Put those those travel brochures away. Dodgy Dave Cameron is after you.
Politicians of all parties have been busy this week, telling us how naughty we are for leaving the TV on standby, heating the house, using the car and going on holiday. First in line to scold was Conservative leader David, sorry Dave, Cameron who appeared, planting trees in his garden (that means you care about the environment you see) whilst wearing a pair of trainers which have been made from recycled tampons.*
He’s big on green issues is Dave. There’s a little windmill attached to his house to generate electricity and he goes everywhere on his bike. Closely followed by an assistant in a car, with all his personal belongings.
To date, the Tories haven’t been big on policies, but they’ve finally unveiled one. If you have the temerity to go any further than Blackpool on your hols, you’ll get it in the neck from the tax man. Ok, so that’s a slight exaggeration. If you want to go further than the Costa Del Sol, or (shock horror) travel abroad more than once a year, then you’ll get it in the neck from taxman.
As per usual, this is being described as ‘revenue neutral’ which means that while taxes will be raised in one area, they’ll be lowered in another. Where they’ll be lowered hasn’t been made clear. Funny that. Expect estimates in the next few days, from business representatives such as the CBI, showing how much this will cost business. The idea will then be quietly buried. Let’s hope it’s biodegradable.
Not far behind is Labour’s David Milliband, who very earnestly explained how the government’s plans to reduce carbon emissions will be enshrined in UK law, so if targets aren’t met, government ministers can be taken to court. This is a splendid idea and should be extended. Are you less than impressed with the progress of education, transport and the NHS compared to what was promised? Then go and see your solicitor, but be prepared to queue.
The problem with all of this, is that a theory (increased CO2 emissions lead to global warming) is being presented as undisputed fact, when it’s nothing of the kind. The alternative hypothesis, for which there is persuasive evidence, is that the rise in the earth’s temperature is due to the behaviour of the Sun. Put simply, when the Sun burns brighter the Earth gets hotter and when it burns dimmer the Earth gets colder. However this view is inconveniently different from the current fad, so when NASA scientists David Lind and Judith Lean estimate that only a quarter of a degree of the 1.5° F temperature increase since the 1850’s is due to human activity it’s disregarded.
Not that there is anything wrong with conserving energy, ensuring that vehicles are fuel efficient or seeking alternative source of energy. With the planet having only a limited supply of fossil fuel such moves are to be welcomed. However being the first country to make carbon reduction part of the law, when the other signatories to the Kyoto agreement aren’t following suit and when the President of the United States has repeatedly expressed opposition to such steps, is either folly or a cynical attempt to raise taxes for a cause that’s seen as worthy.
* That’s a bit of journalistic license. The recycled materials were trousers, but give it time.
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