Finally, slowly but surely the oil majors are getting what they want in Iraq. Forced into action over the low oil price, Iraq’s government is proposing to give foreign oil companies a majority stake in projects developing oil and gas fields. The Iraqis are also offering further new fields for development to foreign firms, which … Read More
Iraq
Scientists Warn of Catastrophic Cost of Political Failure
When the world’s leaders finally meet in Copenhagen in December and try and come up with an historic agreement on climate change, they will not be able to use lack of knowledge as an excuse for inaction. In what can only be described as a watershed moment, the 2,500 leading scientists meeting in Copenhagen this … Read More
Another Day, Another Climate Protest
Nine protesters from the anti-aviation group Plane Stupid will appear in court this morning after causing chaos at one of Europe’s busiest commercial airports, Aberdeen in Scotland yesterday. Due to the protest, the airport was closed between 6.30am and 9am and ten flights were cancelled, much to the annoyance of the authorities and its operator, … Read More
Scientists Meet to “Influence Policy” on Climate
One of the questions on Australia’s mind this week-end has been whether the intensity of the wild fires devastating large parts of Victoria is linked to climate change. The nightmare is that the scenes of total devastation they are witnessing are a sign of things to come in a warming world. There are those are … Read More
Waxman Fires First Salvo on Climate
Although the serious Obama-fest won’t start until next week when the new President takes office, one smaller revolution started yesterday in Washington. Representative Henry Waxman, the Democrat from California, opened the new Congress’ first hearing on climate change and immediately promised to move “quickly and decisively” to have legislation coming from his committee before Memorial … Read More
Buy an “Airplot” and Help Save the Climate..
Ok – Now might not be the best time to be looking to invest in property as the credit crunch takes hold, but how about a little investment in land near London? The upsides are that, if you like that kind of thing, you will have famous neighbours: the Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, British comedian … Read More
Help Defeat Dingell “the Dinosaur”
Next week there is another crucial American election. OK – its not as important as the one ten days ago, but the outcome will have a huge bearing on Obama’s plans for energy, climate change, and how he tackles America’s ailing auto industry. The battle is for the Chairmanship of the powerful Energy and Commerce … Read More
Iraq to Offer Service Contracts Next Week
Their share price may being pummeled, but there is some small good news for the beleaguered oil companies. At a meeting in London, Iraq will provide the oil majors with details of the service contracts under which it hopes the companies will help boost the country’s oil output. At a meeting on Monday, a delegation … Read More
The spoils of war are coming home…
It could be the ultimate irony for millions of people who opposed the illegal war in Iraq – within months when they switch on their heating or their cooker, they could be burning Iraqi gas. Their homes could be heated by the spoils of war. Yesterday Shell signed a $4 billion gas deal – the … Read More
Shell Seals $4 Billion Iraq Deal
Oh it’s so good to be back. After a 35 year absence Shell has become the first western oil company to land a major deal with the government in Baghdad since the invasion of the country five years ago. They will be smiling in the Hague and London. Shell has been awarded a $4bn contract … Read More