Hapless Human

The UK is currently undergoing an ambitious shift towards a more sustainable electricity mix, one which relies heavily on renewable electricity.  As this transition progresses, it raises the question of whether the UK will ever be able to achieve 100% renewable electricity in the near future.  Here, we will take a look at the progress that has been made so far and the potential obstacles standing in the way of a fully renewable UK electricity mix. Current state of UK electricity mix The current state of the UK electricity mix is a combination of various energy sources, with renewable power playing an increasingly significant role. As of 2022, renewable energy accounted for around 48.5% of electricity generation in the UK, a substantial increase from just 12% in 2010. The UK power grid relies heavily on wind energy, with wind farms contributing the largest share of renewable power in the country. Offshore wind farms, in particular, have experienced significant growth, thanks to...

With the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of petrol and diesel vehicles, many people are now opting for electric vehicles (EVs) as a greener alternative.  But are EVs really better for the environment than their petrol and diesel counterparts (ICE)?  Let's look at the pros and cons of both types of cars and explore EV vs ICE in order to answer this question. What is the environmental impact of cars? Cars have a significant impact on the environment, with both petrol and diesel cars producing harmful pollutants that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Petrol cars emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, while diesel cars also emit higher levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The impact of these pollutants on the environment is considerable. Air pollution from vehicles is linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease. The transport sector is responsible for arou...

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and it’s important to be aware of which countries are having the greatest impact. Here, we will be flooking at the UK’s contribution to climate change compared to China’s, to better understand the relative influence each nation has on the environment. By examining the evidence, we can gain a clearer perspective on how the UK’s impact on climate change compares to China’s. Understanding Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases Climate change is a significant global concern caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The most commonly emitted greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), all of which are mainly generated through human activities. The release of these gases is mainly due to the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas for energy generation, transportation, and industrial processes. As one of the most populous countries in the world, China is consid...

Making small changes in our daily lives can go a long way towards reducing emissions and CO2. If we all work together, we can make a big impact on the environment. Here we'll look at 10 simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help reduce emissions and CO2. Each of these strategies is easy to implement and won't cost you too much money or effort. Read on to learn how you can do your part to reduce emissions and CO2. 1) Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting One of the most effective ways to improve your carbon footprint and live a greener lifestyle is by switching to energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Many traditional appliances and light bulbs use more energy than necessary, resulting in higher electricity bills and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting, on the other hand, use significantly less energy while still providing the same level of functionality. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances like refrigerato...

Climate change is a topic that has been at the forefront of global conversations for many years. Many people are concerned with whether or not humans are truly responsible for the changes in climate that we are currently witnessing. Are human emissions the cause of climate change, or is it part of a natural cycle? Here, we look at the evidence to see what is truly to blame for climate change.  What is Climate Change? Climate change is a term used to describe the long-term alterations in the Earth's climate, which have been occurring for millions of years. In recent years, there's been an unprecedented rise in the average global temperature. This is commonly referred to as the climate emergency.  The facts on climate change show that human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release vast amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, leading to ...