adding to the debate...
what about the impact of our food system upon spain and portugal's severe
shortage of water this summer?
our juicy supermarket melons and peppers are mainly derived from these
areas, sucking up vast quantities of water that is desperately needed by
local people.
and another argument for holidaying at home, or abandoning the traditional
idea of holidaying, is the demand we place on resources in these tourist
destinations - particularly water. e.g. the vast quantities of brits
descending on spain, swimming in large pools, playing golf on pristine
courses that take 9 litres per square metre. not to mention the extra
electricity burden. when water is taken from areas it is not normally
sourced form, it can change the ecology of the area, perhaps permanently.
the impact could be felt here sooner than people think. the french
government is considering closing some hydro and nuclear plants (presumably
due to lack of coolant) in response to the drought. the knock on effect will
most likely be the exporting of electricity to britain and germany this
summer. water and power shortages in the south east this summer?
this coupled perhaps with shortages of certain foods normally imported from
southern europe (or at least higher prices) might make people sit up and
think...might.
regards,
Jonathan
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