In November 2019 the UK lottery celebrated 25 years of saying ” It could be you”. The draw used to be essential viewing on TV twice per week.
To mark the anniversary of its launch many institutions which had benefited from lottery funding gave free admission to those who had a current lottery ticket. A sure fire win so to speak.
So we went to Kew Gardens- sure enough they had a sign up saying National Lottery Heritage Funding.
We were able to wander the gardens and the tree lined avenues
They also have some note-able glass houses. Some of the plants are unique examples where they are at risk of becoming extinct in their original habitat.
It was at that point that we noticed that we were on the flight path into London Heathrow
The significance of all this became clear when we were leaving.
Much has been made about the issue of climate change and how water levels are due to rise. Well it was quite a shock to see how high the levels of the Thames is at high water relative to the level of the car park.
Kew Gardens did seem particularly close to the level of the Thames on the day we visited. Flooding events are quoted as potentially as high as 1 in 1000 dependent on storm surges and heavy rain.
So to finalise we are happy to participate in a Lottery where the odds are
- Lotto jackpot: 1 in 45,057,474.
- EuroMillions jackpot: 1 in 139,838,160.
- Set For Life top prize: 1 in 15,339,390.
Yet we seem to be able to ignore much lower risks of flooding where our own actions are increasing the risk.
Perhaps we should be like the man with the leaf blower-hoping to blow the leaves (but not water) away. Of course his internal combustion engine blower does add that tiny bit more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
Or like the seabird who seems thoughtful and relaxed about it all. After all, they can fly off or paddle serenely if there is water all around
But to follow the experts comments we were also guilty. We had a burger for lunch and all livestock are meant to contribute to the methane load on the atmoshere.
I just hope that my voluntary contribution to the Lottery as a money gathering for charitable causes (as well as hoping for that all elusive win) will stand me in good stead when I have to plead my part in climate change when that comes home to roost.
Useful links
- https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=london
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/river-thames-bursts-its-banks-in-west-london-as-high-tides-strike-again-a3187616.html
- https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/gla_migrate_files_destination/14-04-07-Flood%20risk%20slide%20pack%20-%20FINAL_0.pdf
- https://www.lottery.co.uk/lotto/odds
inspireretirenow.com 