Climate Change- a talk by Chris Paice
Do you lie awake at night worrying about Global Warming? Personally, I don’t, but Philippa says it is because I am an unfeeling clod who does not care enough about our grandchildren. So I paid close attention to this week’s speaker, Chris Paice. He is a member of the Kāpiti Climate Change Action Group who claims no expertise but is a sincere activist who thinks it’s about time we oldies stood up to be counted.
Chris started by asking members whether Climate Change is actually happening. We all agreed, except for one brave member who isn’t sure. Ten years ago the result would likely have been different.
Across NZ as a whole, it appears we are less convinced, and the business sector, in particular, is too complacent.
Awareness of Global Warming began around 1988 when NASA scientist James Hansen warned Congress about it. Margaret Thatcher backed him up in 1989 in a fiery speech to the UN.
Chris proceeded to describe the trends in global surface temperature, CO2 concentration, and sea-level rise, which are the key indicators we have to worry about.
The culprits are the use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) and the loss of CO2 garnering tree cover, especially in the tropics.
NZ will be badly affected by sea-level rise because we are an island with coastal populations. Adverse events will become much more frequent even on the most optimistic forecasts.
The problem is known and the evidence is there, but there are impediments to corrective action. There are lobby groups (eg the fossil fuel industry) sowing doubt, and vested interests both politically and individually.
Perhaps most importantly, short-term democratic cycles mean that politicians can postpone action and let some future governments deal with the problem. When horror scenarios are forecast for 2050 or 2100, it is hard to capture everyone’s attention, especially those of us who will be long dead.
The effects of a 1.5 or 2.0-degree rise in average surface temperature will be catastrophic. There will be a huge loss of plant and insect species, coral reef decline, and extreme heatwaves.
As individuals, there are some things we can do to help. We can be more aware, we can change our transport choices, we can ‘green’ our gardens, eat less meat and dairy, reduce our energy use, and compost our vegetable waste.
And of course, we can think more about our beautiful grandchildren.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.7% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below
Computer Repairs, Video Conversions
Still actively helping the community:
My services:
Computer Repairs (Software/Hardware Issues ONLY)
VHS/Camcorder tape conversions to USB
Audio Cassette tape conversions to CD/USB
Basic Home network configurations
Printer assistance
Sorry, unable to do Imac/Macbook/Iphone/Ipad/Android Screen replacements
Also, Microsoft is ending Windows 10 mainstream support as of October next year. Please feel free to talk to me, as happy to help with upgrading/updating to Windows 11. The sooner this is able to be done, the better.
Please PM me and i'll be more than happy to help
Desperately seeking bottle fed calf as friend for ours.
Hi, we have 1 very lonely calf which was abandoned by its mum. We are looking for a companion calf, still being bottle fed so our wee one isn't alone. This is urgent. Thank you.