Sun, sea, plastic & CO2

[Graham Easterling]

Jubilee Pool Friday

3rd world countries are happy to take our money to recycle our waste, very little is actually recycled, it's dumped. The plan being at some point in the future, to build a recycling facility. No need, they've found one, the sea. But as long as the UK reaches it's environmental targets.

Back in the 70's tar was a problem on Cornish beaches before ships were banned from washing out their tanks after leaving Milford Haven. Now the lifeguards & others have to spend time removing plastic from the tideline. Plastic is collecting everywhere.

Global CO2 emissions are not falling, they are rising, at near record levels. Helped by destroying tropical rainforests so global companies can plant environmentally catastrophic palm oil plantations as 'carbon offsetting' measures. You couldn't make it up. Electric cars aren't carbon neutral, they result in around 70% more emissions during construction (including the lithium batteries) than petrol cars. In many parts of the world, where the bulk of electricity is from fossil fuel, they actually are responsible for more emissions per mile than efficient petrol cars.

Climate wise we're buggered, but it's easy enough not to use plastic except for essential purposes, which doesn't include bottled water, plastic bags or inflatable toys. It's so depressing watching rafts of plastic being washed up on Scilly.

Mind you, the June sunshine was glorious!

Graham

Penzance