When I first started perusing the wonderfully wide world of the web, searching for the juiciest and truthiest of global warming facts, I would often come across sites upon which the owner had helpfully summarised the nature of the debate using two lists: one labelled ‘The Facts’ and the other labelled ‘The Myths’. However, it … Continue reading
Author Archives: John Ridgway
Who Needs Science?
Watching the earnest tomfoolery of Extinction Rebellion (everyone’s favourite planetary rescue squad) whilst listening to the tirelessly apocalyptic narrative emanating from the BBC, it is clear that speculation about the future has become a grim business. We might just about be surviving now (I am reassured) but the future is another land; a land deemed … Continue reading
Days of Yore and Days of Wonder
Many years ago – I recall not when – I was driving to a place – I recall not where – whilst listening to the radio – I recall not why – and someone was speaking – I recall not who. In fact, I remember next to nothing relating to this anecdote, apart from what … Continue reading
Global Warming may be making baboons less aggressive – are humans next?
A study published in the American Journal of Primatology, by renowned neurobiologist and primatologist, Professor Robert Sapolsky of Stanford University, has shown that levels of intra-group aggression exhibited by troupes of baboons on the Serengeti Plains diminishes significantly during periods of drought. The reasons for this moderation of behaviour are unclear but it may … Continue reading
The Revenge of Incy Wincy Spider
I think we are all familiar with the exploits of Ms Wincy, of order Araneae. But, just in case you are not, I will recap: Apparently, said spider climbed up a waterspout only for the rain to come down, thereby washing her out (the details are unimportant). Fortunately, or perhaps inevitably, the sun returned, resulting … Continue reading
The Truth is in the Ashes
Very often it isn’t what you say that dictates the narrative, it’s what you choose to omit. The BBC understands this very well when it comes to reporting extreme weather events. Extreme storms and flooding require more energy and moisture to be held in the atmosphere. This can be expected with global warming and so … Continue reading
Birdageddon!
I’m something of a bird-watching enthusiast and so can often be found thinking about visiting my local reserve, RSPB Saltholme. You can imagine, therefore, my alarm and surprise to discover that the RSPB had recently approved the building of a gas turbine power station on land immediately adjacent to such precious habitat – cherished as … Continue reading
