The weather

[Rah nam]

The changes we are going through, and some people are trying to make money off, are not man made, but rather part of changes this solar system is experiencing. Not that the human race is doing a great job, looking after themselves, health wise. (in regards to pollutants)

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Rah nam

The changes we are going through,...., are not man made,...

Uh-oh, I see trouble ahead with that statement...

[bobjob]

It's pointless arguing about whether or not the extremes we're seeing globally are solely down to human activity. I suggest it's certain we are contributing to temperatures rising to some degree, maybe a very great deal.

Whatever the cause(s) it looks certain we will face more weather extremes and will need to adapt as best we can. Many of us think parochially whereas climate change is a global issue, perhaps an issue too big for many to appreciate or even care about.

Those wealthy enough to improve their homes are fortunate. They will 'weather the storms' better than others. Untold millions, however, will not be so fortunate and large geographical areas will be badly affected, potentially making it extremely hard or even impossible to continue living in them. population moves would be the outcome with other regions becoming ever more over-populated and under-resourced.

The weather - climate change - will affect us all to a lesser or greater degree.

I'm a novice at this,(and not really bothered tbh),however, I respect everything Rah nam says.

[bobjob]

Some, perhaps many, won't be much interested or simply don't take any notice of what's going on, their world often revolving around their personal lives. It's undoubtedly easier than being concerned or caring!

Like most changes in life, only a small few are involved in bringing about change so it probably doesn't much matter whether we are interested. But those who are may see holes and weaknesses in arguments and make their views known. Disagreement should be expected and is healthy. My preference is to listen to facts and judge if arguments put forward hold water.

Opinions are fine when backed by sound arguments and facts but carry no weight when they're not.

[BigJohn]

From my viewpoint, arguing is futile whereas making personal changes is constructive.

[bobjob]

Personal changes can help but globally there needs to be many, many personal changes to make a significant difference. Those individual changes are best achieved under an umbrella of common purpose to create focus.

One person or a few individuals changing from a less-efficient to a more efficient form of heating or cooling will have an imperceptible effect but 500,000 changing similarly over a short time would result in a major and measurable difference.

Such, and many more, are the changes humankind will need to make to achieve a significant, observable improvement to this planet's climate. The effect of a few individuals here and there gets lost in background 'noise'. Governments need to co-ordinate such changes, ideally with countries and nations adopting similar co-operative approaches.

Given humankind's long history of non co-operation, things don't look altogether promising.

[BigJohn]

If those preaching for changes should set the example for the rest of the people by their personal changes, it would probably make a difference.

For example, in my area, one person decided to get solar collectors and slowly, others pursued the same course. Now, a fair percentage of the homes in my area have solar collectors.

[bobjob]

Individuals can, of course, make small-scale personal changes but they are too small for global purposes.

Solar panels make a valuable contribution to renewable energy but are the province of the wealthy. Those struggling just to survive week to week would find the capital outlay of a solar array impossible to finance. Changes need to reflect their situation and central government - or state - subsidies may be needed to help them.

Here in the UK many homes are poorly insulated - cold in winter, hot when the sun occasionally shines. Heat pumps installations are amazingly spendy and most homes need considerable alterations and potentially large amounts of additional insulation. And that's for homes with enough outside space. Ground source heating is all-but ruled out for many, air-source the only option. Cooling systems are rare but could become necessary as global temperatures climb and exceptionally high temperatures can be expected. (Just look at BC and OR and their temperatures right now - that could be the UK, we're on the same latitude)

Solar arrays are very expensive now government subsidies have been withdrawn and the demands on the electrical grid from new-generation electric vehicles in all countries will find them failing.

It's a global situation and the issues can not be resolved in your neighborhood, your town or city, your county, your state, your country or your nation by themselves...... We all have to be involved, wherever we live.

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by bobjob

Solar arrays are very expensive now government subsidies have been withdrawn and the demands on the electrical grid from new-generation electric vehicles in all countries will find them failing.

Solar systems are expensive..... but then they are not.

I am in the process of installing 5 panels on my van. If you have the work done, the cost can be prohibited but if you do it yourself, it can be affordable.

That is on a minor scale.

As for a home: I recently took a major set back on getting solar for my home. The local government insists the work must be done by a liscensed Contractor. Individuals can not do the work. I did not like reading that.

Then I gave it some thought. I could go to the local college, take the necessary courses, take the exam and become a liscensed contractor. The next hurdle would be getting the permit and doing the actual work ..... up to code.