I think my position on Net Zero is that it is something that we should all be aiming for but it should be a case of reducing the use of fossil fuels rather than reducing CO2 emissions as such. That is a big difference.
Some of the policies are just a straight win for ordinary people. Energy efficiency reduces consumption and energy bills permanently. Switching the backbone of energy production to renewables reduces the amount of fossil fuels that the country requires and improves both the countryās defence and security. That may not be as visible to ordinary people but it protects them in case of war, energy crises etc.
Some of what has been done in the name of Net Zero actually doesnāt reduce the use of fossil fuels, and actually just pushes the problem down to future generations. There is one project, which you may have heard about, which is the Peak Cluster Pipeline.
This is a pipeline that is proposed to take CO2 from cement manufacturers in the Peak District, via the Wirral, and pump it for storage under the Irish Sea off Liverpool Bay. This doesnāt stop using fossil fuels and the actual viability of the storage is debatable. A similar scheme was proposed for Longannet power station in Fife, but it was abandoned, both because of cost and the fact that it was much more viable to produce electricity from wind-farms.
Cement production does require the use of fossil fuels, but potentially it could be produced with renewable energy. The sensible thing would be to avoid the Net Zero thing for the moment and instead invest in pilot plants for cement production via renewable energy. This whole pipeline business simply looks like a sop to the fossil fuel industry.
Have two barge poles currently. Belfast and another subject. Ultimately there are likely pretty clear explainations for the actions/outcomes but, but, we are really really good at putting 2 and 2 to make X or Y - never mind a number. I will not part take on the aftermath.
Iām not convinced such a crowd in Glasgow isnāt something thatās been orchestrated from outside. Susan Aitken From Glasgow city council seemed to indicate just that.
Sadly, everywhere it has happened it is āoutsideā forces and ānot localsā. There are enough people disenfranchised in the Uk that you donāt have to orchestrate too much and not from too far away.
Well she would do wouldnāt she?
As I said, recent evidence of a strange mindset in sections of Glasgow.
Very vocal and principled over the possibility of Robbie Keane being Celtic manager due to his involvement in Israel and their solidarity with Palestine.
Happy to celebrate IRA bombings in town centres for decades though.
Was like a war zone just round the corner from me last night. People burnt out of their houses. Has absolutely been stoked by Musk, Robinson and other far right grifters who donāt give a shit about belfast. Also loyalist paramilitaries sending kids out to do their dirty work and get criminal records.
Most schools closed early today and weāve been told to work from home rest of week.
Itās that combination isnāt it. People are not prosperous in general and then if this sort of stuff is introduced then trouble isnāt far away. People are venting their frustrations.
Very aware of our privilege in the safety of a nice area. Other people especially those from ethnic minority groups are very scared. Thankfully not as bad last night
