We grumble all the time because it’s been too hot – and still is, even as we know quite well that the sun could be the main and most reliable source of natural energy for these islands.

Over the years, different governments launched various initiatives by which to ensure that solar energy would come into wider use for the direct generation of electric power in households, with a carry over of any surplus into the electricity grid.

Despite the progress that has been achieved, the suspicion remains that we have not done “everything” necessary to generate all the energy that could be tapped from the sun. It would be a pity if this issue is converted into a political football. If the situation calls for more action and for new ideas in this sector, let it be done and let them be found. The events that have been building up as a result of global climate warming and this year, others related to energy security, make it imperarive to objectively consider what could be done better in this area.

Perhaps we need some independent assessment that would evaluate clinically what has been achieved up to now to develop solar energy and following that, how to maximise its use.  

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ROAD PRIORITIES

Given how management of roads gets organized, it has become clear what our priorities are as a society when dealing with traffic issues.

The first priority is the interests of drivers of cars, including trucks and buses. The second priority refers to cyclists and riders of e-scooters. In last place come pedestrians.

Typically the success of investment in road building is judged by how much time is being cut from travel by car between two points. This demonstrates that throughout past decades, we have lacked a valid balance in the criteria adopted when investment commitments of public funds are being launched and then run.

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PRINT MEDIA

One can understand why the financial position of the print media in this country has become increasingly delicate. Not so long ago, one might have made an exception for just one title; but that does not hold any more. The almost total absence of advertisements (except for some government notices) in all newspapers is quite evident, so much so that the practice of publishing “sponsored” articles – which was never followed previously – has become quite widespread.

To make matters worse, while the online communications services of the same newspapers are widely followed, they remain free of charge. It seems that the attempts to make their use subject to a fee got nowhere. And so the income from them totally depends on the advertising they attract. True, this has grown lately. But it is doubtful whether a press stable can be financially sustainable solely on such a basis. Abroad, the cases where this has happened are very few.

The precarious situation of journalism is worrying. Though the fourth estate, as it is called, has lost some of the credibility which it enjoyed, it still plays a crucial role in any democracy.

29 August 2022