Tag: Life

Climate hacktivism ai style!

Another hot day in the UK lots of wildlife fires breaking out across western europe and so I thought to my self what could or should I do in this real life climate crisis ratcheting up on planet earth.

At first I thought why not write an email to some of my favourite musicians and ask them what they felt about climate activism and could they write a song to promote their views and feelings on the issue – I thought that this would be a lot to ask of them though so thought of my next target that of the new government in the UK. Andy Burnham has just been voted in by his party to be our next leader or Prime minster so I thought I would contact the different departments of government and ask them instead what they were doing and also what I could or should be doing myself. I sent the following letter to them this afternoon with the help of Copilot to get their email addresses and draft the letter to make it more professional looking.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you out of deep concern for the escalating climate crisis and the increasingly visible impacts we are experiencing here in the United Kingdom and across the world. It feels as though we are no longer asking whether climate change is happening, but instead confronting the harder question of whether we are truly doing enough to prevent the worst outcomes.

As our shared home—the Earth—faces what feels like a slow passing away through a “death by a thousand burns,” with rising temperatures, intensifying wildfires, deforestation, and widespread ecological destruction, the warnings have become so frequent that they risk being treated as normal. Extreme weather events across western Europe, conflict over land and resources in other parts of the world, and the growing instability caused by environmental degradation all point to a crisis unfolding on our doorstep.

My purpose in writing is to ask: What is the plan? What is being done—right now—to prevent further climate catastrophe in the summer of 2026 and beyond? And does the Government believe that current action is sufficient to ensure that we will still have a stable, habitable planet by the time my generation grows old?

I appreciate that many departments hold different but interconnected responsibilities for climate action. For example:

  • The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero oversees emissions reduction, energy transition, and net‑zero strategy.
  • The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for nature recovery, biodiversity, water quality, air quality, and environmental protection.
  • The Department for Transport shapes decarbonisation of roads, rail, aviation, and maritime transport.
  • HM Treasury determines the scale and direction of investment needed for a green economy.
  • The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government influences planning, housing standards, and local climate resilience.

Given the urgency of the situation, I would be grateful if you could provide:

  1. A clear outline of the department’s current climate priorities and actions, particularly those planned or underway in 2026.
  2. Information on how these actions align with the UK’s legally binding net‑zero commitments, and whether additional measures are being considered.
  3. Guidance on how citizens like myself can constructively contribute, whether through public consultations, local engagement, or direct communication with relevant ministers or committees.
  4. Advice on which departments, ministers, or parliamentary groups are most appropriate to contact regarding specific areas of climate policy.

I am not writing out of pessimism, but out of a desire to understand how we can collectively respond to the overwhelming truth that the climate crisis is real, present, and accelerating. I want to play a constructive role in ensuring that we all have a planet to call home in the decades ahead.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I would greatly appreciate any information, guidance, or direction you can provide.

Kind regards,

Huw

I’m please with what I sent and have no idea if I will get a response or what I might have to do if they do respond.

But hopefully to be continued.

The Fire – Official Video – by Rosie Eade

Understanding the Surge of Global Conflicts Amidst Climate Crises

The 2020s have unfolded as a decade of overlapping crises — pandemics, political instability, economic shocks, and a sharp resurgence of war. But beneath the headlines lies a deeper question: are wars genuinely more common today, and if so, are climate pressures and diminishing resources part of the cause?

Conflict research suggests the answer to the first question is yes. The second is more complicated.

Recent data from global conflict monitors shows that state‑based wars have reached their highest levels since World War II, driven by major conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Myanmar. Wars and armed conflicts have become significantly more common and deadly since 2020, reaching their highest levels since World War II. This marks a clear break from the relative stability of the early 2000s and 2010s.

The New Landscape of War

The post‑2020 conflict environment is defined by several striking shifts:

  • Record-high active state conflicts
  • Annual battle deaths exceeding 240,000
  • Foreign interventions doubling since 2008
  • Global military spending rising to $2.9 trillion

These trends point to a world where diplomacy is weakening, geopolitical rivalry is intensifying, and international norms are eroding.

One particularly alarming metric is that peace agreements are failing, with only 4% of conflicts ending via treaties compared to 23% in the 1970s.

The machinery of peace is breaking down. There seems to be less will for peace and greater investment in sustained conflict.

Climate Change: Not the Spark, but the Fuel

Climate change and resource scarcity are often cited as causes of modern conflict. Yet the evidence shows they are not primary drivers — they are risk multipliers.

Climate as a Threat Multiplier

Climate change rarely ignites wars directly. Instead, it destabilises societies already under strain:

  • Droughts destroy crops and livelihoods
  • Floods displace communities
  • Desertification pushes pastoralists into farming regions
  • Extreme weather undermines fragile governments

Climate change does not typically cause direct inter-state warfare. Instead, it worsens underlying social and economic vulnerabilities.

When livelihoods collapse, recruitment by armed groups becomes easier. When governments fail to respond, grievances deepen. When desperation rises, violence follows.

Scarcity — and Abundance — of Resources

Resource scarcity fuels localised conflicts, especially in fragile regions:

  • Water shortages
  • Loss of arable land
  • Competition between herders and farmers

But abundance can be even more dangerous.

The global race for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare minerals — essential for green technology — has intensified geopolitical competition. In places like the DRC, resource wealth funds armed groups and prolongs war.

The War–Climate Feedback Loop

The relationship between war and climate is not one‑directional. It is a destructive cycle.

Global militaries account for roughly 5.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions… war heavily accelerates climate change.

Conflict destroys infrastructure, burns cities, and releases massive emissions. Rebuilding after war produces even more.

Climate change increases conflict risk. Conflict accelerates climate change. A vicious loop.

Some might argue that the real drivers of Post‑2020 conflict are as follows – but these assumptions lead to more questions than answers

Despite environmental pressures, the perceived influential drivers of modern war remain political:

  • Weak governance and corruption
  • Breakdown of diplomacy
  • Major powers ignoring international norms
  • Foreign interventions escalating local conflicts
  • Rising authoritarianism and geopolitical rivalry

Climate change amplifies these forces, but for me increasing wars and fights for resources were very much predicted to be on the cards years ago as an output due to climate crisis, global warming and a hunt for resources.

Conclusion: A Hotter World, A Colder Politics

Wars are more common in the 2020s — not because the planet is simply running out of resources, but because political systems are failing to manage the pressures of a warming, crowded, unequal world.

Climate change doesn’t start wars. But it makes them easier to start, harder to stop, and far more devastating.

The 2020s show us a world where environmental stress and geopolitical instability now move in tandem. Understanding this relationship is essential if we hope to break the cycle.

To infinity or Totnes and beyond!

So I did celebrated hitting my 50th year by spending a long weekend in Totnes in Devon. Catching up with some great friends whilst also meeting some new people too.

I had a few Guinness

Started most mornings there with a croissant and coffee (not a Guinness) and on my birthday had an almond and cherry croissant to start the day, it was lush.

Then after meeting a friend in the day had a few beers and finally settled on a curry in the evening which was h a chicken madras and mushroom bhaji and pilau rice again really good quality grub.

The accommodation was a great choice and right in the centre of town with everything on its door step.

Stereophonics – Song For The Summer

Navigating Aggressive Encounters at a Local Pub

I’m writing this having a nap after a few beers in my belly after having got home from a night out. I was out at a local pub and had been told by local friends that I person in the pub was being aggressive and hostile to singers (including me) as they sang, unnecessarily criticising them like he was Simon Cowell on a professional night of judgement which I thought was was unfair and unnecessary.

 I  did not see the said person that was doing this but knew the person saying this was happening was being truthful and honest. So I joined in and had a go at him and challenged his behaviour . It got to the point where he was asking me to ‘step outside’ which is completely pointless I’m not that kind of guy. We finally shook hands and agreed to disagree after a heated discussion. I was told after said discussion that people would have intervened if needed while challenging this guy who hated people singing in the pub and let people know it.

If he had turned on me its likely we could have had a stupid fight but luckily he didn’t, the discussion I had with him saying everyone that gets up and sings on the night that I know sings from the hearts and there for he should not judge them for their singing ability resulted in the guts partner leaving and then he left after some heated discussion with me too.

I did feel bad for him after he left and we left on ok terms and shook hands instead of fists, but he is and will continue to be unpleasant to others in his head or under his breath or out loud1. But I feel I should not have stepped up and make his opinions my problems. I do feel right now a little set up to step into this situation and ultimately there were no winners with me stepping in and he looked old but very ready for a fight with me and I feel old and did not enjoy fighting in my teens let alone tonight. It was a car crash of a situation to be involved in and I do fee l feel relieved to now be home at last after this.

Celebrating 50: A Birthday Getaway in Totnes

A week on Sunday and I will be in a Devon Town called Totnes for a birthday get away. It’s my 50 birthday and so I wanted to do something different and hopefully memorable in a positive way. It will be the first time that I have stayed as a guest on holiday since going to Ireland with my Dad in 2024 for St Patricks day. Although its just a train ride down the track rather than a flight or a ferry it means a lot to me to try and get away and do something a little different.

Totnes is a historic and vibrant market town in South Devon, England, located on the River Dart. Renowned for its bohemian counterculture and focus on sustainability, the town features a steep High Street lined with independent boutiques, ethical restaurants, and wholefood cafes, sitting in the shadow of a medieval castle.

I’m really looking forward to getting there. I went and did a little recce (reconnaissance) a few weeks ago to decide whether or not I really wanted to go and stay there and loved the place and area and even took a look and had a meal and a pint at the pub that I will be staying in. Though it will be hot I hope to find places to keep my cool while there.

I have also ordered a t-shirt that I hope arrives in time to take with me which is a dragon singing design that I am having made up.

Front of new designed t-shirt
Back of new ordered t-shirt

Being the first holiday with out my dad will be strange and also running into my 50 year while there will be strange to. if any one asked me how life is I could turn around and say yes not to bad thank you. I am grateful to presently have good mental health and not to bad physical health. I enjoy the company of good friends and also have close friends to call on when I need or want to. Social life is pretty good and though work can be a challenge I work with good people that help me get the job done.

Nothing is perfect nor should it be but it would have been nice to have had a chance to have another relationship / partner or something like that by now – the thought still somewhat terrifies me but it would still be nice to try again. I really think I would never have the energy or mental well being to have had children but most people that I meet that are single and want to mingle have been there and got the t-shirt of parenthood already so that pressure is not really on me or any potential partner.

Some friends have been busy getting in and out of relationships or sorts this year and I have been happy for them but also hoping I get to give it a try again at some time too but most likely will continue to tick along as I am. I am a nightmare hoping for the right person at the right time in the right place. Well we do live learn and love!

Don’t you worry child (Radio Edit) – Swedish House Mafia, John Martin

Unique Red Dragon T-Shirt Inspired by Fantasy Art

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4515994213/red-dragon-reading-at-typewriter-t-shirt?sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=shop_home_active_1&logging_key=c3707b5926850bb6c0a4638b76a506df8267a0eb%3A4515994213

So I had been thinking about printing a T-shirt for myself with one of the images that I have created for my website and have designed a T-shirt with the following T-shirt design.

They are made and shipped out from the USA and I have been experimenting with other possible designs to maybe do to. I have ordered one for myself so I can see what the qulaity is like and how long it takes to get from the US to the UK.

I love the red dragon not just because I am a Welshman and the dragon is on our national flag but I have always loved mythical creatures and fantasy art.

If all goes well here are a few other ideas I have too. Or again I mght just make one up for myself.

I love the designs and think its so clever that computer designs can put into picture ideas that you have in your mind.

Queen – Dragon Attack (Official Lyric Video)

It’s been a beautifully busy month (time)

One idea ticking away on my brain this morning is the concept of time. I sometimes wonder too much about what time is how does it exist and what should I do with it. In many ways time is an illusion. In my mind there is no past now, for it has already happened and there is no future for it has not yet happened the only time that we ever live within is now.

So what time is it well the time is always now. I find this kind of acknowledgment of time as being now not yesterday or tomorrow as reassuring too. As yesterdays trauma is not now and tomorrows worries are also not now and so to focus in the now results in a better ability to make the most out of the time I actually have.

There are also certain things I always try and make time for firstly time to write my blog and express my views on the world and explore my views and interpretations on what is happening.

Secondly time for family and friends – to see them and talk to them and listen to them and if possibly be helped or help them.

Thirdly time for work and play. Work to pay my way and play to recharge my batteries and allow me to fight another time or day.

Fourthly time to vote (I don’t think I have missed an election yet and so long as I can make it to the voting booth I will continue to do so – why have a say if you dont have a vote?

Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth (Official Audio)

The voters have spoken across the UK

But have the politicians in power listened? Members of Parliament in the Labour Party this evening are starting to put wheels into motion to remove the Labour Prime Minster, Keir Starmer from office as the head of the UK government. The necessary evil about politics and human nature is people do not like to speak out, protest or show dissent unless or until they feel what is politically happening directly affects them it appears this even relates directly to Labour members of Parliament.

Abstract red rose with fragmented, shattered petals on a textured gray background

If Starmer goes he will be a casualty of not only his own poor policy decisions and a straight jacketed poor election manifesto which promised to not increase peoples income tax whilst trying to fix austerity of the Conservative years of government mismanagement and cut backs. The billion pound elephant in the room is always the need to tax wealth of the rich which will potentially destabilise financial markets whilst make enemies of the wealthy press and media empires of the world whilst tackling the genuine black holes of multimillionaires absorbing wealth and financial assets and turning them merely into digits on a spread sheet which society is locked out of benefiting from until we tax it back.

Sadly the Labour Party does not seem ready for the challenges that the UK really needs to face up to but who is ready to if not them? I wrote a blog post below back in November 2024 about Labours’ downfall from what it appeared to be good policies at the time and sadly things went and got a lot worse for them even quicker than they might have thought. Well in the UK many buisness are presently going bust due to UK economic and the global economic climate, it seems parties and Prime Ministers can go bust too.

Sowing the seeds of descent from the fruits of victory

A goose stepped boot of fascism has Reformed and has its hold on the body of the UK

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has emerged as a significant force on the British right by capitalizing on anger over immigration, the cost of living, and disillusionment with mainstream parties. They really have smashed through into a form of political mainstream acceptability and voted in by considerable political sales and gullibility and buy in to what ever Farage is choosing to peddle to the masses.

Political Shifting: The party has successfully shifted the UK political spectrum to the right, with some observers positioning them as a radical right populist party that challenges liberal democratic norms, rather than a classical fascist movement.

Have we not seen and heard this all before – there is a old economic phrase if the “When America sneezes, the world catches a cold” is a long-standing economic adage, popular since the 1929 Great Depression, highlighting that a U.S. economic downturn (the sneeze) causes severe global financial instability (the cold). It stems from an 1830s phrase by Klemens von Metternich regarding France. It seems that the US fascism through Trump is being exported across the world right now too. Also exporting chaos and crisis caused by Trumps war with Iran is also causing a cold economic climate for the world and the UK is economically feeling the shivers from the increase in prices in fuel, food and future product purchases and companies left, right and centre going bust like I have not seen in nearly 30 years or so in the UK. It’s easier and also neater to blame the UK government and punish them during voting at election time for forces well out of UK politicians and peoples control.

Capitalizing on Discontent: Reform draws support by exploiting dissatisfaction with both the Conservative and Labour parties. Nigel Farage and his party, Reform UK, have positioned themselves as a “plague on both your houses” alternative to the traditional Conservative and Labour parties in the UK, feeding on voter disillusionment and anger toward the political establishment – this sounds almost very Trump like in its regurgitating into the political arguments ok the UK just like the US.

Anti-Immigration Sentiment: The party focuses heavily on immigration, which has fuelled its support. This is sadly very popular for the majority of people in the UK blame the foreigners for your own short comings, hate a foreigner for your own self loaving and lastly blame the foreigner not the billionaires for the problems destroying the society and nations that we all thought we lived in and love.

Populist Rhetoric: Nigel Farage presents the party as a defender of “the people” against a “corrupt elite,” a common populist strategy. This picture is very much echoed by the mainstream giants of the press such as Murdoc owning press.

Defections: Several former Conservative MPs and members have joined Reform, strengthening its position. To me this is just a rehashing and reinvention of the right wing wealthy classes who historically maintain power in the UK and globally – I have seen it happen a lot in British media when the right wing really show their teeth and do not pull their punches in hating the enemy and doing their damnedest to make sure you hate them to.

Social Media and Technology: The rise is facilitated by social media, which allows for the rapid spread of far-right ideologies and populist narratives.

There are a lot of fake, dishonest or false narrative social media accounts churning out hate speech on social media today boasting about how much they hate the left love Reform this is sadly new to me but its just a another weapon in the armoury of the wealthy and far right.

What does this all mean to a United Kingdom and does Nigel Farage now have the keys to Downing Street and the heart of British politics in 3 years time? Sadly I think it does it appears wealth, hate and might are presently stronger across the world and UK love, peace and righteousness reasoning.

Farage and Trump have infiltrated fascism into the western world in a way that Hitler could only dream of.

Leaving Europe has seriously economically damaged the UK although initiated by Farage he seems to be the master beneficiary of the pain and no gain that has happened due to this.

Globally taking placed wars orchestrated by power players such as Putin and Trump and climate damage due to climate change (ignored by Trump and Farage) are bound to result in immigrants escaping with their lives to places that they stand a better change to live and thrive and survive and rather than try to understand and respect peoples fears and attempts to make a better life, we demonise them and teach and promote the hating of them so as to avoid the real enemy that of excessive manipulation of us for the benefit of the billionaires classes and to maintain their power and wealth to exploit and play with the rest of us as there toys or digits on a spreadsheet rather than free thinking and feeling human beings that we are.

Whether To Weather The Storm

Sometimes I find myself and others in crisis, not one of there making but one that they or myself or others are very much being weathered by and emotionally unable to take shelter from what is raining down.

Although the instinct is sometimes to try and wipe them or yourself dry with reassuring words and all knowing answers, such words and answers can not always stop the emotional rain.

its upsetting and frustrating for both you and a person caught in an emotional storm, but sometimes its better to wait for a storm to pass before you look for a place to recharge from the storm. Sometimes you will only know a storm will have passed once the darn thing has finished and not knowing what it will do or when it will stop can be frustrating in its self.

On an economic front there is a storm coming in the UK. Lots of business some long established business have been being announced as going bust in the UK and it really does feel like we are on the cusp of an economic storm of a recession with concerns on job fronts, stock market highs leading to potential stock market lows and Trumps war in the middle east and threats of tariffs and tantrums to those that don’t support his brain rotten madness there really are potentially several economic storms on the horizon.