🌱The Grumpy Optimists #28
Our take on the Insulate Britain protests, and favourite ways to get outside and enjoy your local environment.
Good morning all,
Hope you all had a cracking week.
Let's quickly discuss the climate protests on the M25 by Insulate Britain before we start this week. For context, if you haven't seen it, the video is below.
'Insulate Britain' staged its first protest this week, bringing sections of the M25 to a standstill prompting some support but mainly outrage across Twitter, TikTok, and the rest of social media. Insulate Britain is demanding action to tackle the climate emergency, specifically to insulate homes and provide green jobs.
Now, whether or not you agree with the protest, it has been really interesting this week speaking to friends and family about the protests. While nobody enjoys being sat in traffic on the way home, some would argue these acts are a genuine ploy to make powerful people stand up and take notice of the situation we're facing. People like Emmeline Pankhurst most probably drew criticism for interrupting daily life and now we remember her for the bravery of the suffragette movement.
However, while most people understand the importance of what they're campaigning for, they may well be making enemies for a movement we all need. The right-wing media have had a field day with this, shouting about the hypocrisy of keeping cars running or blocking emergency services. The challenge we all face with tackling the climate crisis is bringing everyone on board and demanding action, and we're just not sure that Insulate Britain is the best way forward, despite the amount of press coverage they receive.
The question at large is 'will we be thanking the protestors in years to come for demanding climate action'?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on these protests. Do you think they're an effective form of climate action or a pointless nuisance? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️
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Articles to Read 👀
🏭 Coal projects dwindle worldwide. Planned projects for new coal plants have fallen by 76% since the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the shrinking pipeline is set to bring the end of new coal power into sight. But, the report by E3G also suggests that coal is not on a steep enough path to cut emissions.
📱Facebook is fuelling fake climate news. Analysis by Friends of the Earth shows that 99% of climate disinformation is not being stopped by Facebook. Twitter and YouTube are not innocent either, failing to block misinformation racking up millions of views.
💰Companies are failing to disclose climate risks. A report by Carbon Tracker has found that 8 in 10 large firms don't do enough to report on climate risk. There is currently no way to understand how and where companies are spending to reach net-zero targets. It shows that while we see all the talk in the media, climate action will only win when it is factored into every business decision.
⚽ Football takes on climate change in Game Zero. Tottenham and Chelsea made history yesterday with Sky's Game Zero, the world's first net-zero carbon football match (something for Spurs' trophy cabinet I guess). The match aims to highlight the importance of climate change and engage fans on the topic. We're all here for it.
What can you do about climate change?
Nature
This week, we're telling you to get outside!! After all, how are we going to look after the planet if we don't appreciate it? The last 18 months have allowed us to appreciate our daily walks and the nature around us. It's scientifically proven to be good for your mental and physical health. Here are our favourite ways to get outside.
Head to the sea
🌊 If you're lucky enough to live by the sea or other water, you might be best placed to get a huge benefit from time outside. 'Blue health' is a fairly new area of research, and it shows that people who live at the coast or near water are some of the healthiest people around. Generally, people are more physically active and have better mental health. Cold water swimming is also fantastic for the mind and the body (but do take precautions and stay safe). If you can, why not do a beach or river clean whilst you enjoy these beautiful spaces?
Get out in the green
🌳 Go and find your local park, walk around your local woods and realise how lucky we are to have green space. Next time you and your friends want to catch up, try suggesting a walk instead of the pub, you'll both feel better and no doubt you may end up at the pub anyway.
Pro tip: read a book about trees before heading on a walk in the woods, like The Hidden Life of Trees and you'll be full of useful facts. For example, the reason why some trees have more 'wrinkly' bark than others e.g. Oak Trees is because they take longer to shed their skin.
Get your dig on
🏡 If you do have any outdoor space at home, gardening could be a way forward! Even if all you have is a window box or balcony, there is so much you can do with this space. As autumn sets in, it's time to plant bulbs ready for spring. Next year, why not sprinkle some wildflower seeds for all the pollinators? You could also grow your own veg or even bring the outdoors inside with some houseplants. If you're interested, check out the RHS website for tips on what to do each month in your garden / outdoor space.
That's all for now folks! Have a great week and why not send this to one of your colleagues or friends to read on their lunch break? We'd really appreciate it.
George, Ella, and Will 💚