Spare a Thought for Bob at BP

March 11, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post

When the history of BP is written, poor Robert White will probably not get a mention. Tucked away in Canada Tower in London, Robert – shall we call him Bob –is in the Group Trade Mark Department. Although it may not be the most glamorous of jobs, it is vital in defending the BP image … Read More

US Sued over Failure to Protect Polar Bear

March 11, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post

The US government agency responsible for compiling the country’s list of endangered species yesterday faced a new legal challenge over its failure to protect the polar bear. Environmental groups are suing the Bush administration in a federal court in California, claiming the Fish and Wildlife Service is now in breach of its own mandate.

Canada: “get your shovels in the ground now”

March 11, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post

Let’s spare a thought for someone else. Canadian Environment Minister John Baird, yesterday unveiled a series of initiatives which he says will make Canada a world leader in emissions reduction. They include imposing restrictions on Alberta oil sands projects which came into being in 2004 or later and forcing oil sands companies built in 2012 … Read More

EU Told to Prepare for Climate and Resource Conflict

March 10, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post

European governments have been told to plan for an era of conflict over energy resources, with global warming likely to trigger a dangerous contest between Russia and the west for the mineral riches of the Arctic. A report from the EU’s top two foreign policy officials for a summit in Brussels this week warns that … Read More

Drilling for Oil to Start Off Falkland Islands

March 10, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post

After 10 years of delays since oil was discovered off the Falkland islands, oil companies are planning to start drilling within the next 12 months. The move follows the conclusion of lengthy, but successful, tests by geologists and significant cash injections by two major oil companies which plan to bring rigs to the islands by … Read More

Is there such a thing as “Clean Coal”?

March 10, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post

The British Government once sat happy in the illusion that it was a progressive government on climate change. But today, that impression has been shattered by inaction over climate change, its support for increased air travel and now its support for a controversial new generation of coal-fired power stations.

Oil Sands Plan On Hold Over Climate Fears

March 7, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post

This is an interesting story that could have wide reaching implications. A Federal Court decision has sent Imperial Oil’s $7 billion Kearl oil-sands project in northern Alberta back to a review panel over concerns over greenhouse gas emissions. Yesterday’s ruling will force harmful emissions to be much more carefully considered in future assessments, says a … Read More

Sod the Climate, Lets Go on Holiday …

March 7, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post

When people do not know about a problem, it is difficult to expect them to act. The problem comes when they do no about a problem but then do nothing. Take the issue of climate change and flying. Climate change’s threat to the existence of the exotic resorts and beaches tourists crave has not dented … Read More

Iraq Plans to Double Oil Output

March 7, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post 1 Comment

Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein Sharistani said Iraq intends to almost double its oil production over the next two years per day from 2 million bpd to 4.5 million bpd within two years’. He said the goal will be reached thanks to tenders for contracts for technical support, and said he is optimistic about the results … Read More

Bush: America Must “Get Off Oil”

March 6, 2008By Andy RowellBlog Post 2 Comments

Oh the irony. For years President Bush has been intertwined with the oil industry. For years his Administration has done everything in its power to give the industry tax breaks to bolster its profits. Urged by millions around the world to take the lead on climate change, Bush has instead been as sceptical as the … Read More