Food shortages ?

[Observer II]

The rise of globalisation and the reliance on world interdependence seems to be breaking down due to the Ukraine conflict and sanctions.  What was an obvious observation, IE that HMS UK should seek to achieve self sufficiency in all things, in order to cut back on international reliance, we've waited until the last minute again, and will no doubt suffer accordingly.     😠

[Observer II]

Seems we may suffer power outages this Winter due to lack of supply.  Whilst we don't rely on Russian gas, the EU does; so they'll be using up our supplies from Norway, Belgium and elsewhere. Now HMG are scrabbling to re-fire coal powered stations, but alas it may not be enough to stop us freezing this Winter -  last minute politics again.  

[Bill]

In which case it may be a good idea holding off on Fiddlers Ferry if it’s not already too late for that.

It won’t be easy, but I think we’ll be ok as we have two things working in our favour on this. First off, the price of energy is going up again and this will cause people to be a bit more careful about their energy usage. Secondly, I reckon the British people will recognise any shortage as being primarily due to a war that our government can’t do much about and as such will do their best to cut back on usage.

Long term we should try to be self-sufficient but that involves putting huge amounts of cash into long term projects at a time when energy from external sources is relatively cheap. It’s rather like the ground source heat pump argument where long term it makes sense, but you don’t do it because it’s mega expensive and gas is currently cheap.

 

Bill 😊

[Observer II]

It's due to the perpetual myopia of UK Governments, toying with knee jerk fads like "net zero", rather than securing long term self sufficiency for Britain.  Whilst total self sufficiency may not be feasible, at least some effort in that direction would help.   They've played about with wind and sunlight, while we have an island battered by wave power and rivers providing potential energy, that doesn't rely on wind or sunshine.  Under the EU we saw farmers being paid to leave land fallow, rather than producing our own food, instead of relying on foreign imports.   Cut backs on energy use will only apply to those who cannot afford it,  home insulation  would reduce consumption, but again that's a long term commitment that UK Governments appear incapable of, because our politics run from one election to the next, and long term planning has no place in it.    😠

[Evil Sid]

1 hour ago, Observer II said:

home insulation  would reduce consumption, but again that's a long term commitment that UK Governments appear incapable of

given the number of free loft insulation check phone calls i have had over the past couple of week at least somebody is trying.

Oh a new one today a free double glazed window inspection.

all of which state that it is a gov initiative, oh and they are not trying to sell you anything,honest they are not, I believe them as well NOT.

[Observer II]

who pays ? Who can afford ?