A Retrospective Emergency Engineering Procedure?

Data from models and measurements confirms yet again the reality of Anthropogenic Global Warming at both poles. Like global dimming - caused by our prudent spew of dust and other industrial phlegm into the atmosphere - the recovering ozone hole also seems to be masking our view of the gathering storm.

Misquoting Sagan

Sceptics/denialists/contrarians seem to see themselves as rugged individualists - mavericks and rebels in a square (and flat) world. So does David Icke. Just because they're laughing at you, doesn't mean you're destiny's favourite child. For an informed discussion visit Realclimate

Elephants and weasels

Living Planet reports the resource crunch, yet again, whilst Elephants fear for the worst

Swanning off

Newspapers report that swans aren't bothering to migrate from Siberia to the UK because it doesn't get cold enough there to warrant the effort anymore. Throbgoblins International are also suffering from a motivational hiatus - one occassioned by BP posting profits up 148%, which has rather lowered our mood. We are thinking of hibernating for a few months.

Master Plan

Sometimes, when I survey the forces deployed against us it seems a little depressing. But now that the mighty army of the righteous has been swelled by the Women's Institute , ramblers and surfers, the task doesn't seem so daunting. Even the Dark Lord Drax is coming to our aid. Shame there's so many orcs.

On a seperate issue of general western culture. Orcs, zombies, aliens - you can kill, maim and dismember as many of them as the budget will allow without raising any awkward ethical questions. They thus fulfill a role previously filled by people of colour in more brazen, triumphalist times and allow the inculcation of exceptionalist values without raising the alarm.
There is no such thing as orcs.
There are zombies, however - as any trip to the Trafford Centre will amply demonstrate.

Two wheels on my wagon

This month's NEW INTERNATIONALIST highlights the Afghan view of the Afghan war, and also reports on the fabulous concept of a bamboo bicycle, which has been about for a while but I've only just caught up with. I want one.

Issue 10 of Manchester Climate Fortnightly (McFly) is now up and ready

Doors of Perception

The supermarkets seek to save a percentage of their energy costs and pretend that they give a shit about their carbon footprint by putting doors on some of their fridges. They are worried, however, that this might baffle some of their customers, who are apparently used to simply reaching in and hoiking chilled offal straight down their necks. Throbgoblins International suggest the prominent display of instructional diagrams illustrating correct door usage - with helpful pointers towards arse and elbow.

Elswhere Opec tops up its coffers and the UK government actually plans some investment in a more sensible infrastructure, whilst a leading conservation organisation plans to head off the species crunch.