Some smaller species of animals, such as squirrels and birds, are changing genetically in order to adapt to rapid climate change, scientists now believe. “Studies show that over the past several decades, rapid climate change has led to heritable, genetic changes in animal populations,” argues Christina Holzapfel, from the University of Oregon in Eugene in … Read More
Blog Post
World Heritage Sites Face Destruction
The United Nations is coming under severe pressure from scientists and campaigners to acknowledge the devastating effect of climate change on the world’s most fragile ecological sites. These include the barrier reefs of Belize and Australia and glacier parks in Nepal, Peru and the Rockies. Although they are supposed to be protected, they are showing … Read More
BP Faces Criminal Investigation in Alaska
A leaked email has revealed that BP faces criminal investigation into the huge 270,000 gallon oil spill the company caused in Alaska in March. Although  BP received the subpoena in April from a Grand Jury, it has only now become public, with the leaking of an email. The news wiped three percent of BP’s share … Read More
Europe’s Emission Scheme A “Model” for the World
Europe’s Commissioner for the Environment, Stavros Dimos claims that tackling climate change is now one of the “highest priorities” of the European Union. Writing in the Financial Times, he says that “the centrepiece of our response has been the development of the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the European carbon market.”
Shell Tells Blair to Set Strict Emission Targets
It could be seen as an act of greenwashing bravado or one of true corporate social responsibility. But one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, Shell, yesterday joined other British companies in urging Tony Blair to set stricter limits on greenhouse emissions.
Bush’s Climate of Fear
This is a must see TV programme. As part of the BBC’s Climate Chaos series, the investigative programme Panorama has examined the Bush administration’s assault on the science of climate change. It includes stories of threats, gagging, cover-ups, censorships, misleading intelligence, and report re-writing.
Russia: Era of Cheap Fuel is Over
Russia’s Energy Minister warned the West yesterday that although “forecasting is a thankless task in hydrocarbons, one can say with certainty that the era of cheap hydrocarbons is over.” He also warned that Russia was intent on “the expansion of our own participation” in other countries’ oil and gas assets. But any political intervention by … Read More
Is Ethanol the Answer?
Anyone who thinks ethanol is the answer to US transportation needs, should read this great article by CorpWatch about ethanol and Archer Daniels Midland, the largest producer of ethanol in the US. The company is proposing producing ethanol from coal as well as from corn. Backed by a new greenwashing campaign, ADM is out to … Read More
MoveOn to Launch “Oil Free Congress” Campaign
MoveOn has just announced it will lauch a new campaign for a clean energy future for the US which will start with their “Oil Free Congress” initiative that kicks off later this month. Along with health care, this was the overwhelming issue of importance for 100,000 people who voted in local house parties last week. … Read More
UNEP Says Deserts In Trouble; But Huge Solar Potential
A landmark study by UNEP – published to coincide with World Environment Day – has concluded that the world’s deserts are facing dramatic changes due to climate change and increasing demand for water. Almost one-quarter of the earth’s land surface – some 33.7 million square kilometres – has been defined as “desert” in some sense. … Read More