Once again Britain’s credentials as a leader in the fight against climate change are being undermined. Tomorrow, one of the country’s leading scientific research organizations – the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc) – will vote on closing three strategic research centres.
Author: Andy Rowell
Biofuels Not the Answer
They may be in favour at the White House, but a new report attacks the concept of biofuels being the panacea for either climate change or energy security. Written by the British-based think tank Science in Society (ISIS), it says that Biofuels have gained prominence from politicians and environmentalists because they are “carbon neutral”, in … Read More
Britain Still Dirty Man of Europe
The UK had nearly three times as many as its nearest rival: Poland has seven, the Czech Republic six, Spain five and Germany four. So much for Britain’s green and pleasant land. The UK had nearly three times as many as its nearest rival: Poland has seven, the Czech Republic six, Spain five and Germany … Read More
Two Contrasting Views on Africa
Two contrasting views of Africa this week in the British press. On Wednesday The Financial Times published a “Special Report” on Africa’s oil and gas, giving it an upbeat assessment. Under the headline: “Continent all set to balance power” the paper reported how: “West Africa, with its copious reserves of natural gas, its sweet light … Read More
More Evidence of Antarctica Melting
A new study in the journal Science has found that the Antarctic ice sheet is melting so fast it is contributing to the rise in global sea levels. The first ever satellite study of the continent’s ice inventory has revealed that Antarctica is releasing around 35 cubic miles of water into the sea each year, … Read More
Carbon Trading not the Answer to Climate Change
I always thought the one problem with carbon markets or pollution credits is that they allow companies to carry on polluting. They don’t actually fix the problem. Now the UK policy group, the Cornerhouse has published a briefing attacking carbon trading. It was also published by the think think, Foreign Policy in Focus. According to … Read More
Nigeria – The Slippery Slope to Civil War
So the spiral of violence in Nigeria continues. Although six hostages being held by militant youths in the Delta region of Nigeria have been released, a further three are still being held.
Climate Chaos and Water Wars
On the day that Tony Blair hosts a crisis Downing Street summit to address what he calls “the major long-term threat facing our planet”, there is more bad news for the climate. The Guardian reports how “the Earth’s temperature could rise under the impact of global warming to levels far higher than previously predicted, according … Read More
Syriana Comes to Town
The George Clooney movie, Syriana opens in cinemas across Europe this week. Some oil campaigners believe that any film that tries to portray the deep-rooted web of connections between oil companies and politicians is a worthwhile exercise. Others think that it is conspiratorial nonsense. So what did the Financial Times energy correspondent, Carola Hoyos think … Read More
World Glaciers in Crisis
More grim news from the American Advancement of Science annual meeting. According to scientists, the world’s glaciers are in crisis, from Greeenland, Patagonia, Tibet to Africa and Antarctica. They are all melting rapidly. The amount of ice the Greenland ice sheet is loosing has doubled over the last five years. “Fifteen years ago, we thought … Read More