News
German opt-out threatens European Targets
22 Sep, 2008
Germany has pledged not to charge some of its biggest polluters for their carbon emissions.
This decision could drastically undermine the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, but Germany insists the move is essential to prevent jobs being lost to overseas competitors.
Iceland aims for 100% electric vehicles
19 Sep, 2008
The Icelandic government has signed a deal to move the country's vehicle fleet away from fossil fuel.
100% of Iceland's heat and electricity already comes from renewable sources. The country's only fossil fuel use is for transport and fishing, so electric cars could take Iceland towards becoming the world's first zero-carbon nation.
Bush calls for probe on "Abrupt" climate change
19 Sep, 2008
American scientists are to be funded to study "The four horsemen of the apocalypse"
In the last weeks of his administration, US President George Bush has called on scientists to investigate the potential dangers from disintegrating ice-caps, melting permafrosts, methane-hydrates and "Megadroughts".Europe has second thoughts over carbon cuts
29 Aug, 2008
The EU considers weakening its commitment to fight climate change
Lobbying from heavy industry is causing European lawmakers to think again about ambitious cuts in CO2 emissionsA step in the right direction
26 Jun, 2008
Renewable energy strategy receives cautious welcome
National plans for a massive increase in renewable energy must be matched by local action, say energy experts in Cornwall.Britain has some of the richest renewable resources in Europe, but only Luxembourg and Malta produce less renewable energy. Tim German, director of the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership says this is due to confused policies and a lack of vision from successive governments:
?The Prime Minister has spoken of a 'Green Revolution', but it takes more than just words to start a revolution. We need to see coordinated action at both national and local levels. Firstly, the government must remove the contradictions in its own policies, such as the Warm Front scheme which is still installing expensive oil fired heating systems for rural pensioners.?
?Secondly, there must be a local plan to deliver these national targets. Only by engaging with local communities and businesses will we achieve a tailor-made result. All too often we have seen a top-down approach which mobilises public opposition instead of public support.?
?The reorganisations currently taking place in Cornwall's councils, universities and development agencies give us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put low-carbon development at the top of the local agenda.?
But Mr German also warns that Cornwall could lose out if it doesn't act quickly:
?Today, Devon Wind Power won an appeal to build 22 turbines at Fullabrook Down. This one wind farm will produce more electricity than every renewable installation in Cornwall combined. Our county has earned a reputation for big green ideas, but it is time for this to be matched with action.?
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