They who shout the loudest

Despite being bombarded by news feeds from the press and media, there is always a danger that we only listen to one source of information or viewpoint. Often because people either choose to go with the story they want to believe or the one that is getting the greatest coverage. Over the last few months on the environmental front, our attention has been on the reduction of CO₂ and the trials and tribulations of Copenhagen and its aftermath. Much has been made of the impacts of CO2 and its contribution to global warming. But there are other Green House Gases (GHG). The different Green House Gases are not all equal; 23Kg of CO2 _is equivalent to about 1 Kg of Methane (CH₄). In other words, for every gram of Methane produced its GHG impact will be the equivalent of 23 grams of CO_2.  What is really scary is that since the pre-industrial times (from 1750 onwards) there has been a 67% increase in Methane to 1.77 ppm.  The corresponding increase in CO2 is 38% to 387 ppm. BUT Methane absorbs up to 30 times more infrared radiation than CO2 and with its shorted lifespan therefore has a greater potency. So potentially tackling methane emissions could make a significant impact on climate change.

In a recent report in the Ecologist, it is claimed that by reducing our Methane output, we could make a significant impact on reducing global warming. Research is already underway on cow and sheep diets, the reduction of gases from landfill sites and better hydrological management of rice paddy fields. Wouldn’t it be good to see governments, including the UK, putting more resources into these areas and in particular providing financial support to farmers to make this happen!

Finally like millions of others I was captivated by the Winter Olympics. Often the favourite didn’t find the form on the day so someone else won the event, what excitement. Well done to everyone who competed. How envious I was of those people who were able to get to Whistler to spectate and what I would do to have a go at the Ski Cross. Skiing will never be the same again. Canada has done well to mount this spectacular international event. It certainly is now on our must visit list.

Chris Gledhill