Captain Gadget

From Global Warming to Cup Warming

Al Gore’s winning of the Nobel Peace Prize set me thinking about the issue of global warming. Those of you who know me will be aware that I am somewhat sceptical of the notion, despite the fact that there is a general consensus on the issue. In an attempt to win me over to the majority opinion, I was recently given a present of a ‘Global Warming Mug’. This gadget sports a map of the world that, when hot drinks are poured in, changes to show the effect of rising water levels and exactly how much of the world might disappear.

The mug itself serves its purpose well, as a receptacle for hot drinks it manages to keep drinks reasonably hot. The map does exactly as it says on the tin and changes, showing a muchreduced land mass on dear old earth. I have to admit that it is quite disturbing to see Ireland disappear completely over a matter of seconds as my hot tea causes oceans to rise. More disturbing still is watching the countries that don’t disappear: New Zealand gets away Scott Free.

In my scepticism, I have to say there is something odd about learning the adverse effects of global warming by using water that has been boiled using electricity to make tea or coffee that may not have been ethically harvested! Despite this, the mug is a good talking point over a hot drink and may very well be the first kitchen utensil to cause an all-out argument. I doubt however that I will be changing my ways because of it, except for one, it’s not dishwasher safe so its back to sink for me!