Arnie in Historic Climate Deal

September 1, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has pulled off a political coup by agreeing a deal to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent by 2020. The deal between the Democratic-controlled Legislature and the Republican governor, puts California at the forefront of efforts by states in the US to combat climate change. It also puts Arnie … Read More

The Hottest Hoax Around!

August 31, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post 2 Comments

For those of you who continue to insist that humans are causing global warming, Mark Fiore’s latest animated climate satire should clear up any remaining misconceptions. To check it out, click here.

US Congressman Bradley Under Fire Over Oil Investments

August 31, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post, Separate Oil and State

US Representative Jeb Bradley, Republican of New Hampshire, is under fire for owning nearly $1 million in oil, gas and electric company shares, whilst consistently “voting with energy interests since taking office, often stripping key environmental and consumer protections in the process”. Bradley has also taken over $45,000 in campaign contributions from energy industry PACs.

US Regulator Clears ex-Shell Boss

August 31, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post 1 Comment

After a two-year investigation, the US Securities and Exchange Commission has announced it will not be taking any action against former Shell boss Sir Philip Watts. The ex-Shell Chairman was being investigated over the oil and gas reserves overbooking crisis that hit Shell in 2004, when Shell overstated its proven oil and gas reserves by … Read More

Presidential Candidates Back Ethanol

August 30, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post 2 Comments

The politics of oil is once again creeping up the political and public agenda in the US. Over the last month a dozen potential presidential candidates have toured the state of Iowa, with most pledging their support for the biofuel ethanol as an alternative to gasoline.

Explosions and Other Oil Tragedies in Iraq

August 29, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

I’m haunted by the scene described in today’s Reuters article about an explosion at an oil pipeline in Diwaniya, Iraq. It seems that a pool of oil had formed around leaks in a disused pipeline and local people had waded into the pool to siphon off petrol when suddenly the oil exploded into flames. At … Read More

A Year on From Katrina…

August 29, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

A year after Katrina wrecked New Orleans, President Bush is touring the still devastated area. As his administration continues to receive a storm of abuse over its handling of the aftermath, a different storm is raging within the world’s scientific community. Are hurricanes becoming more vicious or more frequent?