Wash Out!

Hibernating queens of the Common eastern bumblebee (Bombus impatiens), can survive for at least a week underwater. This species, unlike some other North American bumblebees, is not currently in marked decline. This unexpected ability was revealed in a laboratory accident- always the best kind (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/17/bumblebee-species-common-eastern-survive-underwater-hibernating). It's suggested that this feature could help bumblebees survive flooding in the wild. Increased risk of flooding is, of course, one likely consequences of climate change. There's now a rush, to see whether other species of bumblebee, share this ability. It might be an idea to extend this to other pollinators.

Bringing It All Back Home?

Much excitement, as the desert city of Dubai has just received more than 140mm of rain in a single day. This is as much, as this UAE location, generally receives in 1.5 years. The predictable result has been flooding, as most roads in the emirates don't have drainage. The operation of busy Dubai International Airport was severely disrupted. One elderly man also died, when his car was washed away. Lots of dramatic pictures for the media (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/17/dubai-floods-uae-rainfall-weather-forecast). Some folk have speculated that the record rainfall could be linked to 'cloud seeding'. This seems very unlikely (one UK University had to deny it was involved). It's obviously unscientific to link a single event, to a complex, global process like climate change. It's tempting, however, to think the event might, at least, warn some major oil producers of the possible 'home' consequences of burning 'their' hydrocarbons. Perhaps, however, they don't mind a bit more rain?

Steady Ready-Meals?

In some parts of the world (the UK being one of them), 'take-aways' and 'ready-to-eat' meals, form an increasingly large proportion of the diet. They reflect societies, where time is a premium. Such products are generally, however, neither healthy for the eater nor the planet. These foods contain far more salt and meat, than is recommended by nutritionists. It's consequently been suggested that minimal health and sustainabilty requirements should be placed on big companies, that produce most of these products (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/17/healthier-ready-to-eat-meals-would-have-huge-eu-climate-benefits-report). Healthier ready-to-eat meals, should contain 50% fewer refined grains; 67% less meat and significantly more legumes (peas and beans), than current alternatives. It's calculated these reformulations would cut annual European Union emissions by circa 48 million tonnes. They would also annually save customers a total of £2.4 bn. Eating these new healthier products, would also reduce lifestyle-linked diseases, such as atheriosclerosis; coronary heart disease, diabetes; obesity and stroke. This, in turn, would save money for health services. It would also increase economic productivity, as improved diet would result in fewer days off work and increased worker longevity. There might have to be some changes in agriculture but we can always count on the cooperation of farmers! The bottom line is "we can improve health of people and the planet at affordable prices". Seems like a 'no-brainer'? There are, however, some pretty major obstacles to this suggestion. Most fast food companies and producers of ready-to-eat meals, make much of the sumptousness of their products. They ooze cheese and meat in wall-to-wall advertising. They obviously have a vested interest in getting the purchaser to 'come back, for more'. Consumers also appear 'hard-wired' to binge, when the opportunity arises. They might regard themselves as 'short-changed', if they got less meat. We also have the 'individual choice' lobby, maintaining that folk have a god-given 'right' to eat themselves into illness. Action in the direction advocated, seems likely to be, at best, glacially slow. You remember glaciers?

Birder's Bonus 233

Unusually, a Mute swan (Cynus olor) was floating on the Loughor estuary near Bynea.

Seeing the Changes 2010

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) in flower in Bynea.

Coral: Hitting the Rocks?

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (Noaa) 'Coral Reef Watch' is warning that global heating is currently pushing coral reefs, towards a 4th planet-wide mass bleaching event. More than half the world's coral reefs are showing signs of heat stress (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/15/great-barrier-reef-coral-bleaching-global-heating). The Noaa point to the neglect of reefs, on a global scale. It's certain to have a major impact on marine food chains, reducing their productivity. Yet another loss of food for human populations?

Fast Fashion in a Fight!

In 2011, Shein (originally Sheinside) was set up by a Chinese search engine optimiser. Only in 2014, did Shein start manufacturing its own garments. Currently, this fast fashion website offers more than 8500, ever-changing items. It also routinely encourages purchasers to post pictures of themselves, wearing each garment. This seems a major attraction and Shein is making billions, with its ever faster and cheaper clothing lines (https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2024/apr/16/super-cute-please-like-the-unstoppable-rise-of-shein). Shein's operation has, of course, a very considerable 'carbon footprint'. Production of fibres, dying, clothing manufacture and distribution, all have major environmental impacts. They also reinforce low wage economies. In deed, the whole concept of 'fast fashion' runs counter to any attempt to encourage folk to behave in a 'fashion', taking more individual responsibility for climate change. Essentially, Shein (and other fast fashion brands) are locked in deadly battle, with the drive to encourage women to purchase 'pre-loved' (second hand) clothes (https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/feb/12/secondhand-clothes-uk-fashion-cheap-cool-kind-to-nature). Which 'wins', will have a major impact on the rate of climate change.