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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 21, 2007 14:27:48 GMT 1
I'm surprised there isn't a thread for this.
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Post by Sleepy on Nov 21, 2007 15:13:20 GMT 1
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Post by Sleepy on Nov 21, 2007 15:15:14 GMT 1
In the IT Industry we call that reciprocation ;D |
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Post by 4pygmies on Nov 21, 2007 16:24:38 GMT 1
I was going to stay out of this but I can't! I am completely convinced that we are on the cusp of a massive global event which will change our planet's climate and also that we are contributing to this happening by our profligate and arrogant way of life. I cannot say if this event would have happened anyway, quite possibly it is part of a natural cycle, but I don't think there is much doubt that we are partly responsible for the speed with which it is happening. We can't produce huge amounts of gases and chemicals etc into the environment without affecting it in some way. Life really is a delicate balance and has taken millennia to evolve thus. Now we have spread our toxic way of life all around the globe and there is a massive amount of evidence that we are killing the life in our seas and on our land masses. We are seeing the start of this enormous change even in our comfortable Western civilisation. It may not directly affect my generation very much, or even the next but my grandchildren will have to live with the consequences, with food shortages, power failures and uncertain weather patterns.
Whether one believes that climate change is our fault or not, I don't see how anyone can deny that it is a fact. And, at the very least, it is sensible to conserve the planet's resources as much as possible. If we, as a species, don't particularly care about all the other creatures we co exist with, we might at least have a thought for future human generations and strive to provide a world where we live using sustainable resouces, have low impact housing and can live, work and play without a detrimental effect on everyone and everything else.
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 21, 2007 16:29:44 GMT 1
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 21, 2007 16:31:29 GMT 1
I was going to stay out of this but I can't! I am completely convinced that we are on the cusp of a massive global event which will change our planet's climate and also that we are contributing to this happening by our profligate and arrogant way of life. I cannot say if this event would have happened anyway, quite possibly it is part of a natural cycle, but I don't think there is much doubt that we are partly responsible for the speed with which it is happening. We can't produce huge amounts of gases and chemicals etc into the environment without affecting it in some way. Life really is a delicate balance and has taken millennia to evolve thus. Now we have spread our toxic way of life all around the globe and there is a massive amount of evidence that we are killing the life in our seas and on our land masses. We are seeing the start of this enormous change even in our comfortable Western civilisation. It may not directly affect my generation very much, or even the next but my grandchildren will have to live with the consequences, with food shortages, power failures and uncertain weather patterns. Whether one believes that climate change is our fault or not, I don't see how anyone can deny that it is a fact. And, at the very least, it is sensible to conserve the planet's resources as much as possible. If we, as a species, don't particularly care about all the other creatures we co exist with, we might at least have a thought for future human generations and strive to provide a world where we live using sustainable resouces, have low impact housing and can live, work and play without a detrimental effect on everyone and everything else. I knew that would start you off..... |
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Post by 4pygmies on Nov 21, 2007 16:39:49 GMT 1
I was going to stay out of this but I can't! I am completely convinced that we are on the cusp of a massive global event which will change our planet's climate and also that we are contributing to this happening by our profligate and arrogant way of life. I cannot say if this event would have happened anyway, quite possibly it is part of a natural cycle, but I don't think there is much doubt that we are partly responsible for the speed with which it is happening. We can't produce huge amounts of gases and chemicals etc into the environment without affecting it in some way. Life really is a delicate balance and has taken millennia to evolve thus. Now we have spread our toxic way of life all around the globe and there is a massive amount of evidence that we are killing the life in our seas and on our land masses. We are seeing the start of this enormous change even in our comfortable Western civilisation. It may not directly affect my generation very much, or even the next but my grandchildren will have to live with the consequences, with food shortages, power failures and uncertain weather patterns. Whether one believes that climate change is our fault or not, I don't see how anyone can deny that it is a fact. And, at the very least, it is sensible to conserve the planet's resources as much as possible. If we, as a species, don't particularly care about all the other creatures we co exist with, we might at least have a thought for future human generations and strive to provide a world where we live using sustainable resouces, have low impact housing and can live, work and play without a detrimental effect on everyone and everything else. I knew that would start you off..... Bum, I am sooo predictable....(I bet you knew I was going to say that....) Sigh.... |
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Post by Sleepy on Nov 21, 2007 16:54:00 GMT 1
I was going to stay out of this but I can't! I am completely convinced that we are on the cusp of a massive global event which will change our planet's climate and also that we are contributing to this happening by our profligate and arrogant way of life. I cannot say if this event would have happened anyway, quite possibly it is part of a natural cycle, but I don't think there is much doubt that we are partly responsible for the speed with which it is happening. We can't produce huge amounts of gases and chemicals etc into the environment without affecting it in some way. Life really is a delicate balance and has taken millennia to evolve thus. Now we have spread our toxic way of life all around the globe and there is a massive amount of evidence that we are killing the life in our seas and on our land masses. We are seeing the start of this enormous change even in our comfortable Western civilisation. It may not directly affect my generation very much, or even the next but my grandchildren will have to live with the consequences, with food shortages, power failures and uncertain weather patterns. Whether one believes that climate change is our fault or not, I don't see how anyone can deny that it is a fact. And, at the very least, it is sensible to conserve the planet's resources as much as possible. If we, as a species, don't particularly care about all the other creatures we co exist with, we might at least have a thought for future human generations and strive to provide a world where we live using sustainable resouces, have low impact housing and can live, work and play without a detrimental effect on everyone and everything else. I totally agree. My Dad produces huge amounts of gasses! He is 85 though. |
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 21, 2007 17:46:23 GMT 1
I was going to stay out of this but I can't! I am completely convinced that we are on the cusp of a massive global event which will change our planet's climate and also that we are contributing to this happening by our profligate and arrogant way of life. I cannot say if this event would have happened anyway, quite possibly it is part of a natural cycle, but I don't think there is much doubt that we are partly responsible for the speed with which it is happening. We can't produce huge amounts of gases and chemicals etc into the environment without affecting it in some way. Life really is a delicate balance and has taken millennia to evolve thus. Now we have spread our toxic way of life all around the globe and there is a massive amount of evidence that we are killing the life in our seas and on our land masses. We are seeing the start of this enormous change even in our comfortable Western civilisation. It may not directly affect my generation very much, or even the next but my grandchildren will have to live with the consequences, with food shortages, power failures and uncertain weather patterns. Whether one believes that climate change is our fault or not, I don't see how anyone can deny that it is a fact. And, at the very least, it is sensible to conserve the planet's resources as much as possible. If we, as a species, don't particularly care about all the other creatures we co exist with, we might at least have a thought for future human generations and strive to provide a world where we live using sustainable resouces, have low impact housing and can live, work and play without a detrimental effect on everyone and everything else. I totally agree. My Dad produces huge amounts of gasses! He is 85 though. They should ban onion bhajis. They are responsible for a lot of problems. Seriously though, I agree with you 4P on what you say but I am with The witch about global warming itself. Not convinced. And why doom and gloom? If there is global warming aren't there some positive aspects? One thing I have noticed is that as a child you could always rely on 2 weeks of snow to have fun in. Never happens now. |
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Post by roan on Nov 21, 2007 20:54:55 GMT 1
The witch, you are so right!
There is a huge difference between global warming and climate change.
Of course we should be concerned about and look after our planet, but I feel much of the hoopla is based around politics and how much money the governments can make out of new taxes.
Whilst politicians talk about carbon taxes, they travel around in expensive gas guzzling limousines and fly all over the world - all at our expense! I don't see them making much effort to Save the Planet!
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Post by Sweetleaf on Nov 21, 2007 22:49:49 GMT 1
Apparently termites are major methane producers and produce more of the stinky stuff than cows or any other farmed animal. What worries me more is the release of all the gases which have been safely trapped in peat for millennia, now being released into the atmosphere more or less all at once.
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Post by roan on Nov 21, 2007 22:53:41 GMT 1
Apparently termites are major methane producers and produce more of the stinky stuff than cows or any other farmed animal. What worries me more is the release of all the gases which have been safely trapped in peat for millennia, now being released into the atmosphere more or less all at once. Actually, one volcano erupting like Pinatubo puts more gasses into the atmosphere than us humans could in a multitude of lifetimes. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be more careful though, especially dairy farmers who, here in New Zelaland at least, alllow their effluent to make its way into streams and rivers, causing pollution. |
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Post by mickthecactus on Nov 22, 2007 9:50:47 GMT 1
The witch, you are so right! There is a huge difference between global warming and climate change. Of course we should be concerned about and look after our planet, but I feel much of the hoopla is based around politics and how much money the governments can make out of new taxes. Whilst politicians talk about carbon taxes, they travel around in expensive gas guzzling limousines and fly all over the world - all at our expense! I don't see them making much effort to Save the Planet! I'm sorry - carbon taxes, carbon footprints, carbon trading etc. etc. won't make a ha'porth of difference - but it will make some people a vast amount of money. |
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Post by roan on Nov 22, 2007 18:20:12 GMT 1
Here's an interesting article from our local rag:
Friday, 23 November 2007
Gas-gobbler from hell could help save world
A tiny gas-gobbling bug from the depths of hell is being championed as a means of cutting methane emissions.
The micro-organism lives in extremely acidic conditions in Rotorua's geothermal areas.
GNS Science microbiologist Matthew Stott said the bacterium was found after tests showed a lack of methane at the surface of the geothermal area known as Hell's Gate.
"We knew methane was being produced ... We were puzzled why it wasn't reaching the surface.
"What we have found is an extremely tough methane-consuming organism that is new to science. It grows happily under extremely acidic conditions in the lab."
The discovery could have global significance, he said.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, far more harmful than carbon dioxide. It can be found in deposits deep under Earth's surface, and is also produced by decaying organic matter and burping and farting livestock.
New Zealand produces high levels mainly because of the agriculture industry.
Though the micro-organism is the buzz of the science world, it seems unlikely it will solve New Zealand's farming emissions problem.
But Mr Stott said it might be possible to implant the organism, named Methylokorus infernorum, into landfills to cut emissions.
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Post by 4pygmies on Nov 22, 2007 21:43:03 GMT 1
That's fascinating. I hope it works although people will then think it's fine to keep filling up landfills with their rubbish instead of reducing it... :  I do try not be too cynical but..... |
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Post by roan on Nov 22, 2007 23:47:15 GMT 1
That's fascinating. I hope it works although people will then think it's fine to keep filling up landfills with their rubbish instead of reducing it... : I do try not be too cynical but..... Our landfill has been closed and turned into grazing land, so we re-cycle everything we can. What can't be re-cycled is sent out of town to someone else's landfill - at a cost! |
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