO2 levels than me, but it is significant, since the NOAA people say that the rate of accumulation is increasing, and is over 2ppm greater each year. This is the highest CO2 concentration for 650,000 years, a level that humans have never experienced before. This means that in just 6 or 7 years, the level will rise to 400ppm, a theoretical 'line in the sand' over which many scientists think that our climate will descend into chaos and become much more unpredictable and violent.
Some people suggest that the level that might allow life to continue as we know it is just 350ppm, and a US-based organisation 350.org has been launched to promote this concept and to add to the rising tide of voices to do something about reducing carbon emissions. My feelings are that you can join as many well intentioned organisations as you like, but to make a real difference, we need to take personal action, encourage others to do the same, lobby our representatives and change our lifestyles to give some respect to this beleagured little planet we call home.
So as it's the summer already, we're not thinking about the cold temperatures of winter (some cynics would say that global warming will mean less heating is needed in the winter months, but what they're not getting is that there will be a host of other disasterous effects as well as warmer temperatures) but now is an excellent time to get your house better insulated. This will help save money too... in times of rising food and fuel prices and higher rents, saving money by putting in insulation and low energy lightbulbs is a no-brainer, you just have to do it!
Some analysts suggest that a recession might be good for the planet as it might mean that people might spend less on frivolous non-essentials and foreign holidays. I make no secret that I'm anti-economic growth, but want a 'steady state' with growth in some sectors such as renewable energy and home improvements, and much less spent on building airports, fighting wars and replacing rainforests with beef farms or palm-oil plantations, plus other human and climatic nightmares. So I'm not pro-recession if it involves damaging peoples' health and wellbeing, but this situation has to be balanced with the health and wellbeing of future generations, which I regard as as important as those of people currently alive.
I am watching the Chelsea Flower Show on telly at the moment and am always most interested in the foodplants, fruits and vegetables. I am not so keen on the 'shopping opportunities' for fancy pots and newly introduced orchids, although I concede that gardening is not just edible, but includes pretty, scented and interesting... However I am delighted to hear that all wood used (ALL?) is from sustainable sources (probably Forestry Stewardship Council, 'FSC') and that there's various approaches to other green issues like dry gardens with no irrigation, food gardening in yards and wildlife gardening to help biodiversity. Best of all, I caught a snippet of an interview with one of the show's organisers who was so concerned about increasing recycling and reducing waste that he was taking photos of the inside of all the skips he walked past. Brilliant! There is hope!
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