Global Warming

In the UK last week a report was released on the cost of global warming. This report is called the Stern Report, there is a summary on the bbc website. I'm not going to comment on the report itself as I have not read it and one of the risks of blogging is the blog entry is uninformed and therefore incorrect (you just need to read a majority of the slashdot comments you get these days, to see what I mean).

Listening to the commentary on Radio 4 there were quite a few people talking about how global warming is a global issue that must be tackled by global action, and while I agree there is a certain risk in this attitude. The problem is that while action must be taken by global action, it also needs the individual to take responsibility for their part in global warming.

Confucius once said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." and that very much applies to global warming. Everyone must take responsibility, not just governments. I am not about to claim that I am perfect, or even very good, but I am trying to improve the way I live. In any case I would like to challenge the UK to convert ourselves into a low carbon economy. OK, it will not make a huge impact on a global scale, but if we can prove that we can build a successful low carbon economy then it will show other countries that it is possible. Actions speak louder than words, and are more convincing to the sceptical public.

Alasdair Nottingham