Act now folks

[rm128]

Is nuclear part of the solution? Just wondering what people’s views are.

 

[Fjell]

We spent a fair amount of time in basic training in 1990 on the effects of CO2 and methane on climate and what actions should be taken to minimise it, which is what has largely happened in engineering terms. I personally managed to avoid prob tens of millions of tonnes of CO2 though actions I took. Whether it really made much difference I don’t know.

One thing for absolute certain is that engineers will be the ones that solve whatever needs solving. I also have little time for people who seem to have just found out about the issue and glue themselves to roads to pass on their newfound insight to everyone else…………..

 

[aricooperdavis]

Is nuclear part of the solution? Just wondering what people’s views are.

Absolutely. Rank energy sources by deaths per kWh and nuclear comes last, even after roof-top solar due to installers occasionally falling off... [citation]

 

[aricooperdavis]

If (and it really is if), climate change is being caused by man-made CO2, the way we are going to solve the problem certainty won't be by plunging the entire world into poverty and starvation through Net Zero.

I haven't read much to suggest that pursuing a goal of net zero will plunge the world into poverty and starvation, but would be interested if you've got any recommendations?

 

[Hunter]

And how much environmental destruction would be needed to harvest all that energy?

Incidentally, wasn't Greta Thunberg recently arrested while protesting against wind turbines?

And how much environmental destruction would be needed to harvest all that energy Is the £10000 question & why so far the biggest wind farms are offshore.
And it’s not just the harvesting of energy it’s the destruction of landscapes worldwide as a result of mining for essential raw materials.
Afterlife disposal is also an issue as many older components are not recyclable which is somewhat ironic.

 

[PeteHall]

And how much environmental destruction would be needed to harvest all that energy Is the £10000 question & why so far the biggest wind farms are offshore.

Ah yes, offshore, where there will be no environmental impact at all, which is why they are permitted to harass endangered species: https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/2021-05/VWconstr_FinalIHA_OPR1.pdf

 

[PeteHall]

I haven't read much to suggest that pursuing a goal of net zero will plunge the world into poverty and starvation, but would be interested if you've got any recommendations?

This wouldn't be a bad place to start: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Zero-Irrational-Target-Impoverish/dp/1800752423

 

[Chocolate fireguard]

Before buying a book it's often useful to Google the author to look at the titles of their other books. It gives you an idea of the target audience.

 

[PeteHall]

If you want to understand a problem, it is important to read both those you agree with and those you don't (with an open mind).

Typically the truth is complex and lies somewhere between the polarised views that are so common...

Ari asked for an example of literature on how Net Zero would lead to poverty. Clark's book provides well researched and convincing arguments to this point. I'm not saying he's definitely right, but I'm yet to read a robust case against his points.

 

[Blueberry]

What I find really frightening is that when I drive my petrol car, it uses a fuel that took a few million years to produce and it combusts in seconds. That’s really quite f***ing wasteful. And I am not the only one doing it.

 

[aricooperdavis]

I admit I was hoping for a 30 page peer reviewed paper I could skim read 😅 but I've requested for the book to be bought in to my local library, and will give you my review when I get around to reading it.

 

[Badlad]

Let's stick to caving. This is just the sort of thread topic which winds people up. Sorry guys but I am nipping it in the bud and locking the topic.