By John Maryon
Within the
billions of galaxies that form our universe a vast range of environmental conditions
will exist. In addition to great variations of temperature, with some worlds
seeing rivers of molten iron whilst others are hidden under seas of liquid
methane, large differences of pressure, gravity and solar radiation will occur.
Within this divergency a number of habitats will exist where carbon based life
forms are able to evolve and develop, some with a degree of conscious
intelligence. The stable presence of water in liquid form over billions of
years appears to be a prerequisite for the formation of life.
Human exploitation of natural resources beyond their limit of
self-renewal along with pollution and destruction of the environment spells
disaster – not only for ourselves but also all the other life forms for whom
this is their home. The New Communist Party (NCP) shares these concerns and has
strong policies designed to safeguard the environment and protect life. Threats to human life itself also arise from
disease, accidents, war and capitalist exploitation that causes physical pain
and mental anxiety.
A serious and immediate threat to life is created by the deadly
COVID-19, which could affect millions of people. Most organisms coexist with
other life forms, often forming symbiotic relationships to their mutual
advantage, others however, possess an ability to kill their host. Faced with
the loss of almost half its hospital beds over the last 30 years, crippling
Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes, costly outsourcing and cutbacks set
against a background of an ageing population, the NHS and its staff struggle in
normal times. Today the pressures on this vital service are immense.
Another major threat is from climate change caused by global warming.The
build-up of carbon dioxide, along with
other gases, in the earth's atmosphere has increased the greenhouse effect.
Heat radiated from Earth back into space is at a lower frequency than that
received and is impeded by the polluted air mass causing global temperatures to
rise. An additional hazard arises from the use of industrial chemicals called
chlorofluorocarbons, which can destroy the ozone layer and so allow
harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach
Earth.
The use and disposal of plastics is an important concern. Over 95 per
cent of plastic use for packaging is an unnecessary aid for convenience of
manufactures and image creation. Most of this material is not recycled and can
harm wildlife or enter the food chain.
Conflicts of purpose and effect can occur. The creation of tidal
barriers across the Wash and Bristol Channel could produce an abundance of
green energy, but in doing so destroy the habitats of many birds and sea
creatures. High-speed trains can provide fast, efficient low-carbon transport
but construction would destroy thousands of acres of ancient woodland.
Undoubtedly the use of solar power and wind turbines play a vital part in
reducing emissions, but when the sun is hidden and there is no air movement
they will not function. A backup will then be required that could be fossil
fuel or nuclear powered.
Successful environmental protection involves much more than campaigns
for action on specific issues. Marxists will realise that changes will affect
other things that may also change. Responsible administrations should adopt an
overall integrated strategy that embraces energy, transport, thermal insulation
of homes, packaging limitations, planting of trees, prevention of pollution,
and the creation of parks and wildlife habitat. It is necessary to oppose
vested interests and challenge the selfish attitude of “yes – but not in my backyard!”.
For many years the generation of electricity was based upon a policy of
CO CO NUKE (Coal, Conservation and Nuclear power). Britain had 700 years of
proven coal reserves and over 70 per cent of electricity was produced using
this strategic fuel. The future for coal was seen as using fluidised bed
technology for greater efficiency and less pollution, combined with carbon
entrapment. The early nuclear power stations heralded a brave new world. They
were also able to produce fuel for nuclear weapons. A number of serious
accidents over the years have shown that the risks were far greater than
anticipated.
The key policies of the NCP in relation to all these
issues are as follows
·
Our
party views health care as an essential public service – not as a commodity for
profit. We call for far greater public investment to provide more beds and the
training additional doctors and nurses. The urgent need for improved mental health care must be
supported, and disabled people given greater help and support to become full
and active members of society
·
We
call for the immediate ending of all PFI schemes, all outsourced activities to
be made in-house and a complete stop to private provision.
·
On
environmental issues the NCP totally opposes the process of fracking, which can
pollute the water table, cause earth subsidence and unlock fixed deposits of
carbon.
·
We
reject nuclear power on grounds of safety, leaks and health hazards from spent
fuel, which could have a very long half-life. When decommissioning costs and
fuel storage are taken into account, the process becomes uneconomic.
·
We
call for a planned and integrated energy policy, faster development of
renewable energy and the building of base power stations using carbon
entrapment.
·
Nationalisation
of the utilities, including the national grid, into a publicly owned and fully
integrated industry.
·
We
call for much needed investment into the railways with full public ownership.
The great majority of freight to be transferred from road to rail.
·
The
NCP also calls for all new homes, schools and public sector buildings to be
zero carbon.
If we don't act to protect our environment and take steps to save and
support our wonderful NHS then there will be times when our lives may be on a
knife edge. Within capitalist society decisions are influenced by the market
and the profit motive rather than being based upon science, experience and
need. A socialist society on the other hand, free from the greed,
contradictions and alienation of capitalism, will be better placed to ensure a
safe and secure future for us all.
There can be no doubt that capitalism is bad for your health. Look no
further than People's China and the way in which it has coped with the COVID-19
crisis and is now helping others. Comrade you have fallen – take my hand…
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