In the UK and Europe recently we have been hearing of horse meat being in beef products, without correct labelling.
As we know, horse meat is fit for human consumption providing it has gone through the correct processing and checks. The issue could be said to be labelling, if we knew horse meat was in a product then we as consumers could make an informed decision.
Some instances are now coming to light where not only is there unlabelled horse meat in products, but it is not fit for human consumption as it contains drugs used for treating horses which are not accepted in the human food chain.
So what do our politicians suggest we do about it? The most pointless I have heard of so far is the plan to press for country of origin labelling.
At least we will know the nationality of the horse we may be eating!
The concept of tighter controls over the food chain and better tracking of ingredients from farm to plate seems to be secondary.
Modern technology should make this easier, and better inspection / regulation should be implemented to prevent this scenario being repeated.
Dobbin burger anyone?
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Climate Change - the Unseen Reason
Much is being said about climate change and there is debate as to how much of this is natural and how much is a result of our lifestyles.
We can see that analysing data shows the climate does indeed change over time. Historical evidence show that there have been cycles of change in planetary temperature and we are at some point in one of these.
Whilst we cannot determine how much change would have occurred without mankind, I think we can assume that we may have an effect on the climate, be it with our demand for electricity, heating, transport or even food (think methane from cattle for example).
Steps are being taken to reduce our impact by making vehicles more efficient, generating power from renewable energy sources, using heat from solar panels and ground heat systems.
One area however that has a significant impact but is not often mentioned to my knowledge is population growth.
If we kept the population of the planet fixed (impossible I know!) and reduced their energy requirements then the impact on climate could be reduced.
However the population of the planet continues to grow. As it does so there are more people requiring transport, using power and wanting to keep warm. Total energy requirements therefore will go up as a result of this.
Should we not be looking at controlling population growth as part of our attempt to minimise our impact on the climate. There are other ways in which growing populations impact upon the climate, such as clearing of trees to make room for housing or food growing.
We need to look at the total picture - not just pick the low hanging fruit.
We can see that analysing data shows the climate does indeed change over time. Historical evidence show that there have been cycles of change in planetary temperature and we are at some point in one of these.
Whilst we cannot determine how much change would have occurred without mankind, I think we can assume that we may have an effect on the climate, be it with our demand for electricity, heating, transport or even food (think methane from cattle for example).
Steps are being taken to reduce our impact by making vehicles more efficient, generating power from renewable energy sources, using heat from solar panels and ground heat systems.
One area however that has a significant impact but is not often mentioned to my knowledge is population growth.
If we kept the population of the planet fixed (impossible I know!) and reduced their energy requirements then the impact on climate could be reduced.
However the population of the planet continues to grow. As it does so there are more people requiring transport, using power and wanting to keep warm. Total energy requirements therefore will go up as a result of this.
Should we not be looking at controlling population growth as part of our attempt to minimise our impact on the climate. There are other ways in which growing populations impact upon the climate, such as clearing of trees to make room for housing or food growing.
We need to look at the total picture - not just pick the low hanging fruit.
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