Sustainability and environmental concerns in the Yachting Industry

[EJC]

although a debate on the issue of global warming is a good thing, i could i steer this back to issues directly related to the yachting industry?

so, my first question is, is anybody involved with research into alternative materials for boat construction?

 

[Robin]

[ QUOTE ]
I agree, in part, with your intelligent and thorough assessment of the carbon tax issue - although it would seem the most effective wat of encouraging large businesses to reduce their carbon emissions, either that or increase the cost of energy or fuels used in the first place, which is essentially the same tactic just used at a different point in the process. As you feel so strongly about this issue, maybe you could elaborate on your ideas as to how research should be undertaken into finding solutions that will allow us to deal with climate change?


[/ QUOTE ]

Firstly I do not think that a Yachting Forum is any place to discuss climate change, even though you skewed the question to make it seem so.

Secondly - are you even a boat owner, or just someone wanting to make a point?

Thirdly and a possible answer to your question, the basic cause of carbon emissions, other than nature's own in the form of volcanic eruptions and so on is LIFE. So in order to prevent carbon emmissions totally in the shortest possible timescale we have to remove all sources of LIFE, ie all human and animal life on the planet. What we need therefore is total all out WAR, OK in the short term carbon emissions will soar but eventually they will stop dead because all life has ceased so the planet is saved! Of course if this solution is too painful then just remove (ie by taxing to the hilt) all things so we can no longer afford anything, either to buy it, visit it or use it, then we can all give up life and save the planet that way. Or we could take the slightly longer term view and campaign for total birth control.

Fourthly if you just wish to talk about recycling of boats as a means of reducing landfill or waste prevention I suspect you also have some misconceptions as to what happens in practice. My current (GRP) boat is 18 years old, still as good as new and ready to cross oceans. A previous (GRP) boat I owned is still moored nearby and is now 30 years old and still going strong, there are many others similar. Old boats generally do not get scrapped, they may get moved away from smart marinas to cheaper mooring locations but scrapping only becomes necessary after a serious wreck.