foggy road ahead

Busy at work - nothing new...

I did go to a very interesting talk by Kevin Anderson from the University of Manchester and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research on the successes and failures of the Paris 2016 Climate Conference (see extra). It was one of those talks where I wished I had taken a notepad and pencil to take some notes. 

The highlights that stuck in my mind are:
- at the first climate conference in 1990 we pretty much knew what needs to be done, but we have totally failed to do so and CO2 emissions have increased by 60% since then.
- the 2degC target is possible but requires very serious effort (ie total decarbonisation by 2050) if we want to have a 33% chance of reaching this target
- the short term climate change issue is not due to population but consumption by the rich (ie us) - 50% CO2 is produced by top 10% wealthiest population. 
- so it should be up to the wealthy parts of the world to get seriously started
- given the 2degC (or any other particular) target there is a fixed budget. Every ton of CO2 we produce (eg for flights) we deny others to cover their basic needs (cooking and heating)

Things we can do personally: eg buy A++ fridge which is 80% more efficient than an A rated fridge (really that much?). Refrigeration is number two domestic CO2 source after heating (ironic!). Personal action is important as you might inspire others to follow (if you are persuasive enough) and eventually governments take note.

One thing that always struck me as a no-brainer was to seriously improve housing stocks. Go for as much retro-fit low energy houses as possible. For Scotland, this would cost some few billions of pounds, 2-3% of GDB. However, it would provide plenty of good job opportunities (6% unemployment rate currently) and eradicate fuel poverty (900k households currently). There would be a serious reduction of CO2. All with currently known and proven technology. So why aren't we doing this? It puzzles me.

My personal conclusion is - I will look at our CO2 expenses for our annual trip to Germany. In the past we took the train and ferry because that is cheaper when you don't book well in advance. We are now flying because it is slightly less hassle and you get to spend more time at your destination. However, given that we tend to go for 3 weeks time is less of an issue. Also the kids are complaining that they rather take the boat. So, I will estimate total CO2 emissions for flight, boat + train and all train to South Germany - and act accordingly next year.
 
I also need to check out the Universities Department of Social Responsibility and Sustainability. So much to do.