From time to time, I fantasise about confronting ageing climate change deniers (such as Nigel Lawson (89), Peter Lilley (78) or Ann Widdecombe (74)). If you do not trust the graphs and tables from the scientists, I would say, just use your own experience. When you were young, can you recall a year when it did not snow; can you think of a recent year when it did?
That day-dream came back to me when listening to Hannah Cloke this morning. Jim Al-Khalili asked his hydrologist and climate scientist guest why, when the mathematical models were now so good, people did not act when the European Flood Alert System which she helped set up gave reliable warnings that floods were on their way. People forget quickly, she replied.
The powers that be forget that old coal tips are unstable, even after Aberfan. Hence Tylorstown. Houses are still being built in flood plains. And how long will the flood in Skewen be remembered, except by the people who live here?
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