Environment News – Why Dads Are Happier | You’re Too Clean! | Coal-Free Britain
Some bite-sized pieces of news from the environment this week.
15 May, 2019
Britain didn’t use coal to generate electricity last week – for the first time since 1882, when Queen Victoria was on the throne. Coal-fired plants are still used in the UK, but now mostly only as a backup during high demand. Wind power is cheaper and of course better for the environment – reducing coal use is responsible for halving electricity generation emissions since 2013.
The Trump organization owns 8 buildings in New York which are “among the biggest polluters in New York City,” according to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. If the group doesn’t reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings, it could face more than $2 million in yearly fines starting in 2030. The organisation is not happy – there was a “temper tantrum” according to the Mayor. Making buildings eco-friendly is probably not high on the President’s list of things he wants to do.
Around the world, politicians mostly agree that slowing climate change and embracing renewable energy is vital. But all the words mean nothing. Sadly, a new report shows that governments around the world are still spending most of their investment money on new ways to burn fossil fuels. The report also notes that fracking in the United States alone produces 6 million barrels of oil a day. Global demand for energy is increasing as more people buy air conditioners and other creature comforts. And we’re not building enough low-carbon electric plants to keep up.
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A new book confirms what I have been saying for years. We’re too clean! Antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers stop our immune systems from protecting us from germs. As a result, we have an explosion of allergies, lupus, celiac disease and more. Stop using antibacterial cleaners, don’t take antibiotics unless absolutely vital, and allow your kids to get messy and eat dirt or soil (or mud pies). “An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System,” is available on Amazon.
The amount of carbon dioxide in our planet’s atmosphere has reached a new high. April’s average was 413.52 parts per million, a new record. Its expected that we’ll breach the 415 ppm threshold this month. Since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has increased by more than 45 percent – thanks to us using fossil fuels for our cars, air conditioners, hamburgers and gadgets.
Dads are happier than moms, according to a new study from the US. The stereotypes of parents might explain it. Mums look after buying diapers or nappies, packing lunches, homework, doctors’ appointments, school and play activities and all the daily kid responsibilities. Dad typically helps but doesn’t have to carry as much of the weight. So when dads spend time with their kids, they tend to play. When moms spend time with the kids, it’s often more practical, and includes keeping track of to-dos and schedules. The report suggests that moms would be happier if they played with their kids more. But Moms have less time for play.
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Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download your free green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here.