Making flying more energy efficient – possibly and in the future

One of the stories that crept under my personal radar a couple of week ago related to aircraft engines. Aircrafts account of 2% of the greenhouse gas emissions. The impact of this figure is thought to be higher because the emissions are expelled at height, where they can do the most absorption of light energy. Further aircraft expel vapour trials which are thought to have an effect on the amount of light reaching the surface of the planet by dimming it. So it is possible, but not completely proved, that flying gives us the worst of all possible worlds – heating the air and dimming the surface.

Redcar’s steel plant is closing

In the North East of England the Corus steel plant at Redcar is closing. I must declare an interest here, because by father in law was a steel worker and a Union Official at the Port Talbot steel works and I have met and admired many steel workers.

Steel came to Redcar because of the geography – coal and iron ore was readily available and deep water harbours were nearby. Now there are many places that make steel and although the raw materials comprise 75% of the manufacturing costs it seems that the plant at Redcar is uncompetitive because of high British labour costs with falling demand in the recession, at least that is the official line on the closure. I have doubts about this.

Let’s not waste money on PPE courses

It is human nature, personal human nature, to want to achieve something. Many think in terms of bettering themselves; many think of creating a better life for their children. Others want to achieve fame or financial success.

the tck tck tck campaign

 Politicians and celebrities have started a movement – a campaign by “top” people, to demand a fair and wide ranging climate change treaty at Copenhagen in a few months time. Such luminaries as Peter Mandelson,  Ed Milliband and a host of UK companies have joined the tck tck tck organisation which is promoting the campaign.

Swiss galciers are melting but the Government may lend to Jaguar Motor Cars

Hard on the news that the planet is losing ice in the Arctic and losing sea ice in the Antarctic comes news that Switzerland is losing ice from its glaciers. One study has revealed that glaciers seem to be losing about a meter of thickness every year and that the rate of losing is increasing.