On my mind

THIS third and final epistle from the state of California is written in the dark with parts of the state in a bit of a state.

The local electricity provider has ordered darkness throughout the land as a wicked wind is likely to pull down cables and the fire risk is high. That means no chance for two days of a dripping forearm-length Burrito, a Big Boy Burger or a stack of buttermilk pancakes served with maple syrup and enriched with caramel sauce, or 35 other foods you must eat in California before you die (prematurely).

Power outages bring 21st Century life to a halt as iPads, iPods, laptops and TVs fade painfully away, and force the human mind and spirit to reboot itself. It was enlightening in the darkness to reflect on the causes of Californian drought, fire and rising sea levels.

Ironically, modern environmentalism was born in the state and it is leading the country in efforts to combat the global problem of climate change with legislation to derive all of its electricity from clean energy sources by 2045.

It became a microcosm of global aspiration in its green finger wagging and ambitious goals to cut emission of greenhouse gases in homes, businesses, industry and public spaces. The Welsh Government’s decarbonisation programme needs also to be championed and the results from its recent “lowcarbon pathway to 2030” consultation is eagerly awaited.

In the meantime there are some things we green people can do – more use of public transport, bike riding, car-sharing, using energy-efficient light bulbs, turning the heating down, unplugging computers, eating less meat, growing your own food, wasting less, composting, repurposing.

If all that gives you a headache, sit in the dark for a couple of days – it’s good for the soul.

■ Follow Graham on Twitter@GeeTDee