Flooding Drainage and Buffering
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At this time of year after 'excessive and continued' rains, several major Rivers are prone to breaching their banks. Especially the Trent around Derby and the upper reaches of the Thames. The accepted flood plain regions. However, this is a result of the river basin in total - and thus we need to look further upstream to see how this 'inundation' has developed.
Many commentators speak of problems with 'dredging and clearing waterways', sure this will {update- probably NOT[1]} help - but a major contributory factor has been overlooked, and something that was so common in the past that these so-called floods rarely occurred. This is the buffering aspects 'upstream' due to woodlands and hedges on our hill sides - to slow down the dumping of water within the water course(s). This is echoed, nicely with the extracts below from Erica Gies - who is advocating for a "Slow Water Movement"
Over the years, due to the partial 'industrialisation' of farming {as a business - rather than as custodians of the land} we have witnessed the removal of hedges, woodland strips, woodlands and other aspects that contributed to keeping water within the land itself. The fields that the farmers are utilising have become appreciably larger - by the removal of hedge-rows and woodland strips.
However research shows that this policy of "enlargement" carries additional risks in terms of rainfall interception: See full Research Here - CLICK
"Hedgerows can intercept a substantial fraction of the rainfall that would have fallen onto their projected ground area without their presence. The interception loss in two hedgerows in southern England was found to be 50–60% of gross rainfall in the summer and 40–50% of PG in the winter if related to projected ground area. In regions with climates characterised by high windspeeds, wind-driven rainfall plays a major role in the hydrology of hedgerows."
"A rainfall shadow of a width similar to the height of the hedgerows is found downwind of them and some rainfall concentration can occur near their upwind edge. The analytical model of rainfall interception (Gash, 1979), which was previously used for extensive forests, can be parameterised for hedgerows and reliably predicts their interception loss on the basis of daily rainfall data."[2]
These intercept number are highly significant - 50% of the rainfall. Therefore without these hedgerows that rainfall is draining from the land and into the water courses - and onto our Rivers. The situation with multiple hedgerow removal has to be considered too.
[1] Slow Water Down - not Speed it up! The slow water movement is about empowering individuals and communities, as well as governments, to help restore earth’s water cycles. Here is Erica Gies website where you can find out more. https://slowwater.world See the Read More Section too;
[2] Measuring and Modelling the Rainfall Interception Loss by Hedgerows in Southern England: Mathias Herbst, John M. Roberts, Paul T.W. Rosier, David J. Gowing: The Open University, Department of Biological Sciences: Received 9 June 2006; received in revised form 22 September 2006; accepted 23 October 2006.
Cold Feet about Nett Zero
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Our article entitled "Net Zero they do not have a Clue" has garnered a big responce, we penned it on 22nd June 2023 with a big section devoted to the Parliamentary debate covered by Hansard.
The image shown is part of the problem: 8 cooling Towers sending 65-70% of the Heat Energy in a Centralised Electricity Generating plant up into the sky! This cannot continue - Generation INEFFICIENCY is a major issue with the Centralised Power Network, both in the UK and other nations. It is too inefficient - so those EV vehicles getting their {electrical} charge from the 'mains' are just "importing" their waste.
But now Reuters reports, of news from Shell and BP, tends to indicate serious reservations - and thus COLD FEET!! Litterally!
See the Reuters Report in Full below: Web Linkage: https://1.reutersevents.com/LP=36061,
""Net zero and hydrocarbons – a case of and, not or""
""Media reports that Shell is taking an axe to jobs in its low-carbon solutions and hydrocarbon units -- Reuters reporting in October that around 15% of the Anglo-Dutch supermajor’s workforce would be cut -- have reinforced concerns that the industry’s commitment to net zero may be eroding in a high commodity price climate.
According to the reports, 200 jobs will go in 2024, with another 130 will be placed under review by the company.
The news represents a potential challenge for a company whose low-carbon division was intended to spearhead a transition to clean energy.
But it is not alone. BP – the first oil major to set a course to net zero back in 2020 – has also faced criticism from environmental activists over a scaling back of ambitious emission reduction targets. Climate-focused investors reacted negatively to BP’s February 2023 announcement that it would aim for a 20-30% cut to emission by 2030, compared to 35% previously.
AI and EV Infrastructure Needs
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Further "interviews" with ChatGPT the {claimed} "AI" resource; a series of questions are needed to get to the issues, like any interview.
ZES/SEE Interviewer Questions, commentary and/or reaction to ChatGPT replies
"Is google search banning websites or pages? Is google search also filtering access to websites or platforms which do not subscribe to the climate emergency agenda?"
ChatGPT Replied
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Google Search does not ban websites or pages based on their stance on the climate emergency or any particular agenda. Google Search primarily ranks web pages based on their relevance and the quality of their content, using algorithms designed to provide users with the most useful and informative search results.
Google does have policies regarding the removal of websites or pages that violate its guidelines, such as those involving illegal content, malware, or other forms of harmful or deceptive content. However, these guidelines do not include filtering or banning websites or pages based on their views on specific political or environmental issues, including the climate emergency.
It's important to note that search engine algorithms can change over time, and Google's policies may have evolved since my last update. For the most up-to-date information on Google's search policies and practices, I recommend checking Google's official documentation or news from reputable sources.
ZES/SEE Interviewer Questions, commentray and/or reaction to ChatGPT replies
"Such a pity you can only confirm your answer as at September 2021 - 2 years ago!"
ChatGPT Replied
I understand your concern about the knowledge cut-off date, and I apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. My training data only goes up until September 2021, so I can provide information based on that knowledge. However, I encourage you to verify the most current information by checking Google's official statements, policies, and recent news updates, as the internet landscape and policies can change over time. If you have any specific questions or need information on a different topic, please feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to provide useful answers.
ZES/SEE Interviewer Questions, commentary and/or reaction to ChatGPT replies
"In the United Kingdom and given the policy to ban ICE vehicles and replace them with EV by 2030 or 2035, how is the UK Electricity generation, supply and local distribution going to cope with the massive demand. Given also the move from gas heating to Electric Heat Pump over the same period, what will the Central Generators have to target between now than then to meet this increased power demand?"
ChatGPT Replied
The United Kingdom's transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and the shift from gas heating to electric heat pumps will indeed lead to increased demand on the electricity generation, supply, and distribution infrastructure. To meet this increased power demand and ensure a smooth transition, several key strategies and targets have been put in place:
- Renewable Energy Expansion: The UK government has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity generation mix. This includes expanding wind power, solar power, and other forms of renewable energy. Offshore wind farms, in particular, are expected to play a significant role in meeting the increased demand for electricity.
- Nuclear Energy: Nuclear power also remains a part of the UK's energy strategy. While some older nuclear plants are being decommissioned, new ones are planned to help provide a stable source of low-carbon electricity.
- Grid Infrastructure: Upgrading and expanding the electricity grid infrastructure is crucial to accommodate the increased demand and to ensure that power generated from renewable sources can be efficiently distributed to where it's needed. This includes the development of smart grids and grid-scale energy storage solutions.
- Electricity Storage: The UK is investing in energy storage technologies such as batteries to store excess electricity generated during periods of high renewable output and release it when demand is high. This helps to stabilize the grid and ensure a continuous power supply.
- Demand-Side Management: Encouraging demand-side management practices, such as time-of-use pricing and incentives for EV owners to charge during off-peak hours, can help balance electricity demand and reduce the need for additional capacity.
- Efficiency Measures: Implementing energy efficiency measures in homes and businesses, including the installation of more energy-efficient appliances and buildings, can help reduce overall electricity consumption.
- Research and Innovation: Continued research and innovation in energy technology are essential for finding more efficient and sustainable ways to generate and use electricity.
The exact targets and strategies may vary over time and can depend on government policies and market developments. The transition to electric vehicles and electric heating is a significant undertaking, and careful planning is required to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply throughout this transition.
It's worth noting that meeting these targets will require collaboration between the government, energy companies, and consumers to achieve a successful transition to a low-carbon, high-electricity-demand future. Additionally, periodic reviews and adjustments to energy policies and infrastructure plans will likely be necessary to address evolving challenges and opportunities.
Net Zero - They Do Not Have A Clue
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Spending watchdog MPs on the Public Accounts Committee are concerned about lack of transparency, [and] about the cost to consumers of the Government’s plan to expand nuclear, solar and wind power.
In addition, the focus on "Carbon Capture Measures" are particularly worrying, from both a cost and desirability aspect, as it blindly accepts the premise that CO2 is a "Causation" of; Global Warming {?} or now "Climate Change". No latitude is given any any dissenting viewpoints such as Dr. Patrick Moore Lee Yun-Jeong Dr Richard Lindzen, even David Ballamy - In 2008 Bellamy signed the Manhattan Declaration, calling for the immediate halt to any tax-funded attempts to counteract climate change. He maintained a view that man-made climate change is "poppycock", insisting that climate change is part of a natural cycle!
In addition Energy Efficiency improvements both in buildings and in the Centralised Electricity systems are not given sufficient prominence - a tragedy considering their "low hanging fruit" aspects and inexpensive improvements. Particularly in the UK's Housing Stock {24.2 million} and the problems with building so few new {and highly energy efficient} properties. {New Builds 169,000 in the year 2020 and fewer starts due to Covid Lockdown {insanity}} [Housing, Commercial Retail and Industrial].
The Government estimates that up to £400 billion of public and private investment in new generating capacity will be needed by 2037, but the PAC is unconvinced that the private sector has been given enough clarity to confidently invest.
In a critical report published below {on 15th June 2023}, the PAC calls on Government to pull together numerous decarbonisation plans into coherent strategy. This should be pulled together by autumn 2023 at the latest.
The Government’s delivery plan must also set out when and how the costs of decarbonising the power sector will be likely to have an impact on energy bill payers and taxpayers.
Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “What is the plan? It has now long been understood and accepted that greening our economy is an existential priority, with the Government setting itself the target of securing an entirely low-carbon power supply by 2035.
- “But without a coherent delivery plan to get there, the Government will find it harder to know what decisions it must take, and when, to ensure that it can realistically reach its ambitions.
- “There are just twelve years left for the Government to meet its low carbon energy target, and much still to do if this is to be achieved – and at a cost the taxpayers and bill payers can bear while ensuring the lights stay on.
- “There is an information vacuum in key areas – energy efficiency, investment, the cost of the transition to the public – that must be addressed.
- “We need an overarching plan charting the way, to provide much-needed confidence to the businesses and consumers who are needed to deliver it. When it comes to tackling the climate crisis, we can see around us, we are already living on borrowed time.”
Actual Discussion and oral Evidence: On following pages
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