British Business Suffers From Global Warming
by Bonnie Alter, London on 05. 7.07
Traditional British weather is changing--no longer is this a wet and rainy country. Last summer there was a drought for months on end and this has been the hottest April since 1865. As a result, British camping outfitters are feeling the heat. Blacks, one of the big ones, has reported huge drops in profits and said that it is making changes to its inventory as a result of global warming. Their biggest problem is the warmer British weather. Sales of jackets and rainwear have plummeted and they are starting to carry lighter-weight summer fabrics and winter clothes that rely more on layers. Boots, the pharmacy, has reported an increase in sales of suntan lotion and hay fever pills. A large department store, John Lewis, said that people are buying fans and air conditioners much earlier in the season and they have seen a 60% increase in sales compared to last year. They are also stocking more shawls and lighter-weight coats rather than heavier knits. The effect of warmer weather has also affected energy companies. Shell had less demand from gas customers and is now accelerating its plans for its solar and wind businesses. British Gas has announced plans to sell solar panels, home energy surveys and more efficient boilers to make up for the fall in demand. Housing developers are increasingly building houses with additional insulation to keep summer heat out, rather than winter heat in. Even that quintessential British dish--fish and chips--has been affected: a combination of warmer seas and over-fishing has endangered the cod stocks. This is serious because the UK consumes 80% of European cod, and one third of global stocks--most in a batter with chips. :: Guardian
