Our climate is now more than 1.5C warmer than at any time since the pre-industrial age.
The new USA president has withdrawn from the 2015 Paris Climate agreement and declared a national climate emergency, promising to fill up oil reserves. In his inaugural address, he vowed to “drill, baby, drill” for more fossil fuels, and pledged to “unlock” oil, gas and other natural resources from Alaska.
There is not much we can do about Mr Trump’s threats (he does not believe that it is mankind that is changing our climate), but I suggest a good approach would be to support organisations that take actions to publicise and to limit climate degradation. They range from local religious organisations to Greenpeace (who advise the British government), to 350.org, to Carbon Brief (news briefings on global climate news via a daily email update: info2(at)carbonbrief.org ) And there are lots of things we can do to reduce our own use of fossil fuels.
Simple ways to make a difference:
- reduce your home heating to 18C – saves 10% of your energy use!
- wash clothes at a lower temperature
- cycle, carpool or walk if your journey is short – 40% of car energy is for trips less than 8 km
- switch off lights and appliances if you are not using them – many appliances use nearly as much energy on standby as they do when you are actually using them
- have your boiler serviced regularly – 10-15% of energy can be saved.
- Dry your washing on a clothes line – it’s free!
Science Museum Group: On-line Climate Talks
Tuesday 28 January 2025, 19.30 – 20.45. CHINA’s ROAD TO NET ZERO
Recommended for age 14+ Search online for Science Museum Group Climate Talks China’s Road to net zero and book on line
China is the planet’s number one emitter of greenhouse gases and biggest user of coal (50% of the total) but also the biggest producer of solar energy and biggest manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs)