…There is no other news. It has been cancelled until COP26 is over. Another day, another email, this one from the Oxford Alumni newsletter, “Quad”. Where to start? Well, maybe an extract from the Vice-Chancellor’s 2021 Orationi:
The pandemic caused us all to change our behaviour to protect our grandparents. The climate crisis requires us to change our behaviour to protect our grandchildren. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have successfully launched our new Environmental Sustainability Strategy, committing the University to achieving net zero carbon and biodiversity net gain by 2035. We have, moreover, created a new University committee, the Environmental Sustainability Sub-committee, to embed sustainability in the University’s high-level governance and decision-making and to oversee and direct progress on delivering the strategy. Key environmental information, focusing on our greenhouse gas emissions and impact on biodiversity, will now be included in the University’s Annual Review, to enable us to track our progress on delivering the strategy over time.
This year’s events – of record-breaking temperatures, catastrophic forest fires and floods – have heightened awareness that humanity can no longer behave like Nero, fiddling while the biome burns. Moving from Nero to Net Zero will, however, take courage, resources and imagination. Oxford is determined to lead in this shared endeavour, on which the future of all nations and peoples, and all living creatures depends.
The rest of the newsletter certainly reinforces the message. It starts with “TRUE PLANET: COUNTDOWN TO COP26”ii and the early part of it is devoted remorselessly to COP26, reducing emissions, and lots of climate worrying. I suppose that’s inevitable, but what I find troubling is that a leading university once devoted to teaching its students how to think now believes that there is only one way to think. Article after article is devoted to a single narrative with the assumption that it is all self-evident. And if this is how the people at the University address those of us who have long since graduated, how much more monolithic must the message be for those young people who are there to learn?
In passing I notice that the international intake makes up 45% of Oxford students and that 65% of Oxford’s graduate students are from outside the UKiii. I wonder if the emissions from those students making their long-haul flights will be taken into account as part of the University’s net zero strategy? For be in no doubt, thousands of Oxford students, especially postgraduates, will be making long-haul flights to study (and presumably again to return home, if not at the beginning and end of every term, then probably most of them at least at the beginning and end of each academic year). Briefly, as at December 2020, the largest groups of international students at Oxford were from USA (1,606); China (1,556); Germany (747); Canada (427); Hong Kong (366); India (335); Singapore (309); and Australia (299), and with many others from far-flung locations all over the globe.
How is Climate Changing Our Weather?
This one is for John Ridgway, as it’s written by Dr Friederike Ottoiv.
Not only can they now say how likely extreme events are to take place, Dr Otto and her team, can determine to what extent this has been affected by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Dr Otto, associate director of the Environmental Change Institute, uses mass computer modelling to calculate the likelihood of extreme events and of climate change in different regions.
She says with assurance, ‘We know how much greenhouse gas is in the atmosphere…Climate change is a real game changer when it comes to heat waves, making them 100 times more likely in some places.’
COP26 ASK: I hope this evidence is used to really up the game on adaptation and adaptation finance.
Is The Future of Transport Electric?
This is the next short articlev generated by the email I received.
Professor Schwanen emphasises that electricity cannot be the sole route pursued to mitigate CO2 in the atmosphere – especially since some electricity still relies on coal-fired power stations and not all vehicle types, such as lorries, can be converted.
He insists that, in the longer term, research into Hydrogen fuel offers an opportunity to avoid CO2 emissions. But in the present, we need to move away from large heavy SUV-type vehicles in favour of smaller, lighter, more efficient cars.
But all motorised transport currently involved emissions and he argues for more ‘active’ transport – by bicycle or on foot or lightweight electric transport. And, he says, more use needs to be made of public transport.
COP26 ask: Address transport holistically – focus on technological change but also behaviour. That means more walking, more cycling, more e-scooters and less flying… We need to redesign our public spaces and connect them with attractive and affordable high speed rail networks.
Can Finance Help The Climate?
This seems like a strange title to an article in a postgraduate newsletter. Does the climate need help? Maybe (just maybe) humankind and other life on the planet might be helped if the climate didn’t change, but I don’t think “the climate” is much concerned one way or the other. And while I appreciate that this is all just a bit of hype ahead of COP26, the articlevi itself seems to me to be shallow, to say the least:
‘Finance matters,’ says Dr Nicola Ranger, head of Oxford’s climate and environmental risk research, about why finance is one of the core themes of the COP26 conference.
Dr Ranger is deputy director of the UK Centre for Greening Finance, a Government-backed organisation established to provide up-to-date analytics on the risks to the financial sector and investment of climate change. One of the biggest challenges for the investment community in future is understanding the risks and recognising the potential opportunities.
‘Investment needs to flow where it is needed,’ she says. ‘[Green investment] is the biggest investment opportunity in history.’
At Oxford, she says, we have brought together experts from across the disciplines and from a dozen universities to provide information and advice for investment, ‘enabling countries and governments to see the risks and the opportunities’.
COP26 ask: We need policymakers to set the right environment.
Still, for those who can be bothered to read all this stuff, we learn a bit about just how many organisations are busily sucking at the taxpayer teat of pointless climate mania. To my shame, I had never heard of the UK Centre for Greening Finance & Investment, but now I find that it exists and that it has a websitevii.
From this I learn that it is a national centre established to accelerate the adoption and use of climate and environmental data and analytics by financial institutions internationally. Also, that it claims that it will unlock opportunities for the UK to lead in greening finance and financing green.” I wonder how much some PR agency was paid to come up with that last sentence?
Still, one thing leads to another, and now I learn:
In February 2020 a call for proposals (‘Climate and Environmental Risk for Resilient Finance’) was launched by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Innovate UK, both part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), for a new £10 million research and innovation centre to support the integration of the financial risks of climate and environmental change into mainstream financial decision-making. This was one of the key recommendations made by the UK Green Finance Taskforce in 2018 and contained in the UK Green Finance Strategy in 2019.
Wow! What a lot of “green” troughs!
More
There’s more. I won’t bore you, dear reader, with the rest of the links to my email in any detail, but I will just mention “Watch the COP Conversations Livestream Series”; “Take Action: Join the Oxford Climate Alumni Network”; and, best of all, “Why are People Bored With Climate Catastrophe?”viii:
Dr Pete Walton…Knowledge Exchange Fellow at Oxford’s Environmental Exchange Institute, was approached by one of his American students, Josh Ettinger, in 2018.
Josh wondered why large swathes of Americans seemed utterly uninterested in climate change, despite its terrifying challenge to humanity.
My answer would be that people aren’t worried because they don’t, deep down, actually believe it, certainly not enough to ruin their finances and trash their lifestyles. But it seems that’s not it:
The short answer to that question is given by Pete. ‘Josh discovered that, broadly speaking, if you scare the bejesus out of people it doesn’t really work, and equally if you fill them with sunny optimism that doesn’t work either. But if you present them with actual solutions it might engage them.’
And this is where things become really clever:
This brings in another fast-maturing avenue of inquiry that Oxford has taken a lead in.
It’s called Extreme Event Attribution or EEA and began with the group of researchers around Professor Myles Allen, head of the Climate Dynamics group at the University of Oxford’s Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics Department.
Nowadays, when there is an extreme weather event unfolding in front of our eyes on the six o’clock news, Oxford researchers can quickly run two sophisticated climate models with observed data from the event, and then a counterfactual model that takes away all the additional human-emissions that have accumulated over the past two centuries.
Then, before the journalists have moved on to another story, the ‘once in five hundred year’ narrative can instead become a different formula, such as ‘this event was four times more likely because of climate change than it would have been.’
Crafty, eh?
‘If you throw out science, science, science, it just bounces off,’ he says, ‘but if you tell someone their house might flood if they live by a river they will possibly listen intently.’
With the UN conference on climate change coming up in November, he suggests, communicating successfully to the broad public across the world will be very important.
To make any of it land with the public, the scientists will need to listen to the educationalists and find ways of ‘facilitating an exchange; having a conversation among and between peers, not a sermon from on high.’
I don’t know about you, but I can’t help thinking that reminds me of politicians who, when confronted about their latest election defeat, respond that they need to work harder to get their message across. They never seem to accept that the electorate received and understood the message – and rejected it.
That’s it for this month. Goodness knows what my next newsletter will bring, given that I fear it is due to arrive just before COP 26 ends. Maybe I’ll let you know in due course.
Endnotes
i https://alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/vice-chancellors-oration-2021
ii https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/true-planet-cop26#/
iii https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/student-numbers
iv https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/how-is-climate-changing-our-weather
v https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/is-the-future-of-transport-electric
vi https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/can-finance-help-the-climate
viii https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/climate-burnout-why-people-are-bored-about-catastrophe-and-what-to-do-about-it
Climate Scepticism 
‘From Nero to Net Zero’
How droll of the Vice-Chancellor.
How about ‘from Cassius to gaseous’?
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“humanity can no longer behave like Nero, fiddling while the biome burns”
But help is at hand for our “biome” – “We have, moreover, created a new University committee, the Environmental Sustainability Sub-committee”
well I can sleep easy tonight !!!
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ps – just digested the last quote –
“To make any of it land with the public, the scientists will need to listen to the educationalists and find ways of ‘facilitating an exchange; having a conversation among and between peers, not a sermon from on high.”
think Mark/Andy needs to pick that apart for me, but the Pope has been quite for a while (due a big sermon/speech for COP)
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Here’s an example of trying to scare Americans about climate change. Perhaps its authors should listen to Myles and Josh:
“What sea level rise will do to famous American sites, visualized
New images show what areas of the world can be saved or lost if carbon emissions aren’t curbed”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/12/sea-level-rise-well-known-american-sites-visualized
“The land on which 10% of the world’s population lives could be lost to sea level rise if carbon emission trends continue, new maps and visualizations show.
Fifty major cities, mostly in Asia, and at least one large nation on every continent but Australia and Antarctica are at risk. Many small island nations are threatened with near total loss of their land.
The collection of images and videos produced by the non-profit Climate Central visualize future sea level rise if the world fails to meet emissions reduction targets. The images show what areas of the world can be saved and which could be lost, taking with them the heritage and history of these coastal communities.
Meeting the most ambitious goals of the Paris climate agreement could reduce the sea level rise exposure by roughly half. But the world is not on course to limiting global warming to 1.5C (2.7F), as outlined in the 2015 Paris agreement. Based on current emissions, the Earth is expected to reach and even exceed 3C (5.4F) warming by 2100.”
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Climate Central has form as a conveyor belt of alarmist nonsense. In Denierland I mentioned their “study” which the local paper described thus:
In fact, the “shocking” map showed a “shocking” similarity to East Anglia in Roman times, i.e. before significant drainage and reclamation. [I seem to remember that other regions’ local media treated readers to their own versions.]
For the UK, there is a free elevation model, so that it would be possible for anyone (using software that is also free) to add a metre or 12 to existing sea level and output a “shocking” map. Easy to do with a bit of training, but also pointless.
They seem to have raised the degree of stupidity with their new attempt to frighten people.
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I’m sorry JIT but I fail to understand why an attempt to frighten people with a simple methodology should be characterized as “stupidity”. The fact that the extent of East Anglia at potential risk can be illustrated so easily makes the message that much the stronger in my book.
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Alan, I stand by the word “stupidity.” This says nothing about the ploy’s ultimate effectiveness. To play e4 – Bc4 – Qh5 as your first 3 moves as white can win you a chess game, but it definitely counts as stupidity.
The fact is that even if I was a fevered alarmist, I would have vetoed this campaign if in a position to do so on the basis of its artlessness. Perhaps though my faith in humanity at large, in its ability to sniff out BS, is misjudged. To return to the chess analogy: I would never play those three moves out of respect for my opponent, and perhaps deprive myself of an instant win. 🙂
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Quote: “Professor Schwanen emphasises that electricity cannot be the sole route pursued to mitigate CO2 in the atmosphere – especially since some electricity still relies on coal-fired power stations”.
Not very much in the UK: most of it is from gas, which he surprisingly doesn’t mention.
(Although, as mentioned the other day, large-scale steel manufacture everywhere still _does_depend on coal, for the time being, and probably for quite a few years).
Quote: “… e-scooters …”
No thank you. Horrible dangerous things; accidents waiting to happen. (Wait till you are “buzzed” by one doing about 30mph on the pavement; or worse).
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Mike Ellwood, my 88 year old mother would definitely agree with you regarding e-scooters. They have rendered her local city centre a very dangerous place. Without proper regulation, they are an extraordinarily stupid thing for politicians to push.
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It’s not just Oxford University. The Law Society is still at it, too. Today’s email, by way of “Professional Update”:
“COP26: How solicitors can help address the climate crisis
Climate change is no longer just the preserve of environmental lawyers. As all eyes are on the COP26 summit, we’ve published new resources that help you create a climate-conscious approach to legal practice.
We’ve released a resolution on climate change that outlines the role solicitors can play in addressing the climate crisis. Read the resolution here and join the debate on social media #LawSocClimateResolution.
Explore the advice and guidance on practical steps solicitors and businesses can take in response to climate change.
> Explore our climate resources
What will life look like in 2050?
Discover what the long-term future impact of climate change could be by watching our new video on what life will be like in 30 years, which forms part of our Future Worlds 2050 project.
> Find out what the world will be like in 2050
What is COP26 and how will it affect solicitors?
Find out more about COP26 – what it is, why it’s happening and what will be up for discussion.
> Read up on COP26”
The links, should anyone be interested:
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/climate-change/climate-change-what-will-life-look-like-in-2050
(which leads to many more links).
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/climate-change/creating-a-climate-conscious-approach-to-legal-practice
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They’re still at it. I received two more emails this week full of climate stuff and COP26. I briefly thought of turning them in to an article, but it would just have been more of the same, so I content myself with offering up a few snippets from them. The Law Society first:
The email is headed: “What is net zero and what can the legal profession do?” And it tells us:
“As the COP26 summit continues, we’re seeing how, for solicitors, climate change is beginning to affect how our businesses are run and how we provide legal services.
Many companies have already started taking action by developing net zero strategies and are increasingly requiring those they do business with, such as solicitors, to adopt similar measures.
You have an opportunity to adopt practical measures and policies to reduce the climate impact of your business. This includes steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to publicly report your progress.”
And:
“Race to net zero: tools to support your business
Find out how you can get started incorporating net zero considerations into your law firm’s practice with our helpful tools, initiatives and programmes.”
And:
“Our resolution on climate change outlines the role solicitors can play in addressing the climate crisis.”
And:
“Explore our advice and guidance on practical steps solicitors and businesses can take in response to climate change. ”
Links, in the unlikely event that anyone is interested:
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/climate-change/net-zero-what-solicitors-can-do
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/climate-change/race-to-net-zero-tools-to-support-your-business/
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/climate-change/creating-a-climate-conscious-approach-to-legal-practice
https://twitter.com/hashtag/LawSocClimateResolution
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/climate-change/
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As for Oxford University, and its e-bulletin to alumni:
“COP26 BEGINS – ALL THE QUESTIONS OXFORD IS ASKING
With the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) now underway, we are continuing our exclusive ‘Countdown to COP26’ video series, featuring Oxford’s key climate and biodiversity research.
If you’re wondering ‘what do countries need to agree at COP26?’, then watch this short overview with Professor Lavanya Rajamani, a specialist in international environmental law and an expert in all things COP26. Not only does she understand the international legal architecture, she is also an authority on the complex interactions and negotiations that will dominate the climate conference.
Three more new films released this week offer insights into topics which might be discussed on Energy Day, Nature Day and Adaptation Day at the conference and we’re offering you a sneak peek of the videos before anyone else!”
The main link:
https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/true-planet-cop26#/
offers up lots of other stuff to look at:
“WHAT DO COUNTRIES NEED TO AGREE AT COP26?
‘How can we meet our long-terms goals, when our short-term targets fall radically short of what is necessary?’ asks Professor Lavanya Rajamani”
And:
“HOW WILL WE LIVE IN THE FUTURE CLIMATE?
It is essential to accurately understand the threats; for governments, populations and for investors”
And:
“WHAT CAN NATURE OFFER FOR COP26, AND WHAT CAN COP26 OFFER FOR NATURE?
The effectiveness of nature in fighting the impacts and drivers of climate change”
And:
“CAN SOLAR SAVE US?
Developments in solar power are set to offer cheaper, better energy, reducing the impact of climate change”
And:
“WHY NET ZERO (AND WHAT IS IT)?
Investment is urgently needed into safer, permanent CO2 disposal, to reduce the burden of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and limit warming”
And:
“CAN WE REMOVE CARBON FROM THE ATMOSPHERE?
There is no ‘magic’ technology to solve climate change”
And:
“HOW CAN WE EAT WITHOUT COOKING THE PLANET?
Oxford’s diet and population health expert, Professor Susan Jebb maintains that ‘we cannot meet Net Zero targets without changing our diet’”
And:
“IS THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORT ELECTRIC?
Transport is the third largest source of greenhouse gases in the world, says Professor Tim Schwanen, director of Oxford’s Transport Studies Unit, and there are no easy answers”
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Even post-Cop 26, my occasional email bulletin from Quad (Oxford Alumni News) still regularly includes the usual. This time it’s:
“OXFORD LAUNCHES NEW MULTI-DISCIPLINE ZERO INSTITUTE”
https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/oxford-launches-new-multi-discipline-zero-institute
“The University has launched the ZERO Institute (Zero-Carbon Energy Research Oxford) to tackle the challenges of an equitable, secure global zero-carbon energy transition”.
And so on.
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