Chapter 7 – the climate catastrophe part 3

July 2022

First draft

Looking at the size and complexity of the challenges facing us, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and scared of the scale of changes we need to make. I also feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the issue but am trying to make some steps in the right direction.

What are examples of issues we could do something about?

I wrote about the issue of replacing my ancient graphics card in my computer back in early 2020. Two years down the line I still have it! This is mainly because replacement and more modern cards have been insanely over-priced since then and are only now beginning to approach recommended resale prices. At the time I was mainly considering issues of price and performance but also the issue of power usage. Current options such as the AMD RX 6600, which would tick the performance box, still use up to around approximately 150W. This is approximately what all the LED lights in our flat use if all are on. This really made me stop and think.

Corona diaries – day 40ish – thinking about updating a graphics card

Thoughts about buying a new AMD graphics card to replace my ancient 7950.

Here’s an interesting article from 2019 about power usage in PCs / computers in particular graphics cards:

and an article from an Australian state government agency about how to save energy in computer use:

Reduce computer running costs at home | Sustainability Victoria

Computers account for up to 5% of home electricity use.

So I think the issue of energy usage as energy gets more expensive for consumers will get more important. Options to better regulate energy consumption will also become more of a factor.

Whilst we’re about it, how much does a google search use in energy terms?

The Surprising Energy Used In Google Search

Doing a Google search doesn’t cause any CO2 emissions, does it? It turns out that it does. Find out how much of a carbon footprint Google leaves for

and the internet as a whole:

The internet consumes extraordinary amounts of energy. Here’s how we can make it more sustainable

How much energy does the internet use, and – given recent technological advances – could it ever run on renewable energy alone?

What are other things we can do?

Change your light bulbs to LEDs:

LED Lighting

The LED, one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies, has the potential to change the future of lighting in t…

Examples given at energysage.com :

Here are 15 ways to start conserving energy yourself:

• Adjust your day-to-day behaviors
• Replace your light bulbs
• Use smart power strips
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Use energy efficient appliances
• Reduce water heating expenses
• Install energy efficient windows
• Upgrade your HVAC system
• Weatherize your home
• Insulate your home
• Wash your clothes in cold water
• Replace your air filters
• Use your microwave instead of your stove
• Use natural light
• Dress appropriately for the weather inside and outside

Energy Conservation: 15 Ways to Save Energy | EnergySage

Check out our top 15 energy conservation techniques – the best ways to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

What are things I should be doing?

Well there are ideas above to start with and it’s going to need each and every one of us to meet this massive challenge in order to keep our planet a safe place to live for us.

More in part 4…