Climate Change- a talk by Chris Paice
Do you lie awake at night worrying about Global Warming? Personally, I don’t, but Philippa says it is because I am an unfeeling clod who does not care enough about our grandchildren. So I paid close attention to this week’s speaker, Chris Paice. He is a member of the Kāpiti Climate Change Action Group who claims no expertise but is a sincere activist who thinks it’s about time we oldies stood up to be counted.
Chris started by asking members whether Climate Change is actually happening. We all agreed, except for one brave member who isn’t sure. Ten years ago the result would likely have been different.
Across NZ as a whole, it appears we are less convinced, and the business sector, in particular, is too complacent.
Awareness of Global Warming began around 1988 when NASA scientist James Hansen warned Congress about it. Margaret Thatcher backed him up in 1989 in a fiery speech to the UN.
Chris proceeded to describe the trends in global surface temperature, CO2 concentration, and sea-level rise, which are the key indicators we have to worry about.
The culprits are the use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) and the loss of CO2 garnering tree cover, especially in the tropics.
NZ will be badly affected by sea-level rise because we are an island with coastal populations. Adverse events will become much more frequent even on the most optimistic forecasts.
The problem is known and the evidence is there, but there are impediments to corrective action. There are lobby groups (eg the fossil fuel industry) sowing doubt, and vested interests both politically and individually.
Perhaps most importantly, short-term democratic cycles mean that politicians can postpone action and let some future governments deal with the problem. When horror scenarios are forecast for 2050 or 2100, it is hard to capture everyone’s attention, especially those of us who will be long dead.
The effects of a 1.5 or 2.0-degree rise in average surface temperature will be catastrophic. There will be a huge loss of plant and insect species, coral reef decline, and extreme heatwaves.
As individuals, there are some things we can do to help. We can be more aware, we can change our transport choices, we can ‘green’ our gardens, eat less meat and dairy, reduce our energy use, and compost our vegetable waste.
And of course, we can think more about our beautiful grandchildren.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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