International News Climate Change 🌍

[SteMerritt]

Para 1 is of course true.

The final line is slightly glib but probably (ultimately) true.

He's not wrong with his message though.

Nope, agreed. But a lot of the progress was down to political willy waving in the 60s. When that ended, the money dried up.

 

[Scotchegg]

It’s not about repeating what happened 50 years ago, it’s the fact that we haven’t done anything to further the progress we made. If I told you that I did something 50 years ago, and despite having an almost unlimited budget to go further than we did before but we’ve chosen not to, wouldn’t you wonder why that is? Billions of dollars have been spent, but nothing of significance has been achieved, in regard to human exploration of space. Personally, I think it’s because it’s not possible, and NASA know that. There are a few obvious reasons: distance and danger. Space is not a place for human beings.

No one has ever disproved the moon landings, and the old USSR and modern day Russia and China have (Kevin Keegan style) loved it. So I think it's pretty safe to assume that going to the moon is entirely possible. But going over Niagra Falls in a barrel is possible, but no one does it anymore because it's dangerous, and frankly, what's the point?!

Unless there was a real purpose in using the moon as a launchpad to greater exploration, or creating a more sustainable base than the ISS, then I'm not sure why anyone would spend 100's of billions to repeat something that happened before most of us were born?

Although, admittedly this is way beyond my professional expertise! But a space prison does sound cool, although they don't tend to fare well in movies!!

 

[RyanioBirdio]

I can just imagine it now

Joe Cocker playing in the background as stray rounds whiz past you both...

The bullet lodging in my a**e cheek as I let out a slow motion cry of, “AAAAAAHHHH… BAAAAAASSTAAAARRRDDD…” is going to be a particular highlight.

I like to imagine that I’ll boot Jamie Hanson out of my way during the escape, thus ruling him out for another three months.

 

[m]

I don’t know? I wasn’t there. That wasn’t the point I was making. My point is, why haven’t we been back in over 50 years when we have spent billions upon billions, in order to so? Yet somehow, we managed to do it in the 60’s with a minuscule budget and rubbish (in comparison) technology. My phone has more processing power than any of the technology that was used in the control centre. For a species that are so desperate to explore space, we’ve gone nowhere - literally.

There must be a reason for that. It’s not money, and it’s not a lack of resource or technology. That’s my question.

It is money - or at least the need to get a tangible return from it.

Much of the space budget goes into Earth Observation, imaging, spectroscopy and other such things. These things end up being of everyday benefit.

Also, plenty of meaningful 'exploration' can be done from Earth using the technology described above (among many others). There is very little that could currently be achieved or learned that requires humans leaving the planet.

In short: we could send people to the moon but it would be a ludicrous waste of money to do so, and would hugely erode spending in other space sectors - both pure research and developing technology of everyday benefit.

 

[gofish2]

No, I’m going to tell you that living in space is not possible. Not now. Not in 100 years. Unless, somehow, you can build a spaceship that can withstand getting absolutely hammered by radiation, every single second, of every single day. Elon Musk making up for his tiny penis by going up to 50,000ft for a few minutes, is not the same as living in space.

We ‘went to the moon’ 50+ years ago, and given how fast technology advances according to Moore’s Law, and the billions that have been spent in the process, we have made absolutely no progrsss in terms of human space exploration. Why is that?

Broadening our understanding of the human body​

During space travel, astronauts are affected by microgravity, radiation and isolation. Some of the changes in their bodies are similar to health problems associated with aging or a sedentary lifestyle.

Science experiments performed on astronauts in space improve our understanding of medical conditions on Earth. This research has produced findings that can help people suffering from cardiovascular disorders, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and balance problems.

Transforming surgery on Earth​

Canadian technology on the International Space Station (ISS) has allowed for innovations in operating rooms. The expertise that powered Canadarm, Canadarm2 and Dextre, Canada's space robots, was used to create surgical robots such as neuroArm, a highly precise robotic arm capable of performing brain surgeries that would otherwise be impossible, and Modus V, a second-generation robotic digital microscope that helps patients with a variety of brain and spine conditions. This technology is allowing neurosurgeons to perform difficult brain surgeries with greater safety and efficiency.

Detecting and treating breast cancer​

The technology behind Canadian space robots was used to develop IGAR, a tele-operated medical robot capable of performing very precise biopsies to detect breast cancer. IGAR conducts highly accurate and minimally invasive procedures with less pain and discomfort for the patient.

Providing medical assistance to people in remote areas​

Thanks to communication satellites, specialists in urban centres can quickly provide medical advice to health care providers in rural communities.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is collaborating with Canada's space companies and medical community to create more portable medical equipment that can be used when hospitals are not easily accessible, with the goal of improving access to care for people living in remote regions.

Systems developed to track astronauts' health from Earth, like Bio-Monitor and Bio-Analyzer, could be used for patients in remote areas. Bio-Monitor combines numerous devices into one wireless smart shirt and mobile application that measures and records data like heart rate and blood pressure so that scientists can monitor astronauts' health as they orbit the planet. Bio-Analyzer is a new tool that could quickly test samples of blood, urine, or saliva and provide results back to Earth within two to three hours.

These technologies have the potential to improve patient care on Earth through improving access to medical support and reducing wait times for test results.

Keeping our hearts healthy​

The heart pumps blood through the arteries, providing oxygen to our cells throughout the body. The absence of gravity in space disturbs this process. To shed light on how the human body adapts to weightlessness, the Canadian science experiments in the Vascular series examine space-related changes in astronauts' blood vessels before, during, and after their missions. Studying the responses of the cardiovascular system in space better equips us to understand heart failure and how our arteries age here on Earth.

Thanks to their expertise in modelling fluid flow through rocket engines, space engineers helped design heart pumps. These pumps keep people in need of heart transplants alive by enabling blood to circulate through their body until a donor heart becomes available.

Treating bleeding after childbirth with pressure garments​

Spending long periods of time in weightlessness weakens the body's natural adaptations against the effects of gravity, and greatly reduces heart rate and level of physical activity. When returning to Earth, some astronauts wear a g-suit, also called an antigravity suit, to apply pressure to the legs and torso in order to reduce symptoms of cardiovascular deconditioning such as lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea, and fainting. A Canadian study tested several g-suit models to assess their effectiveness in preventing these symptoms in returning astronauts.

Using g-suit technology, non-inflatable pressure garments are being used on Earth to treat women suffering from postpartum hemorrhage by applying external pressure to a woman's entire lower body to stop bleeding after childbirth. This affordable solution is saving lives around the world.

Canadian science on the International Space Station​

Canada's participation in the International Space Station (ISS) allows our scientists to access the unique space environment and conduct cutting-edge experiments aboard the orbiting laboratory to:

1. prepare for deep-space destinations
2. use the knowledge obtained to improve our quality of life on Earth

3. Preparing for deep-space destinations​

   As space agencies from all over the world are looking to propel humanity further into the solar system, Canada's space science community continues to conduct research aboard the ISS.
   
   We want to better understand the risks associated with human space flight—and help find countermeasures and treatments—to identify, characterize, and mitigate the effects on astronauts' health in order to make space travel safer.
   
   Missions to the Moon and Mars mean longer trips and more risks for astronauts, including:
   
   • more time in weightlessness
   • more exposure to radiation
   • longer periods of isolation, very far from home
   • increased delays in communication with Earth
   • less ability to rely on Earth for food, materials, and emergency medical assistance

4. Using the knowledge obtained to improve our quality of life on Earth​

   Studying the way our body changes in space help us understand the impacts of reduced levels of physical activity and issues that affect older adult populations on Earth.
   
   Living in weightless conditions changes the human body in many ways. The effects observed in astronauts are similar to accelerated aging and health problems caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Studying the human body in space for six months gives us data that would take years to gather on Earth. New information gained in space contributes to improved quality of life on Earth.
   
   Canadian scientists use space to study our bones, heart, blood vessels and brain. Their experiments have produced findings that can help people suffering from balance problems, such as seniors; osteoporosis; cardiovascular disorders; and Type-2 diabetes.
   
   ......and more and more. I agree, waste of time and money. If you're going to be a reality denier at least do your homework. This took me less than 5 minutes, it probably takes a little more time to become a brainwashed paranoid no hoper with a limited sense of purpose. If you really believe what you write and are so concerned, what are you doing about it? apart from bitching on a forum?
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

[chuckbert]

The comical angle to the space station, or even underground dumbass or whatever they’re called is that the technical challenges are infinitely more difficult than continuing to exist on a warming earth. Building a “space module” or Martian HAB in your heavily fortified back yard is a lot easier than launching into space.
And the record of people objecting to lockdown suggests that living in some underground labyrinth will wear off pretty quick.
Let the billionaires blow their cash on this meaningless stuff - it’s not like the money disappears, it goes into people’s pockets and into treasuries. It only disappears when they don’t spend it. We need those people and governments to recycle the spending into maintaining Earth.

 

[carefreeoufc]

Not sure why anyone is all that bothered. Apparently millions of us have been injected with something that's going to kill us relatively soon if anti-vaxxers are to be believed. Should reduce the population enough to help things along.

On a sad but serious note there is very little we as individuals or the UK can do while countries like China, The US, India and Brazil go about business the way they do. I hope COP26 and the UN SDG 2030 goes some way to balancing the the huge desire for continued growth with us all having a planet to leave our children and grand children. I can't say I have a lot of faith in our current govt. to lead us out of this mire but we'll see.

 

[Essexyellows]

If one wishes to compare those good folk at Our World in Data have got a graph you can play with.

The UK is far, far lower than many of the others.

United Kingdom: CO2 Country Profile

United Kingdom: How much CO2 does your country emit? Are emissions falling? How does it compare to other countries?

ourworldindata.org

 

[carefreeoufc]

If one wishes to compare those good folk at Our World in Data have got a graph you can play with.

The UK is far, far lower than many of the others.

United Kingdom: CO2 Country Profile

United Kingdom: How much CO2 does your country emit? Are emissions falling? How does it compare to other countries?

ourworldindata.org

Yep. 50% of the co2 emissions come from three countries (China, US & India). It's not just emissions specifically, I mentioned Brazil in my post above because of the massive amount of deforestation over recent years. You could also add Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan who have systematically drained huge amounts of water from rivers and the Aral Sea to produce cotton.

 

[Essexyellows]

Yep. 50% of the co2 emissions come from three countries (China, US & India). It's not just emissions specifically, I mentioned Brazil in my post above because of the massive amount of deforestation over recent years. You could also add Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan who have systematically drained huge amounts of water from rivers and the Aral Sea to produce cotton.

Well as long as the Waitrose van delivers the 99p avocados on time then all is well yes?

That deforestation in a far-off country, all the air miles, and water consumption don`t impact on anyone at all do they?

Meanwhile, UK farmers find it more cost-effective to compost wool than go to the bother of selling it.

It's a mad, mad world we live in.

At least Greta is wearing wool on the cover of Vogue.......

 

[Sarge]

Well as long as the Waitrose van delivers the 99p avocados on time then all is well yes?

That deforestation in a far-off country, all the air miles, and water consumption don`t impact on anyone at all do they?

Meanwhile, UK farmers find it more cost-effective to compost wool than go to the bother of selling it.

It's a mad, mad world we live in.

At least Greta is wearing wool on the cover of Vogue.......
View attachment 6955

but has it been composted?

 

[carefreeoufc]

Well as long as the Waitrose van delivers the 99p avocados on time then all is well yes?

That deforestation in a far-off country, all the air miles, and water consumption don`t impact on anyone at all do they?

Meanwhile, UK farmers find it more cost-effective to compost wool than go to the bother of selling it.

It's a mad, mad world we live in.

At least Greta is wearing wool on the cover of Vogue.......
View attachment 6955

Good luck with the van/lorry drivers, they’ve all gone back to their homes in Europe as a result of Brexit, IR35 and Covid.

As for food miles, well, we kind of stuffed ourselves (excuse the pun) when we decided to sack off what was on the doorstep for a brave new dawn.

UK farmers are unfortunately likely to have to compete even more in the coming years in my opinion (speaking from a relatively informed position). It will continue to appear more expensive than internationally procured alternatives and with the cost of living continuing to rise will only be less accessible to those on low or middle incomes.

It is a mad world and unfortunately it has continued to get madder since the 50s where we’ve really seen a rise in globalism and the desire for continued growth. Perhaps the report yesterday and COP26 will act as a catalyst for wider change within society, looking inward at our own country I think it’s unlikely but you never know.

Yesterday’s headlines and impending doom have been pushed down the headlines and instead of a squirrel to look at we’ve been given an Alpaca.

 

[gofish2]

At the risk of sounding like a pedantic party pooper, can I remind people that this is serious stuff. And furthermore, this is in our own back yard and something we can all participate in influencing. The science is inarguable and every government has signed off the scientific facts gathered by those who do it for a living. It's not someone elses problem, it's ours.
So lets talk about solutions and take the problem seriously. I have children and grandchildren and I do care about the kind of world they live in.

 

[Essexyellows]

At the risk of sounding like a pedantic party pooper, can I remind people that this is serious stuff. And furthermore, this is in our own back yard and something we can all participate in influencing. The science is inarguable and every government has signed off the scientific facts gathered by those who do it for a living. It's not someone elses problem, it's ours.
So lets talk about solutions and take the problem seriously. I have children and grandchildren and I do care about the kind of world they live in.

Reduce the human population and stop consuming "stuff" is about it. Nobody will say that though!

Having done a fair few Carbon footprint calculators we end up around 6 tonnes a year, UK average is 14.

It doesn`t take a lot, especially if you think a little, and therein is the problem.

"We" are pre-programmed to be consumers, more consumption + more people = greater impact.

 

[carefreeoufc]

Definitely one thing (which costs nothing) for those that are physically able to do so… walk places!! And if you’ve got the money then buy a bike to get places quicker.

I see it daily with people queuing into Abingdon etc. some of whom I know and they’re driving in for a f@cking coffee. Same with people going to work at Milton Park.

I used to ride back from there, pass them on Abingdon Bridge after leaving at the same time as them and then see them pull into their drives a few hundred metres ahead of me.

Ok commutes might be a bit irrelevant now but leave the car a little bit, get fit (if you can) and help reduce pollution and young children/adults that breathe it in.

 

[Robie]

Cycling is the most efficient method of transport.
Invest in it and the world will be a better place.

Secondly no new houses should be built unless they are carbon neutral. Every south facing roof should have solar panels.

 

[Essexyellows]

Cycling is the most efficient method of transport.
Invest in it and the world will be a better place.

Secondly no new houses should be built unless they are carbon neutral. Every south facing roof should have solar panels.

Cycling gets a yes from me, problem here is somewhere to have a shower & change when I get in to work!
2 showers for several hundred cyclists doesn`t work very well. :-(
Should also look at repurposing for housing first.
As retail & office space is needed less & less why not make that into affordable city centre living?
Has to be more carbon/planet-friendly than building on green space?
Solar should be everywhere from houses to hospital roofs.

 

[LowerSouth]

Can I just say if there is an uprising we should be lynching the billionaires first.

Then the millionaires.

Not before they’ve built a new stadium

 

[carefreeoufc]

Cycling gets a yes from me, problem here is somewhere to have a shower & change when I get in to work!
2 showers for several hundred cyclists doesn`t work very well. :-(
Should also look at repurposing for housing first.
As retail & office space is needed less & less why not make that into affordable city centre living?
Has to be more carbon/planet-friendly than building on green space?
Solar should be everywhere from houses to hospital roofs.

I’ve wondered this! The Centrepoint building in London started as commercial office space.

Pre-pandemic Milton Park had approximately 6000 workers there a day, it’s now in the hundreds. Whilst that may/may not change why not look at repurposing some into affordable housing, flats and apartments etc? Keep some of the brownfield/greenfield sites for tree planting, woodland and so on and use the empty business parks that already have utilities, road networks and so on in place.

 

[Robie]

Cycling gets a yes from me, problem here is somewhere to have a shower & change when I get in to work!
2 showers for several hundred cyclists doesn`t work very well. :-(
Should also look at repurposing for housing first.
As retail & office space is needed less & less why not make that into affordable city centre living?
Has to be more carbon/planet-friendly than building on green space?
Solar should be everywhere from houses to hospital roofs.

God I saw my post had been quoted and I thought how on earth can anyone disagree with what I put!

Yes showers are needed and properly secure bike storage.

A cycle hub at a new stadium with indoor secure storage either with a concierge or individual locked cabinets and a shower room would be well used I would hope.