FADING OF GREEN PROMISES BY COALITION
19 August 2010
A commitment to introducing an environmental performance standard (EPS) for power companies would have restricted greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas plants, and encouraged companies to build more efficient technology. This policy was promoted and supported by David Cameron and Nick Clegg when in opposition.
However this will not now be implemented in the coalition’s first energy bill to be published later this year. Green campaigners say a delay in the introduction of the standard, with a few years for legislation to take place, raises the possibility of new coal-fired power stations slipping through the system.
Government sources say the legislation will not happen in autumn 2010, but a consultation on EPS will result in a white paper early in 2011. Meanwhile they will be working on the "larger picture".
The criticism by green campaigners on this issue follows news last week that nature reserves could be sold off as a countryside protection measures.
CLIMATE SCIENTISTS CLEARED OF MANIPULATING DATA ON GLOBAL WARMING
09 July 2010
Climate scientists at the centre of a media storm over leaked emails were on July 7th cleared of accusations that emails were fudged. After a 6 month inquiry Sir Muir Russell, senior civil servant, and leader, said that the "rigour and honesty" of the scientists at then Climate Research Unit(CRU) at the University of East Anglia were not in doubt. The investigation concluded they did not subvert peer review process to censor criticism, and that key data was freely available. The inquiry did not find any evidence of behaviour that might undermine the conclusions of the IPCC assessments.
However the inquiry found that there had been "a consistent pattern of failing to display the proper degree of openness", and scientists failed to appreciate the risk their lack of transparency posed to "the credibility of UK climate science".
THE “WOODSTOCK” OF CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMITS TO GIVE POOR A VOICE
20 April 2010
More than 15,000 people from world-wide indigenous groups are to meet for the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, at Bolivia’s central city Cochabamba. Presidents, scientists, activists and observers will also attend.
Bolivia, one of the 7 countries that refused to sign the Copenhagen deal, is playing an increasingly large part in attempting to force developed countries to slash their emissions further than they have pledged so far.
The conference is the initiative of President Evo Morales. The goal is to present draft proposals to the UN climate meeting in Mexico later this year. Also to give a voice to the world’s poor who are most affected by climate change, and make governments more aware of their plight.
Morales will also announce a huge referendum with up to 2 billion people being asked to vote on ways out of the climate crisis.WHICH PARTY IS THE GREENER? HERE ARE THE MANIFESTO GREEN POLICY SUMMARIES
14 April 2010
LABOUR1 Market intervention needed to “prioritise green growth”.
2 Pledges to create 4000,000 new green jobs.
3 40% clean electricity.
4 Mass home insulation.
5 Green investment bank.
6 Ban on most landfill
7 Feed-in tariffsCONSERVATIVE
1 Make UK “first low carbon economy”
2 More information to enable “responsible choices”. Less regulation.
3Adopt international and domestic emissions pledges.
4 Renewable energy , nuclear and “clean coal” backed by emission standards on power stations.
5 £6,500 loan per home for energy improvements
6 People to be paid to recycle
7 Green investment bank and green savings account.
8 Reform of Ofgem.LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
1 Global deal to limit temperature rise to1.7C. , equalising emissions between countries.
2 Push EU to adopt 30%emissions cuts by 2020 and zero car emissions from 2040.
4 100% clean energy by 2050.
5 Home energy improvements get £400 cash in first year, and £10,000 loans.
6 Gardens to become greenfield sites
7 Changing airtax from passengers to planes.Lib. Dems. only mainstream party to have separate green policies in all areas (i.e. clean air improves health & cuts costs).
GREEEN PARTY
published today and we will post a summary soon.
