Just how can we save the planet?
THERE are constant calls from eco warriors such as Greta Thunberg for governments to take action on climate change, but what suggestions do they have? Where are the practical solutions? It will be interesting to hear what Prince Charles will suggest when he calls for action at the World Economic Forum in Davos later this month. It serves no useful purpose to remind us continually that the icebergs are melting. What action should we take to reverse global warming? With 9,000 flights per day in UK airspace, do any of the climate change protesters have a solution to aircraft emissions? No amount of preaching about climate change, banner waving, sit-ins, climbing on trains or persuading children not to attend school is going to stop people flying. We can’t uninvent the jet engine. The Government can, and probably will, impose yet more taxes on air travellers, but will it reduce the number of flights significantly? We can forget battery-powered aeroplanes for the foreseeable future — we are still at the Wright brothers’ stage with that idea! It is disappointing that climate change campaigners choose to ignore the green efforts being made in this country. We have increasing numbers of solar farms and wind farms, onshore and offshore; strict building regulations dictate that new homes have adequate insulation; white goods have AA energy ratings; local authorities are providing every opportunity for us to recycle; and there are plans to plant millions of trees. However, we are a small nation and no matter much we do, it will amount to only a very small contribution to solving global warming. We can’t tackle climate change alone. Whose ears should the climate change campaigners be bending? China is the biggest polluter in the world as the largest producer and consumer of coal. Greta Thunberg might consider preaching to President Xi Jinping. However, if Extinction Rebellion put up their tents in Tiananmen Square, they might not find the Chinese authorities quite as tolerant as we are!