That way we could actually focus on the issues at hand.
Unfortunately, too many people ignore the “issues at hand”. Some are of the opinion that its nothing to do with them, or it’s something the government alone must do. But often, it’s how can I afford to change things.
Solutions don't come from people taking "action", they come from people developing and enabling. So we need politicians that will understand that there are no quick fixes, that there is no "zero carbon" button we can press. For example, we have the ability to generate greener energy, but this is expensive and doesn't always match demand. So until ways are found to more effectively store this energy, we are going to have to accept the middle ground of nuclear energy. And in a vain attempt to keep the thread on topic, stop trying to micromanage climate change by discussing things like diesel locos being more harmful than steam. Man made climate change reversal will only happen when we accept that the solution is going to take centuries, and that a handful of self-proclaimed eco-warriors glued to the M25 or the roof of a tube train are not helping one jot.
But people can take action. Action ranging from discussing the problems with their elected representatives, choosing which products to buy, plus many other decisions each person makes.
A lot of developments have already occurred. Yes, of course people will continue to research and develop technology and how best to change our lifestyles. Yes, it’s evolution. But a lot of better ways of doing things already exist. Are we doing enough using these things? No!
Often for any problem there is very rarely a “quick fix”. No climate or environmentalists are talking about any quick fixes.
Wind turbines that generate electricity are far cheaper than nuclear power stations, both to build and to operate. And although there are limited ways to store electricity, there are other methods of storing energy. Pumped hydroelectric systems for example. Possibly hydrogen storage systems that can feed the electricity grid when needed.
In the mean time, as more renewable electricity systems come on line, we will need to use gas turbine electricity generation less and less.
In this respect, the U.K. is doing okay. There are now only three coal power stations left in the U.K.
However, we still need to address how occupied buildings are heated. On this point, the U.K. government has not done enough. The first step is to reduce energy usage. That means buildings being super insulated including all windows being double or triple glazed, walls insulated to far higher standards than the current building regulations.
Transport is another area that needs action. Yes, the government has said that no new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans are to be on sale in the from 2030.
But to encourage earlier take up of electric vehicles, far more effort is needed in putting in place plenty of recharging stations so that electric vehicles can be charged up when drivers are away from home and for people that can’t have a home charging point.
Similarly, although it is very far from a big win in terms of significantly making a huge difference in terms of CO2 emissions, further electrification of the mainland railways is still needed. Because it all helps.
In the meantime if you are really serious about taking "action", encourage family & friends to reduce food waste. I do it all the time, I throw away practically nothing, using any leftover food for things like stews that can be easily stored for another meal. Its nothing new BTW, we used to do this kind of thing back in the 70s and earlier. Its amazing how much food you can save, and how you can reduce your carbon footprint just by utilising everything. There, that's a 30-40% reduction in food production energy right there.
I already do this. And the vegetable waste such as peelings, skins, cores etc. goes into one of our compost bins. For reuse in the garden.
