Like many my age I clearly remember the panic to remove sulphur from fuel because of the effects of Acid Rain.  In fact I have seen the effects of acid rain personally and it really does kill the trees.

 

Now remember that trees are a global CO2 absorbtion device so we need the trees.  Also remember that ulta low sulphur diesel is the cheap one and that there is a massive programme to get rid of sulphur emitting fuels.

 

So imagine my incredulity when I read an article by some Supposedly sensible scientists who tell us the reason we are having rapid warming is because we don't have enough sulphur in the atmosphere to reflect the heat away.  In fact we need to emulate a Volcano and put loads of sulphur up there.

 

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not really that agressive, but what the HELL are these idiots doing?  They want one thing then they want the next.  It's like a bunch of schoolyard kids squabbling over who knows britney best.....

 

Now I read the scientific press and more importantly I go to the sites where they get their data and get a first hand look.  There is only one way to stop what is going on right now and that is massive action on the same scale as the problem was caused.  That means every single person, government and company on the planet needs to start creating carbon reserviors and reducing emissions.

 

OK so now we have fairlyland over and done with, what CAN we realistically do?

 

Start looking for higher land that we can use to live on and defend from the ravening hordes when they arrive.  Plus we need a food supply...

 

Australia in their fith year of drought, the Amazon starting a die back to savanna, countries drowning in water.  Violent storms.

 

Ah yes violent storms, did anyone hear that Rosario in Argentina had a massive storm less than two weeks ago?  North facing buildings with every window smashed in (even the one's behind wooden shutters), people inside cars injured?  Nothing in the press.

 

Food supply disruption in it's infancy.

 

Is it any wonder that people doubt changes are happening.  That storm was the worst in living memory.  Massive damage.  Any press coverage?  Zip, nada.

 

So time to pucker up and get your head down.

 

I suppose that once global companies actually realise what is happening there'll be a market for "climate risk assessment".  But by then it'll be too late.  Ho Hum....

Holidays can be a stressing thing.  Family expectations meets the need to chill out and do exactly nothing.  So what about going on holiday from the UK to Latin America, meeting your future daughter in law for the first time and going to a wedding.  Travelling with a party of 8 and meeting up with more when you get there?

 

I’m no lightweight when it comes to travelling, I travel by air every week and have had some real nightmares just getting home for the weekend.  However sitting for 13 hrs 20 minutes in a Boeing 777 seat, less leg room than Ryanair and a seat back jammed in your face is NOT what I’d call fun.  Add to that an overnight flight, 2 hrs sleep and a 4 hour timezone difference and I’m not your best buddy.

 

So we arrived in Argentina tired and “travelled”. The intrepid voyagers went out that afternoon and looked around the shopping.  I slept!

 

After a very quick tour of Buenos Aires we left for Rosario.  My impression?  Come back and spend a week, 2 days is nothing.

 

We had booked 3 days at the Iguaçu falls.  Just as well.  It was the closest to a tourist holiday we were going to see and was a really amazing trip.  I was still in “don’t bother me I want to sleep” mode but that had gone by the time we got back.

 

Never mind the fact that the tour company was crap.  That part of the party were in the bus that got a puncture.  The other bus was late twice by 40 minutes.  That when the 40 minute late bus, on the day we were leaving, ripped a whole in its sump at the Brizilian/Argentinian border and basically fried the engine on the way to the airport.  Smoking us in the bargain and arriving late.  However the plane was 40 minutes late so we were able to check in (just).  But the falls made up for all of that.

 

The amazing thing is that I was seriously not stressed.  I didn’t have to be back by any fixed time, the tour company had to deal with the flights if we missed them and it was no skin off my nose if I arrived another day later.  I noticed long before anyone else that the engine was dying, my mechanic background feelers hard at work.  When I heard the Engine hissing I looked behind to see clouds of black and blue smoke coming out of the back.  Cute!  The engine seized solid right at the door to departures followed by clouds of smoke coming out of the bottom of the van.  I was sure it was going to die 5 km before the airport in direct sunlight and baking heat.  Just proves how tough these little Toyota vans are.

 

My goal for the 3 week trip?  See my Son married and try to get 3 weeks rest.

 

I think I managed it for the most part.  I did get dragged out occasionally, but I managed to stick to my book and the Hotel like a limpet.  I was derided by the kids for not going up to the pool on the roof, but I really didn’t need any more sun after Iguaçu so what’s the difference reading my book in the lounge/bar or reading it at the pool.

 

3 weeks later, returned and slightly more relaxed.  At least I’m not inclined to eviscerate anyone who, IMHO, is being an ass.

 

My impression when I came back?  I could sell up in the UK and France, work for one year in the EU contract market and then move to Argentina, work 3 months a year and live a 9 month holiday for the rest of my working life.  Very tempting.  So long as you never go to the expensive places again.

 

It wasn’t harmed by the plethora of pretty girls and older women in Rosario.  Just as well I’m happily married…