UK beaches are being ruined by an ever-accumulating tide of plastic litter, the Marine Conservation Society says. It said the amount of rubbish was 77% higher than in 1994 - its first annual survey - and the proportion of plastic volunteers found had never been higher. A spokeswoman said the figures showed plastic makes up an increasing proportion of beach litter - now nearly two-thirds of the total.
"Plastic does not biodegrade but breaks down into small pieces that will last for hundreds if not thousands of years. In parts of our oceans there are now six times more plastic particles in the water than plankton," she added.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
China is the world’s worst polluter, right?
Er, not quite. China overtook the US during 2009 to become the biggest investor in renewable energy technologies, according to a new analysis. Researchers with the Pew Charitable Trusts calculate that China invested $34.6bn (£23.2bn) in clean energy over the year, almost double the US figure. The UK emerges in third place among G20 nations, followed by Spain and Brazil. The most spectacular growth has come in South Korea, which saw installed capacity rise by 250% in five years.
"Even in the midst of a global recession, the clean energy market has experienced impressive growth," said Phyllis Cuttino, director of Pew's campaign on climate change. "They know that investing in clean energy can renew manufacturing bases, and create export opportunities, jobs and businesses."
"Even in the midst of a global recession, the clean energy market has experienced impressive growth," said Phyllis Cuttino, director of Pew's campaign on climate change. "They know that investing in clean energy can renew manufacturing bases, and create export opportunities, jobs and businesses."
Tar sands are among the world’s dirtiest fuels
Their extraction produces on average three times the greenhouse gases of conventional oil. The associated pollution, deforestation and disturbance of wildlife also threaten the traditional livelihoods and well-being of indigenous communities.
If you are a pension holder it is highly likely that your pension provider has substantial shareholdings held on your behalf, either in Shell or other companies involved in tar sands developments. Friends of the Earth Europe and FairPensions have created an online action that will target Shell and BP shareholders directly. You can express your concerns to your pension provider or if you don't have a pension you can email one of Shell and BP's largest shareholders. Find out more and take action - www.foei.org/en/get-involved/take-action/take-action-on-tar-sands
If you are a pension holder it is highly likely that your pension provider has substantial shareholdings held on your behalf, either in Shell or other companies involved in tar sands developments. Friends of the Earth Europe and FairPensions have created an online action that will target Shell and BP shareholders directly. You can express your concerns to your pension provider or if you don't have a pension you can email one of Shell and BP's largest shareholders. Find out more and take action - www.foei.org/en/get-involved/take-action/take-action-on-tar-sands
Heathrow third runway opponents win court challenge
Meaning that the government will have to re-run the consultation on a third runway. This has given campaigners hope that Labour will now drop the policy. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have opposed a third runway but campaigners remain worried that if they form the new government they could change their minds under lobbying from interest groups.
Labour MP John McDonnell, who has led the campaign against the expansion of Heathrow for the last 30 years, said: "In essence this judgment means that the game is up for a third runway at Heathrow and I am calling upon the government to accept the inevitable and lift this threat to my community. What we need now is a sensible approach to developing a sustainable transport policy based upon high-speed rail."
Labour MP John McDonnell, who has led the campaign against the expansion of Heathrow for the last 30 years, said: "In essence this judgment means that the game is up for a third runway at Heathrow and I am calling upon the government to accept the inevitable and lift this threat to my community. What we need now is a sensible approach to developing a sustainable transport policy based upon high-speed rail."
NASA study concludes that no cooling evident in past decade
A comprehensive analysis of global air and sea temperatures by NASA climatologists shows that the planet has not experienced a cooling trend in the past decade and is continuing to warm at a rate of about .3 degrees F per decade. The NASA scientists, affiliated with the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said the warming trend has continued despite the sun's irradiative power being at one of its lowest points in a century.
Is it any wonder that people don’t trust politicians?
It seems many politicians these days believe that they can act with total impunity. Its all the more galling when directories such as ours are trying to encourage more people to buy from sustainable and fair trade sources, yet at the same time being undermined by a combination of immorality and arrogance.
We recently wrote about some supermarkets refusing to label products they sell that contain palm oil, which is fuelling deforestation, methane release and wiping out large populations of orang-utans. Then we hear about Stephen Byers, the ex-Labour minister, telling an undercover reporter that for a large fee he can influence government policy on behalf of supermarkets, such as delaying and amending proposed food labelling regulation.
We recently wrote about some supermarkets refusing to label products they sell that contain palm oil, which is fuelling deforestation, methane release and wiping out large populations of orang-utans. Then we hear about Stephen Byers, the ex-Labour minister, telling an undercover reporter that for a large fee he can influence government policy on behalf of supermarkets, such as delaying and amending proposed food labelling regulation.
Disputed island 'vanishes'
A tiny island claimed for years by India and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal has disappeared beneath the rising seas, scientists in India say. The uninhabited territory south of the Hariabhanga river was known as New Moore Island to the Indians and South Talpatti Island to the Bangladeshis. The irony is that the island was the subject of territorial dispute, involving the deployment of naval vessels at times.
"What these two countries could not achieve from years of talking, has been resolved by global warming," said Professor Sugata Hazra of the School of Oceanographic Studies at Jadavpur University in Calcutta.
"What these two countries could not achieve from years of talking, has been resolved by global warming," said Professor Sugata Hazra of the School of Oceanographic Studies at Jadavpur University in Calcutta.
Air pollution and driving
Radical shift in transport policy needed to cut air pollution
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
March 2010
Air pollution is taking up to nine years off the lives of people who live in pollution hotspots or who have a respiratory illness, according to a report by the UK House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee. Tiny particles of sulphate, carbon and dust are the most damaging to health, but nitrogen oxides and ozone also have an effect. In fact, the UK is in breach of European regulations for all of these, and could face fines of up to £300 million. Road transport is the main culprit. Power plants also churn out damaging particles but mostly away from cities.
Only a radical shift in transport policy will allow the UK to meet its targets, the report concludes. "But such a shift is unlikely to occur in the next 10 years, unless the government starts taking sustainable transport seriously," says Paul Firmin of the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds, UK.
Our view is that the incentive for drivers of large, inefficient vehicles such as 4x4s to switch to smaller, fuel-efficient cars is far too weak. A very significant increase in the road tax for the largest vehicles, most polluting vehicles is needed.
Finally, this isn’t just another debate surrounding global warming. It’s about ordinary people like us (I am asthmatic), who don’t want to be literally choked to death by air pollution.
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
March 2010
Air pollution is taking up to nine years off the lives of people who live in pollution hotspots or who have a respiratory illness, according to a report by the UK House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee. Tiny particles of sulphate, carbon and dust are the most damaging to health, but nitrogen oxides and ozone also have an effect. In fact, the UK is in breach of European regulations for all of these, and could face fines of up to £300 million. Road transport is the main culprit. Power plants also churn out damaging particles but mostly away from cities.
Only a radical shift in transport policy will allow the UK to meet its targets, the report concludes. "But such a shift is unlikely to occur in the next 10 years, unless the government starts taking sustainable transport seriously," says Paul Firmin of the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds, UK.
Our view is that the incentive for drivers of large, inefficient vehicles such as 4x4s to switch to smaller, fuel-efficient cars is far too weak. A very significant increase in the road tax for the largest vehicles, most polluting vehicles is needed.
Finally, this isn’t just another debate surrounding global warming. It’s about ordinary people like us (I am asthmatic), who don’t want to be literally choked to death by air pollution.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Sustainable living
Going green is easier than most people think! A few small changes can make a huge difference. Plus, sustainable living will save you money as well as help protect the environment and reduce climate change.
“Economic advance is not the same thing as human progress.” - John Clapham, A Concise Economic History of Britain, 1957
Driving
A small, energy efficient car is less polluting than a gas-guzzling 4x4 – and is cheaper to run as well.
Buy carbon-neutral, green insurance - save money and help the planet!
Switch off the engine if you think you’ll be stationary for more than half a minute. Idling this long burns more energy than it takes to restart the engine.
Avoid short car journeys whenever possible. Instead, walk or cycle and burn up some calories! Share the school-run with a roster of parents to cut congestion, reduce emissions and save on your fuel bill.
If you have a diesel engine, consider biodiesel that has been obtained from sustainable sources. Not only is it carbon-neutral, it also biodegrades 98% within three weeks and is kinder on the environment.
Holidays
Holiday in the UK. Amazing fact: one long-haul return flight can produce more carbon dioxide per passenger than the average UK motorist does in an entire year!!
Hire bikes instead of a car if you’re exploring locally. Not only will this cut emissions, you’ll save money - and benefit from some exercise.
Food and drink
Cook with natural, seasonal, locally grown produce.
Avoid buying endless bottles of water – it’s a plastic nightmare. Fill up an old one with tap water and take it with you everywhere.
Use a toaster not the grill. It uses less energy.
At home
If it’s winter and the kids are wearing T-shirts turn the thermostat down by just one degree. This can save up to £30 a year on your energy bill and help the environment. Anyone cold can pull on a jumper.
An oldie but a goldie: insulate your loft. You can cut up to 20 per cent from your energy bill by installing good quality loft insulation.
Avoid wasted heat energy by timing your heating to go off 30 minutes before the school run starts, and come on again 30 minutes before you are all due home.
Only use a washing machine on full-load. Ninety per cent of the energy washing machines use is for heating the water. Switch to a cooler wash temperature: 40°C is usually adequate. Grubby whites can be pre-soaked to loosen dirt or use an eco-friendly stain remover.
Dinner time
Saucepans with lids on heat much quicker, thus using less energy (obvious really).
Get oven-wise. Don’t keep opening it to check food. This allows heat to escape, wastes energy and slows down cooking. Switch off a few minutes before your meal is ready. The oven will stay hot enough to finish cooking the food.
Recycle drinks cans. The energy saved by recycling one aluminium can is enough to run a TV for three hours.
Power
Count how many light bulbs are in your home. Now think what you’d save if they were all energy-efficient. One bulb uses less than 1/4 of the electricity of a standard model and can last up to 12 times longer. This will save you £10 a year on your electricity bill and more than £50 over the bulb’s lifetime.
Resist stand-by. If all UK households turned off their TVs at night instead of leaving them on standby, we would avoid emitting enough CO2 to fill the Millennium Dome 38 times each year. This energy saving tip will save you money and help reduce climate change.
Wash laundry loads on the low-temperature programme to save energy.
“Economic advance is not the same thing as human progress.” - John Clapham, A Concise Economic History of Britain, 1957
Driving
A small, energy efficient car is less polluting than a gas-guzzling 4x4 – and is cheaper to run as well.
Buy carbon-neutral, green insurance - save money and help the planet!
Switch off the engine if you think you’ll be stationary for more than half a minute. Idling this long burns more energy than it takes to restart the engine.
Avoid short car journeys whenever possible. Instead, walk or cycle and burn up some calories! Share the school-run with a roster of parents to cut congestion, reduce emissions and save on your fuel bill.
If you have a diesel engine, consider biodiesel that has been obtained from sustainable sources. Not only is it carbon-neutral, it also biodegrades 98% within three weeks and is kinder on the environment.
Holidays
Holiday in the UK. Amazing fact: one long-haul return flight can produce more carbon dioxide per passenger than the average UK motorist does in an entire year!!
Hire bikes instead of a car if you’re exploring locally. Not only will this cut emissions, you’ll save money - and benefit from some exercise.
Food and drink
Cook with natural, seasonal, locally grown produce.
Avoid buying endless bottles of water – it’s a plastic nightmare. Fill up an old one with tap water and take it with you everywhere.
Use a toaster not the grill. It uses less energy.
At home
If it’s winter and the kids are wearing T-shirts turn the thermostat down by just one degree. This can save up to £30 a year on your energy bill and help the environment. Anyone cold can pull on a jumper.
An oldie but a goldie: insulate your loft. You can cut up to 20 per cent from your energy bill by installing good quality loft insulation.
Avoid wasted heat energy by timing your heating to go off 30 minutes before the school run starts, and come on again 30 minutes before you are all due home.
Only use a washing machine on full-load. Ninety per cent of the energy washing machines use is for heating the water. Switch to a cooler wash temperature: 40°C is usually adequate. Grubby whites can be pre-soaked to loosen dirt or use an eco-friendly stain remover.
Dinner time
Saucepans with lids on heat much quicker, thus using less energy (obvious really).
Get oven-wise. Don’t keep opening it to check food. This allows heat to escape, wastes energy and slows down cooking. Switch off a few minutes before your meal is ready. The oven will stay hot enough to finish cooking the food.
Recycle drinks cans. The energy saved by recycling one aluminium can is enough to run a TV for three hours.
Power
Count how many light bulbs are in your home. Now think what you’d save if they were all energy-efficient. One bulb uses less than 1/4 of the electricity of a standard model and can last up to 12 times longer. This will save you £10 a year on your electricity bill and more than £50 over the bulb’s lifetime.
Resist stand-by. If all UK households turned off their TVs at night instead of leaving them on standby, we would avoid emitting enough CO2 to fill the Millennium Dome 38 times each year. This energy saving tip will save you money and help reduce climate change.
Wash laundry loads on the low-temperature programme to save energy.
Organic and fair trade wines
Organic wines are produced from grapes that are grown according to organic farming methods. Whereas conventional vineyards are dependent on synthetic fertilizers, fungicides and pesticides, organic viticulture prohibits the use of any such chemical products.
By 'organic' it generally means that the wine is made from organically grown grapes - from vineyards that have not been treated with man-made chemical fertilisers and pesticides which can enter the vine's sap and the grape pulp. Instead, organic growers use compost, cover crops and make use of natural predators to kill pests. Importantly, that means that there are no 'nasties' in the wine that you eventually drink.
By 'organic' it generally means that the wine is made from organically grown grapes - from vineyards that have not been treated with man-made chemical fertilisers and pesticides which can enter the vine's sap and the grape pulp. Instead, organic growers use compost, cover crops and make use of natural predators to kill pests. Importantly, that means that there are no 'nasties' in the wine that you eventually drink.
Domestic pollution
Domestic pollution can cause more environmental damage than industrial pollution, and non-environmentally friendly products are associated with a range of health problems and disruption of eco-systems. Eco friendly cleaning products are bio-degradable and don't contain phosphates, enzymes, bleach and other harmful chemicals found in conventional cleaning products. Safer for you and your family and kinder to the environment.
"We are rightly appalled by the genetic effects of radiation; how then, can we be indifferent to the same effect in chemicals we disseminate widely in our environment?" - Rachel Carson, author, Silent Spring
"We are rightly appalled by the genetic effects of radiation; how then, can we be indifferent to the same effect in chemicals we disseminate widely in our environment?" - Rachel Carson, author, Silent Spring
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Phone directories
Thousands of trees and tonnes of paper are used to produce telephone directories. You can now opt out of receiving Yellow Pages by calling 0800 671 444. Also, you can opt out of receiving unwanted mail by registering with the Mailing Preference Service.
Population growth
World population is projected to rise from today's 6.8 billion to over 9 billion in 2050
“Those who fail to see that population growth and climate change are two sides of the same coin are either ignorant or hiding from the truth. These two huge environmental problems are inseparable and to discuss one while ignoring the other is irrational.” Dr. Lovelock, Gaia scientist.
“Those who fail to see that population growth and climate change are two sides of the same coin are either ignorant or hiding from the truth. These two huge environmental problems are inseparable and to discuss one while ignoring the other is irrational.” Dr. Lovelock, Gaia scientist.
Tropical rainforests
Tropical rainforests took up to 100 million years to evolve and are believed to be the oldest and most complex land-based ecosystem on earth, containing over 30 million species of plants and animals. That's half of the Earth's wildlife and at least two-thirds of its plant species!
Some interesting facts: A typical four square mile patch of rainforest contains as many as 1,500 flowering plants, 750 species of trees, 400 species of birds and 150 species of butterflies. Rainforests provide many important medicinal products, including those used in the treatment of cancer.
"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." - Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Some interesting facts: A typical four square mile patch of rainforest contains as many as 1,500 flowering plants, 750 species of trees, 400 species of birds and 150 species of butterflies. Rainforests provide many important medicinal products, including those used in the treatment of cancer.
"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." - Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Water: The source of all life
About 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water and 97% of this is salt water. Although the salt can be removed (desalination), it is a difficult and expensive process. 2% of the water on earth is glacier ice at the North and South Poles while less than 1% of all the water on earth is fresh water that we can actually use.
What is fair trade?
20% of the world’s population live on less than a dollar a day. Fair trade is a social movement aimed at reducing poverty and exploitation by guaranteeing producers a price for their goods which never falls below the cost of production.
Plastic bags - shocking statistics!
Five trillion plastic bags are maunfactured globally each year. It takes around 1,000 years for a plastic bag to break down. In the process, toxic substances leak into the soil and enter the food chain. Approximately 1 billion seabirds and mammals die each year by ingesting plastic bags (source: Say No To Plastic Bags).
How big is the world?
“This world, that I thought as a child was the biggest, most adventurous place you could imagine, is not that big. And there’s an awful lot of us on it. And we’re not managing the resources that we have as you would on a boat, because we don’t have the impression that these resources are limited.” (Round-the-world yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur)
Meat and climate change
Links between meat eating and climate change have been widely known for many years, partly due to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest to make room for cattel grazing. Clearing these forests is estimated to produce a staggering 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the entire transport sector!
Fair trade, ethical jewellery
Many of the world’s precious metals and gemstones are mined under harsh working conditions by people who are very poorly paid. Often, the workers are children.
The mining itself can cause significant environmental damage including the use of mercury or cyanide to extract gold. If that were not bad enough, thousands have been killed in wars funded by the sale of diamonds, often referred to as ‘blood diamonds’.
Fair trade jewellery is produced without child labour or worker exploitation, where the environmental impact is minimised and without causing or indirectly funding conflict. When someone next shows you their new diamond ring or gold necklace ask them if they know how it was produced. Always look to buy fair trade, ethical jewellery and wear it with a clear conscience.
Organic food and drink
Organic produce comes from crops that are grown without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilisers, ionising radiation, food additives or genetic modification (GM). Meat products are not contaminated with antibiotics or growth hormones. Whereas organic food was once produced only in small quantities by local farms, its now becoming much more widely available as more people recognise the health benefits compared to conventional production methods.
Carbon offsetting
Carbon dioxide is responsible for 60% of the greenhouse effect and burning fossil fuels releases the carbon dioxide stored millions of years ago. Deforestation releases not only the carbon store in trees but means that less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere, creating a vicious circle.
Trees help combat the changes by `breathing in' carbon dioxide in a process called photosynthesis, and `breathing out' oxygen. The more trees we have, the more carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere, and the more we help to combat the change by compensating for the carbon dioxide we produce. This is called `carbon offsetting'.
Carbon offsetting schemes do have a role to play but remember there is no magic way to buy ourselves out of climate change. Ultimately there is no solution to climate change other than to emit less pollution, which means adopting greener lifestyles. See our green tips section.
"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." — Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The Green Office
It’s worth remembering that businesses produce more carbon emissions than households. So next time you're searching for business services, why not choose an eco-friendly provider? Eco-businesses are more sustainable, cause less harm to the planet and importantly in today's environment they are also more efficient and cost less to run!
It’s easy to make your office green and save money. Consider making it paperless. Change to energy efficient light bulbs, switch electrical equipment off when not in use, insulate the building, recycle paper, bottles, cans and plastic. Reduce water consumption (especially toilet flushing by installing water saving devices cheaply and quickly). And turn down the thermostat.
Fair trade bags
Fair trade bag producers work with marginalised workers to help them overcome vulnerability and become economically self-sufficient. They aim to empower workers to become stakeholders in their own organisations and play a more active role in global markets, thereby achieving greater fairness and equality in international trade.
There are eco friendly, fair trade bags to cover every need - fashion bags, cotton bags, shopping bags, Jute bags, Fair Trade bags and recycled bags - all ethical, environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Did you know? Five trillion plastic bags are maunfactured globally each year! It takes around 1,000 years for a plastic bag to break down. In the process, toxic substances leak into the soil and enter the food chain. Approximately 1 billion seabirds and mammals die each year by ingesting plastic bags (source: Say No To Plastic Bags).
"Pollution should never be the price of prosperity." — Al Gore, in a 2000 presidential-campaign speech
Organic cotton clothes - the benefits
Did you know that conventionally grown cotton is the second most pesticide-laden crop in the world? It takes approximately 150g of chemicals to grow enough cotton to make just one t-shirt. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown in certified pesticide-free and herbicide-free soil, using organic farming methods, which produce healthier fabrics, preserve the quality of our water and prevent toxins from entering the human food chain in the form of cottonseed and other byproducts.
“When some high-sounding institute states that a compound is harmless or a process free of risk, it is wise to know whence the institute or the scientists who work there obtain their financial support.” - Lancet, editorial on the "medical-industrial complex," 1973
100% Nature
100% Nature is an Organic and Holistic Health Care Shop online selling 100’s of premium quality brands and including natural and organic Skin Care, Toiletries, Make-Up, Health Supplements, Herbs, Pregnancy products and a natural Pharmacy range for all ages. Their A-Z of Natural and Holistic Health Advice for pregnancy, babies, children and adults offers comprehensive information and effective natural solutions for many common ailments. 100% Nature specialise in skin complaints and immune support for all ages, and a range of Colloidal Silver-based skin care products. For more organic health and beauty products visit The Green Providers Directory.
The Natural Skincare Company
Offers high quality salon standard, vegan registered, cold-blended organic skincare by Paul Penders, Nvey ECO Makeup and Caribbean Blue Suncare. Paul Penders cold-blended LevensESSENTIE Gold is one of very few skincare ranges available on the market that uses low temperatures when making skincare, thus ensuring that vitamins, anti-oxidants and nutrients are retained at their full strength. Find them in The Green Providers Directory.
Friday, 19 March 2010
Kilgallioch Forest 132-turbine wind farm plan submitted
An application for a 132-wind turbine project in southern Scotland has been submitted to the Scottish government.
Scottish Power Renewables wants to build the scheme at Kilgallioch Forest near New Luce in Dumfries and Galloway.
If constructed it would be one of the largest wind farms in Scotland with a capacity of up to 396 megawatts.
Representations on the plans can be put forward until 28 April and a number of public information days will take place prior to that date.
The proposed site sits on the border between Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire.
Information days will be held at New Luce, Kirkcowan and Barrhill next month to outline the plans.
Scottish Power Renewables is one of the UK's largest wind farm developers with 30 projects currently operational, under construction or in planning.
Scottish Power Renewables wants to build the scheme at Kilgallioch Forest near New Luce in Dumfries and Galloway.
If constructed it would be one of the largest wind farms in Scotland with a capacity of up to 396 megawatts.
Representations on the plans can be put forward until 28 April and a number of public information days will take place prior to that date.
The proposed site sits on the border between Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire.
Information days will be held at New Luce, Kirkcowan and Barrhill next month to outline the plans.
Scottish Power Renewables is one of the UK's largest wind farm developers with 30 projects currently operational, under construction or in planning.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Dirty oil and climate change
As the film 'Dirty Oil' premieres this week we cam across these interesting facts. We were particularly surprised to learn that most oil used in the US now comes from 'dirty oil' in Canada, rather than traditional suppliers such as Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
The Green Providers Directory
•Tar sands consist of oil trapped in a complex mixture of sand, water and clay.
•The extraction and production of tar sands emits on average three times as much carbon dioxide as the extraction and production of conventional oil.
•Canada has proven tar sand reserves of 174 billion barrels of oil, second only to Saudi Arabia's conventional reserves.
•Canada has probable reserves of 315 billion barrels of oil, accessible using technology currently under development.
•Canada's ultimate reserves of tar sands are thought to be 1.7 trillion barrels of oil.
•Shell, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Total and BP all have projects and expansion plans or planned developments in Canada's tar sands.
•Current production is in the region of 1.3 million barrels of oil per day.
•$125 billion has been earmarked for tar sand developments within the next few years. The industry is calling for this to be trebled to $379 billion by 2025.
•Oil companies have plans to extract 5.5 million barrels of oil per day by 2020. Production is forecast to increase to between 3.5 million and 6.2 million barrels per day by 2020. Licenses have been granted to increase production to 7 million barrels per day.
Shale Oil•Shale oil consists of oil trapped in sedimentary rock, which is released when the rock is super-heated.
•Shale oil extraction emits up to eight times more carbon dioxide than conventional oil extraction.
•Shale oil exploitation is still at the research and development stage, but millions of dollars are being invested to make it viable.
•The US has estimated shale oil reserves of 1.5 trillion barrels of oil, probable accessible reserves are thought to be 800 billion barrels of oil.
•Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil are all developing methods to exploit shale oil or have expressed an interest in doing so.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Palm oil and rainforests
When doing your weekly shop look out for products that contain an ingredient that is leading to the destruction of rainforests, putting the orang-utan at risk of extinction and causing widespread environmental devastation.
The ingredient in question is palm oil. It’s surprisingly common in many of the everyday products bought in supermarkets, including biscuits, sweets, confectionaries, margarines, breads, crisps and bars of soap.
Palm oil is a cheap source of vegetable oil. The problem is that it is being grown primarily on land that was once home to the vast rainforests of Borneo, the natural habitat of the orang-utan. According to a recent BBC report, it’s estimated that only 3% of the world’s palm oil comes from certified sustainable sources. Further, the International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that the orang-utan population has declined by 50% in recent decades while the Indonesian government has acknowledged that 50,000 orang-utans have died as a result of de-forestation.
It gets worse. Greenpeace has identified the draining of ancient peat lands to make way for palm oil as a global threat, leading to huge amounts of trapped methane being released into the atmosphere. Consequently, Indonesia is now the world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind only America and China.
Every time a shopper buys a product from a supermarket that contains palm oil he or she is effectively fuelling the destruction of the Borneo rainforests and hastening the demise of the orang-utan.
So what can be done?
It’s important not to underestimate consumer power. If the supermarkets can’t sell products containing palm oil then demand will dry up. However, supermarkets are in business to make a profit; they will largely ignore their impact on the environment if they can get away with it. That’s not just scepticism on our part. If supermarkets don’t label which of their products contain palm oil then it’s impossible for shoppers to actively exclude them from their shopping trolleys.
Surprise, surprise then that current labelling laws allow supermarkets to list palm oil as 'vegetable' oil, without singling out the palm oil content, thereby preventing shoppers from identifying it in products.
At this point we would like to congratulate Sainsbury’s supermarkets, who have taken a decision not only to single out palm oil on the ingredients list of their own-brand products, but to state directly that it is from a sustainable source.
Other supermarkets have made feeble excuses such as arguing that their recipes can change and the amounts and types of oils they use can vary, making more detailed labels impractical. If that were really true, then how has Sainsbury’s overcome the problem?
If you shop at Tesco, Asda, Safeway or Morrisons then why not e-mail them asking that they label products containing palm oil like Sainsbury’s now does? If they are unwilling to do this then tell them you will shop at Sainsbury’s instead.
Supermarkets may not be concerned about the disappearance of rainforests but they will be concerned about losing customers to a competitor.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Is nuclear the low carbon future?
With the Copenhagen climate conference under way, the UK government under pressure to cut carbon emissions and Wylfa on Anglesey shortlisted for a new nuclear power station, BBC Wales' environment correspondent Iolo ap Dafydd asks if nuclear is the low carbon answer to energy security in the future.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/wales/2009/green_wales/8400967.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/wales/2009/green_wales/8400967.stm
US to build two new nuclear power stations
President Barack Obama has announced more than $8bn (£5bn) of federal loan guarantees to begin building the first US nuclear power stations for 30 years.
Two new plants are to be constructed in the state of Georgia by US electricity firm Southern Company.
Mr Obama said the plants would be "safe and clean" and were needed to meet the country's future energy needs.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8518670.stm
Two new plants are to be constructed in the state of Georgia by US electricity firm Southern Company.
Mr Obama said the plants would be "safe and clean" and were needed to meet the country's future energy needs.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8518670.stm
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Some interesting facts about rainforests
Tropical rainforests took between 60 and 100 million years to evolve and are believed to be the oldest and most complex land-based ecosystem on earth, containing over 30 million species of plants and animals. That's half of the Earth's wildlife and at least two-thirds of its plant species! Rainforests have a central role to play in the slowing of climate change.
Some interesting facts about rainforests (source: The Nature Conservancy)
Facts about the Global Coverage of Rainforests:
Fact: Covering less than 2 percent of the Earth's total surface area, the world's rainforests are home to 50 percent of the Earth's plants and animals.
Fact: Rainforests are found on every continent across the Earth, except Antarctica.
Fact: There are two major types of rainforest: temperate rainforests and tropical rainforests.
Fact: Temperate rainforests used to exist on almost every continent in the world, but today only 50 percent – 75 million acres – of these forests remain worldwide.
Facts about the Rainforest as Part of our Global Environment and Well-being:
Fact: Rainforests act as the world's thermostat by regulating temperatures and weather patterns.
Fact: One-fifth of the world’s fresh water is found in the Amazon Basin.
Fact: Rainforests are critical in maintaining the Earth's limited supply of drinking and fresh water.
Facts about the Abundant Life and Important Resources that Rainforests Share with Us:
Fact: A typical four square mile patch of rainforest contains as many as 1,500 flowering plants, 750 species of trees, 400 species of birds and 150 species of butterflies.
Fact: Rainforests provide many important products for people: timber, coffee, cocoa and many medicinal products, including those used in the treatment of cancer.
Fact: Seventy percent of the plants identified by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as useful in the treatment of cancer are found only in rainforests.
Fact: More than 2,000 tropical forest plants have been identified by scientists as having anti-cancer properties.
Fact: Less than one percent of the tropical rainforest species have been analyzed for their medicinal value.
Facts about the Threats to Rainforests, Indigenous People and Species:
Fact: Rainforests are threatened by unsustainable agricultural, ranching, mining and logging practices.
Fact: Before 1500 A.D., there were approximately 6 million indigenous people living in the Brazilian Amazon. But as the forests disappeared, so too did the people. In the early 1900s, there were less than 250,000 indigenous people living in the Amazon.
Fact: Originally, 6 million square miles of tropical rainforest existed worldwide. But as a result of deforestation, only 2.6 million square miles remain.
Fact: At the current rate of tropical forest loss, 5-10 percent of tropical rainforest species will be lost per decade.
Fact: Nearly 90 percent of the 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty worldwide depend on forests for their livelihoods.
Fact: Fifty-seven percent of the world’s forests, including most tropical forests, are located in developing countries.
Fact: Every second, a slice of rainforest the size of a football field is mowed down. That's 86,400 football fields of rainforest per day, or over 31 million football fields of rainforest each year.
Fact: More than 56,000 square miles of natural forest are lost each year.
"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." - Franklin Delano Roosevelt
World heading towards an oil crunch on par with financial crisis
Commenting on today's (10th Feb 2010) warning by the UK Industry Taskforce on Peak Oil and Energy Security (ITPOES) that the world could be heading towards an "oil crunch" that will match the financial crisis within five years, Friends of the Earth's Executive director Andy Atkins said:
"Ministers must take this warning seriously and wean the UK off its addiction to oil - because ordinary people will experience the withdrawal symptoms when the wells run dry.
"It's been clear for some time that urgent action is needed to slash energy waste and develop green sources of energy - this will cut carbon emissions, increase energy security and create new green jobs and industries.
"The Government has been dithering for too long. We need bold political action to rapidly build a safe, clean and prosperous future for us all."
http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/oil_crunch_warning_11022010.html
"Ministers must take this warning seriously and wean the UK off its addiction to oil - because ordinary people will experience the withdrawal symptoms when the wells run dry.
"It's been clear for some time that urgent action is needed to slash energy waste and develop green sources of energy - this will cut carbon emissions, increase energy security and create new green jobs and industries.
"The Government has been dithering for too long. We need bold political action to rapidly build a safe, clean and prosperous future for us all."
http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/oil_crunch_warning_11022010.html
Worrying report on climate change scepticism
The number of British people who are sceptical about climate change is rising, according to a poll for BBC News.
The Populus poll of 1,001 adults found 25% did not think global warming was happening, an increase of 10% since a similar poll was conducted in November. The percentage of respondents who said climate change was a reality had fallen from 83% in November to 75% this month. And only 26% of those asked believed climate change was happening and "now established as largely man-made".
The findings are based on interviews carried out on 3-4 February.
In November 2009, a similar poll by Populus - commissioned by the Times newspaper - showed that 41% agreed that climate change was happening and it was largely the result of human activities.
It seems to us that this may have been affected by continued efforts from the oil and coal industries to confuse people and create uncertainty, refuting scientific findings and discouraging investment into cleaner forms of energy. Plus, of course, there was the contrived plan to suggest that scientists had made up claims about climate change as part of the recent e-mail fiasco.
The Populus poll of 1,001 adults found 25% did not think global warming was happening, an increase of 10% since a similar poll was conducted in November. The percentage of respondents who said climate change was a reality had fallen from 83% in November to 75% this month. And only 26% of those asked believed climate change was happening and "now established as largely man-made".
The findings are based on interviews carried out on 3-4 February.
In November 2009, a similar poll by Populus - commissioned by the Times newspaper - showed that 41% agreed that climate change was happening and it was largely the result of human activities.
It seems to us that this may have been affected by continued efforts from the oil and coal industries to confuse people and create uncertainty, refuting scientific findings and discouraging investment into cleaner forms of energy. Plus, of course, there was the contrived plan to suggest that scientists had made up claims about climate change as part of the recent e-mail fiasco.
Friday, 5 February 2010
We need to cool down the climate change row
Lurid insults and threats from the extremes on both sides of the climate debate wing around the blogosphere - but there must be a way forward, writes Geoffrey Lean.
Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH/REUTERS May I tell you about two shocks I recently received from cyberspace? They made me think about the nature of the debate raging around climate science in the wake of the notorious University of East Anglia emails – and about whether there is a way forward that could gain support from all sides in the increasingly rancorous row.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthcomment/geoffrey-lean/7168212/We-need-to-cool-down-the-climate-change-row.html
Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH/REUTERS May I tell you about two shocks I recently received from cyberspace? They made me think about the nature of the debate raging around climate science in the wake of the notorious University of East Anglia emails – and about whether there is a way forward that could gain support from all sides in the increasingly rancorous row.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthcomment/geoffrey-lean/7168212/We-need-to-cool-down-the-climate-change-row.html
Genetically modified seeds 'are everywhere'
For similar stories, visit the Food and Drink and GM Organisms Topic Guides
GENETICALLY modified crops are everywhere, it seems - even in Europe. Strict laws designed to keep the European Union free of unauthorised GM crops and products are not working, and are posing problems for the EU's €150 billion livestock industry, according to farmers' representatives. They say that supplies of animal feed for poultry and pigs are being refused entry at European ports when found to contain even trace amounts of unauthorised GM material.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527453.800-genetically-modified-seeds-are-everywhere.html
GENETICALLY modified crops are everywhere, it seems - even in Europe. Strict laws designed to keep the European Union free of unauthorised GM crops and products are not working, and are posing problems for the EU's €150 billion livestock industry, according to farmers' representatives. They say that supplies of animal feed for poultry and pigs are being refused entry at European ports when found to contain even trace amounts of unauthorised GM material.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527453.800-genetically-modified-seeds-are-everywhere.html
Water vapour worse climate change villain than thought
A rise in water vapour in the atmosphere fuelled 30 per cent of the global warming that took place during the 1990s. This discovery suggests that the potent greenhouse gas plays a bigger role in climate change that we previously imagined.
Susan Solomon and colleagues at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration combined satellite measurements and weather balloon data to track changes in the concentration of water vapour 16 kilometres up in the stratosphere, between the 1980s and today.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18457-water-vapour-worse-climate-change-villain-than-thought.html
Susan Solomon and colleagues at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration combined satellite measurements and weather balloon data to track changes in the concentration of water vapour 16 kilometres up in the stratosphere, between the 1980s and today.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18457-water-vapour-worse-climate-change-villain-than-thought.html
India backs embattled climate chief Pachauri
Dr Rajendra Pachauri: 'The science... is as compelling as one would expect it to be'
India has firmly backed climate change chief Rajendra Pachauri - who has been under attack over recent scientific errors - at UN-led talks in Delhi.
PM Manmohan Singh said India had "full confidence" in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and its chairman, Dr Pachauri.
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh, previously critical of the IPCC, said the government backed him to the hilt.
India has firmly backed climate change chief Rajendra Pachauri - who has been under attack over recent scientific errors - at UN-led talks in Delhi.
PM Manmohan Singh said India had "full confidence" in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and its chairman, Dr Pachauri.
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh, previously critical of the IPCC, said the government backed him to the hilt.
Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment: What’s it all about?
The Code for Sustainable Homes is a rating system that measures the environmental impact for new build housing in England. The code was officially launched back in December 2006 and was designed to complement the system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for new homes that were built or developed in 2008 under the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment is a mandatory assessment under current building regulations but it does represent important development towards limiting the environmental impact of housing. Currently the minimum Code level for newly built social housing is CSH Level 3. As of Autumn this year there will be a minimum target level of Code Level 3 for ENE category 1 new-build private dwellings.
The Code has taken over from the previous Building Research Establishment's EcoHomes rating scheme that was first used back in 2000. The Government owned scheme currently only applies to new build dwellings in England but the National Welsh Assembly recently announced a plan to adopt the code, while Northern Ireland are required to achieve a code level 3 on all public sector homes. The rating acts as an incentive to home builders to consider building to the Code's higher standards, whilst making the information routinely available will encourage consumers to be more demanding.
The Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment works by giving new build homes a star rating from 1 to 6, based on their performance against 9 sustainability factors, which is designed to assess the overall environmental impact of the house. Six stars is the highest by showing high quality development in terms of sustainability and one being the entry level. The Code has a number of sustainability criteria which include the following:
§ Energy and CO2 Emissions – This involves both the operational energy through the build and resulting emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
§ Surface Water Run-off – Surface water run-off patterns as a result of the development have an impact and are assessed. The consumption of potable water from the public supply systems or other ground water resources.
§ Materials – Construction materials are assessed for key construction elements.
§ Waste – The generation of waste as a result of the construction process and facilities encouraging recycling of household waste.
§ Pollution – Pollution levels have to be assessed from the operation of the dwelling
§ Health and Well-Being – The effect of the dwelling’s design and indoor environment has on its occupants.
§ Management – An assessment of the quality of management of the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the home
§ Ecology – Assessment of the impact of the dwelling on the local land use, ecosystem and bio-diversity.
This vital assessment needs to be carried out by a company who can deliver on time and on budget without any hassles whilst also looking to save money for all parties involved in the long run. Syntegra Consulting have the qualifications and experience needed to carry out a thorough assessment of the dwelling and their approachable nature make them a joy to work with. Find out more about Syntegra’s Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors by visiting them at www.syntegra-epc.co.uk/services-we-offer/code-for-sustainable-homes-assessment.
Syntegra Consulting Ltd
6 Warren House,
17 St Peters Avenue
Reading,
Berkshire,
RG4 7RW
Email: mail@syntegra-epc.co.uk
Tel: 0845 009 1625
The Code has taken over from the previous Building Research Establishment's EcoHomes rating scheme that was first used back in 2000. The Government owned scheme currently only applies to new build dwellings in England but the National Welsh Assembly recently announced a plan to adopt the code, while Northern Ireland are required to achieve a code level 3 on all public sector homes. The rating acts as an incentive to home builders to consider building to the Code's higher standards, whilst making the information routinely available will encourage consumers to be more demanding.
The Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment works by giving new build homes a star rating from 1 to 6, based on their performance against 9 sustainability factors, which is designed to assess the overall environmental impact of the house. Six stars is the highest by showing high quality development in terms of sustainability and one being the entry level. The Code has a number of sustainability criteria which include the following:
§ Energy and CO2 Emissions – This involves both the operational energy through the build and resulting emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
§ Surface Water Run-off – Surface water run-off patterns as a result of the development have an impact and are assessed. The consumption of potable water from the public supply systems or other ground water resources.
§ Materials – Construction materials are assessed for key construction elements.
§ Waste – The generation of waste as a result of the construction process and facilities encouraging recycling of household waste.
§ Pollution – Pollution levels have to be assessed from the operation of the dwelling
§ Health and Well-Being – The effect of the dwelling’s design and indoor environment has on its occupants.
§ Management – An assessment of the quality of management of the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the home
§ Ecology – Assessment of the impact of the dwelling on the local land use, ecosystem and bio-diversity.
This vital assessment needs to be carried out by a company who can deliver on time and on budget without any hassles whilst also looking to save money for all parties involved in the long run. Syntegra Consulting have the qualifications and experience needed to carry out a thorough assessment of the dwelling and their approachable nature make them a joy to work with. Find out more about Syntegra’s Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors by visiting them at www.syntegra-epc.co.uk/services-we-offer/code-for-sustainable-homes-assessment.
Syntegra Consulting Ltd
6 Warren House,
17 St Peters Avenue
Reading,
Berkshire,
RG4 7RW
Email: mail@syntegra-epc.co.uk
Tel: 0845 009 1625
Dragon's Den - opportunity for eco businesses
Eco-entrepreneurs from across the country once again have a chance to make their business dreams come true by appearing on Dragons’ Den. If you’re genuinely seeking investment for your business idea or invention, we’d like to hear from you.
Last series saw some of the most diverse range of inventions and business ideas receive offers of investment from the multi-millionaire investors. All the Dragons were won over by entrepreneur Sharon Wright and the simplicity of her cable wiring device; Rupert Sweet-Escott went into business with James Caan who was impressed with his unique range of aviation designs and prototypes; and Carol Savage chose to accept Deborah Meaden's offer of a cash injection into her tasty new food networking website. In fact, when the Den finally closed for business an incredible 15 entrepreneurs had managed to convince the fearsome financiers, they were worthy of their cash.
2009 saw Londoner Jason Roberts ask for a £150,000 investment in his innovative range of mobile phone and laptop protection products. After some tense negotiations, Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis joined forces to secure a stake in the company. Post investment, Jason says that he gets up to 5000 visits to his website every day, and the current range is available in eight nationwide chains. Agreements are in place with the major phone and computer manufacturers, and he’s now planning to launch a range of own-branded cases, across the globe.
Previous success stories in the Den include Brixton based Levi Roots who secured an investment of £50,000 for his secret recipe, Reggae Reggae Sauce. Just 4 weeks after his appearance on the programme his Dragon investors helped him launch his sauce in a major supermarket all over the country. Now Levi has increased his product range to 8 sauces, produced a Caribbean cook book, and won Best New Product at the World Food Awards 2009, even going on to present his own successful BBC Television series - 'Caribbean Food Made Easy’. Having also successfully licensed his sauce to one of the world’s largest frozen food manufacturers and to an international fast food chain, Levi says that thanks to the Dragons he has a business empire that is now valued in the millions.
Of course, not everyone secures investment in the Den, but that doesn't stop the most tenacious of entrepreneurs from achieving success. After a gruelling time in front of the Dragons in 2008, inventor Natalie Ellis failed to convince them to back her Road Refresher. But one year on, her product became the fastest selling dog bowl on Amazon USA. Natalie says her company now has a million pound turnover and that her range is currently stocked in 32 countries. Likewise Shaun Pulfrey wanted the Dragons to invest £80,000 in his rework of the hairbrush – the Tangle Teezer. Unsuccessful in his bid he claims he is now stocked nationwide in high street stores and top hair salons, with sales approaching 400,000 units.
The rules are simple: entrepreneurs ask for a cash investment in return for equity in their business. However, they must get at least the amount they ask for or they will walk away with nothing. The Dragons are prepared to listen to a pitch for any kind of business but they must be convinced that it will make money.
As demonstrated by the investments in the last seven series, ideas, businesses and products that meet some or all of the following criteria stand a good chance of securing the Dragons’ interest:
· A Unique Selling Point: a product that serves a need like nothing else.
· Scalability: something that can be up scaled to make real money.
· Route to Market: the clear way the product can be sold and marketed.
· Mutually Beneficial Arrangement: just what will the Dragons get out of it?
· Exit Strategy: a plan of how the entrepreneur/Dragon will exit and make money.
The BBC is currently searching for Britain’s best entrepreneurs and will be auditioning throughout the coming months. We want to hear from anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to enter the Dragons’ Den.
If you would like an application form please send an e-mail to dragonsden@bbc.co.uk or visit www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden
Last series saw some of the most diverse range of inventions and business ideas receive offers of investment from the multi-millionaire investors. All the Dragons were won over by entrepreneur Sharon Wright and the simplicity of her cable wiring device; Rupert Sweet-Escott went into business with James Caan who was impressed with his unique range of aviation designs and prototypes; and Carol Savage chose to accept Deborah Meaden's offer of a cash injection into her tasty new food networking website. In fact, when the Den finally closed for business an incredible 15 entrepreneurs had managed to convince the fearsome financiers, they were worthy of their cash.
2009 saw Londoner Jason Roberts ask for a £150,000 investment in his innovative range of mobile phone and laptop protection products. After some tense negotiations, Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis joined forces to secure a stake in the company. Post investment, Jason says that he gets up to 5000 visits to his website every day, and the current range is available in eight nationwide chains. Agreements are in place with the major phone and computer manufacturers, and he’s now planning to launch a range of own-branded cases, across the globe.
Previous success stories in the Den include Brixton based Levi Roots who secured an investment of £50,000 for his secret recipe, Reggae Reggae Sauce. Just 4 weeks after his appearance on the programme his Dragon investors helped him launch his sauce in a major supermarket all over the country. Now Levi has increased his product range to 8 sauces, produced a Caribbean cook book, and won Best New Product at the World Food Awards 2009, even going on to present his own successful BBC Television series - 'Caribbean Food Made Easy’. Having also successfully licensed his sauce to one of the world’s largest frozen food manufacturers and to an international fast food chain, Levi says that thanks to the Dragons he has a business empire that is now valued in the millions.
Of course, not everyone secures investment in the Den, but that doesn't stop the most tenacious of entrepreneurs from achieving success. After a gruelling time in front of the Dragons in 2008, inventor Natalie Ellis failed to convince them to back her Road Refresher. But one year on, her product became the fastest selling dog bowl on Amazon USA. Natalie says her company now has a million pound turnover and that her range is currently stocked in 32 countries. Likewise Shaun Pulfrey wanted the Dragons to invest £80,000 in his rework of the hairbrush – the Tangle Teezer. Unsuccessful in his bid he claims he is now stocked nationwide in high street stores and top hair salons, with sales approaching 400,000 units.
The rules are simple: entrepreneurs ask for a cash investment in return for equity in their business. However, they must get at least the amount they ask for or they will walk away with nothing. The Dragons are prepared to listen to a pitch for any kind of business but they must be convinced that it will make money.
As demonstrated by the investments in the last seven series, ideas, businesses and products that meet some or all of the following criteria stand a good chance of securing the Dragons’ interest:
· A Unique Selling Point: a product that serves a need like nothing else.
· Scalability: something that can be up scaled to make real money.
· Route to Market: the clear way the product can be sold and marketed.
· Mutually Beneficial Arrangement: just what will the Dragons get out of it?
· Exit Strategy: a plan of how the entrepreneur/Dragon will exit and make money.
The BBC is currently searching for Britain’s best entrepreneurs and will be auditioning throughout the coming months. We want to hear from anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to enter the Dragons’ Den.
If you would like an application form please send an e-mail to dragonsden@bbc.co.uk or visit www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden
Saturday, 16 January 2010
The evolving green insurance revolution
Ever the sceptic when we hear about large companies claiming to have become eco-friendly, we were nevertheless heartened to hear that M&S Money will no longer automatically replace fridges, washing machines and other white goods on a like-for-like basis. Instead it will pay for a model that is rated at least an 'A' for energy efficiency, even if it costs more than the original.
In addition, where significant rebuilding is needed, such as after a fire, the insurance will pay for the work to be done in line with the best environmental standards - the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4. This can reduce the amount of carbon produced in building and running a home by about half.
Whilst this may be seen as expedience by M&S marketing gurus in recognising and exploiting growing consumer concerns over the environment, it’s an important development when seen in the wider context. That is, it underlines the power of the consumer to force companies to change their policies whilst signalling a growing (albeit sometimes begrudging) willingness by larger companies to take environmental concerns more seriously.
Its clearly only a start since, for example, we still have supermarkets selling products made with palm oil obtained from plantations built on cleared rainforests, selling clothes made by children working under appalling conditions and selling food flown in from across the globe clocking up huge carbon miles. These same supermarkets promote themselves as being eco-friendly with ‘green’ good and services. But with concerted pressure this hypocrisy can be exposed and policies changed.
While M&S Money says its specific green policy features are a first, there are already other environmentally friendly insurance options that can be found throughout the Green Providers Directory. Many of the companies listed offer discounts on insurance for households that reflect eco-lifestyles, including homes with cavity wall and loft insulation, wind turbines, solar panels, double glazing, energy-efficient appliances and water butts in the garden.
Further, its not only household insurance where the type of policy you buy could make a difference. Several insurers are now running offset schemes where part of the premium goes towards compensating for the amount of CO2 you produce. Co-operative Insurance, for example, runs a carbon offset scheme for all of its motor insurance policies. Projects include planting new forests in Uganda and subsidising people in Madagascar who are purchasing energy-efficient stoves so that they don't need to cut down so many trees for fuel.
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
January 2010
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Snow and human nature - a microcosm of the real world?
Driving home recently I decided to take a different route to avoid a long traffic queue which was building up due to the snow and icy conditions.
Unfortunately, this different route turned out to be a bad idea as I quickly found myself joining another long queue of motorists who had had the same idea as me. This situation was worsened by the fact that the road narrowed in one section, so that only one line of traffic could pass through at any given time.
Stuck in a queue not moving I observed the unfolding events. The first was a rather angry middle aged man stomping past the queue of cars berating drivers of two-wheel drive cars – complaining that he was stuck behind them and that it was their fault he couldn’t get moving.
Next, the driver of another four-wheel drive vehicle, clearly frustrated at having to wait decided to mount the pavement and attempt to manoeuvre around the blockage before himself becoming trapped.
Eventually the traffic began moving again before reaching an incline. This time several cars began sliding around frantically as they tried to ascend the incline. Inevitably some became stuck. Two four-wheel drive cars weaved in between the stranded cars at some speed before racing off without offering assistance. Another driver of a four-wheel drive vehicle stopped and offered help to several motorists.
In front of me was a young driver with the sense to wait at the bottom of the incline until the stranded cars managed to get moving, some being pushed by passers by and other drivers. Behind me was an irate driver of a 4x4 who began hooting his horn, and gesturing at the young driver to get out of his way. As the intimidated young woman driver began moving, the 4x4 driver sped past with horn full on, weaving his way through and sped off. The 4x4 driver was quickly joined by a two-wheel drive car driver who tried to jump the queue before himself becoming stranded on the hill, blocking other cars in the process.
After helping to push several cars I was myself helped past the incline, and managed to get safely home albeit somewhat frazzled.
On reflection, I couldn’t help but wonder if this wasn’t simply an expression of human nature in a wider context. At one extreme, selfish individuals who care little about the well-being of others; at the other end of the scale altruistic people who volunteer to help even when there is no direct benefit to themselves. Stereotyping can be dangerous, but I find it hard to accept that those people who acted selfishly in this situation would be the type of people concerned about climate change, fair trade and ethics. Which made me wonder – how many of these people are there out there?
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
The Green Providers Directory
January 2010
Unfortunately, this different route turned out to be a bad idea as I quickly found myself joining another long queue of motorists who had had the same idea as me. This situation was worsened by the fact that the road narrowed in one section, so that only one line of traffic could pass through at any given time.
Stuck in a queue not moving I observed the unfolding events. The first was a rather angry middle aged man stomping past the queue of cars berating drivers of two-wheel drive cars – complaining that he was stuck behind them and that it was their fault he couldn’t get moving.
Next, the driver of another four-wheel drive vehicle, clearly frustrated at having to wait decided to mount the pavement and attempt to manoeuvre around the blockage before himself becoming trapped.
Eventually the traffic began moving again before reaching an incline. This time several cars began sliding around frantically as they tried to ascend the incline. Inevitably some became stuck. Two four-wheel drive cars weaved in between the stranded cars at some speed before racing off without offering assistance. Another driver of a four-wheel drive vehicle stopped and offered help to several motorists.
In front of me was a young driver with the sense to wait at the bottom of the incline until the stranded cars managed to get moving, some being pushed by passers by and other drivers. Behind me was an irate driver of a 4x4 who began hooting his horn, and gesturing at the young driver to get out of his way. As the intimidated young woman driver began moving, the 4x4 driver sped past with horn full on, weaving his way through and sped off. The 4x4 driver was quickly joined by a two-wheel drive car driver who tried to jump the queue before himself becoming stranded on the hill, blocking other cars in the process.
After helping to push several cars I was myself helped past the incline, and managed to get safely home albeit somewhat frazzled.
On reflection, I couldn’t help but wonder if this wasn’t simply an expression of human nature in a wider context. At one extreme, selfish individuals who care little about the well-being of others; at the other end of the scale altruistic people who volunteer to help even when there is no direct benefit to themselves. Stereotyping can be dangerous, but I find it hard to accept that those people who acted selfishly in this situation would be the type of people concerned about climate change, fair trade and ethics. Which made me wonder – how many of these people are there out there?
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
The Green Providers Directory
January 2010
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Renewable energy opportunity
A great article from Friends of the Earth on renewable energy (read more)
The UK is currently facing an enormous energy opportunity. Over the next 10–20 years around 30% of our conventional, climate damaging electricity generation capacity is scheduled to close. Whilst energy efficiency measures can reduce our overall energy demand, a significant proportion of production capacity will need to be replaced. If we seize this opportunity, this windswept country – already the site of the world’s largest offshore wind farm in development, the London Array – could reap huge benefits from the fastest growing renewable technology, particularly in offshore wind.
The Green Providers Directory
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Family planning is the most effective way of preventing climate change
Research from the Optimum Population Trust estimates that every £4 spent on providing unmet demand for family planning saves one tonne of CO2. A similar reduction would require an £8 investment in tree planting, £15 in wind power, £31 in solar energy and £56 in hybrid vehicle technology.
Thought provoking and often overlooked. We recently watched a BBC Horizon programme which very succinctly outlined the ecological problems associated with population growth.
Why is it that governments and even many environmental groups refuse to tackle this pressing issue? Its not about compulsion either - research shows education and empowerment of women is the most effective route to limiting population growth.
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
Thought provoking and often overlooked. We recently watched a BBC Horizon programme which very succinctly outlined the ecological problems associated with population growth.
Why is it that governments and even many environmental groups refuse to tackle this pressing issue? Its not about compulsion either - research shows education and empowerment of women is the most effective route to limiting population growth.
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
Saturday, 5 December 2009
UN hits back at climate sceptics amid e-mails row
The UN's official panel on climate change has hit back at sceptics' claims that the case for human influence on global warming has been exaggerated.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said it was "firmly" standing by findings that a rise in the use of greenhouse gases was a factor.
It was responding to a row over the reliability of data from East Anglia University's Climatic Research Unit
Leaked e-mail exchanges prompted claims that data had been manipulated.
Last month, hundreds of messages between scientists at the unit and their peers around the world were put on the internet along with other documents.
Some observers alleged one of the e-mails suggested head of the unit Professor Phil Jones wanted certain papers excluded from the UN's next major assessment of climate science.
The body of evidence is the result of the careful and painstaking work of hundreds of scientists worldwide
Professor Thomas Stocker and Professor Qin Dahe, IPCC
Professor Jones, who denies this was his intention, has stood down from his post while an independent inquiry takes place.
In a statement, Professor Thomas Stocker and Professor Qin Dahe, co-chairmen of the IPCC's working group 1, condemned the act of posting the private e-mails on the internet, but avoided commenting on their content.
They went on to point to a key finding that states: "The warming in the climate system is unequivocal.
"[It] is based on measurements made by many independent institutions worldwide that demonstrate significant changes on land, in the atmosphere, the ocean and in the ice-covered areas of the Earth.
"Through further independent scientific work involving statistical methods and a range of different climate models, these changes have been detected as significant deviations from natural climate variability and have been attributed to the increase of greenhouse gases."
They added: "The body of evidence is the result of the careful and painstaking work of hundreds of scientists worldwide.
There is an anti-science group, there is a flat Earth group, if I may say so, over the scientific evidence for climate change
Gordon Brown, Prime Minister
"The internal consistency from multiple lines of evidence strongly supports the work of the scientific community, including those individuals singled out in these e-mail exchanges."
The row comes ahead of the Copenhagen climate summit which starts on Monday.
Professor Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, vice-chairman of the IPCC, said it was no coincidence the information was released in the run-up to the summit.
He claimed unnamed conspirators could have paid for Russian hackers to break into the university computers to steal the e-mails.
He said the theft was a scandal and was "probably ordered" to disrupt the confidence negotiators have in the science.
Earlier, Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband told the BBC he would be "very surprised" if there had been any wrongdoing on the part of the East Anglia University scientists.
"We're in a moment when the world is about to make some big political decisions," he said.
"And there will be people who don't want the world to make those big decisions and they are trying to use this in part to say somehow this is all in doubt and perhaps we should put the whole thing off.
"Well, I just think they're wrong about that."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the scientific evidence was "very clear" and called doubters a "flat Earth group".
He said: "There is an anti-change group. There is an anti-reform group. There is an anti-science group, there is a flat Earth group, if I may say so, over the scientific evidence for climate change."
'Open and transparent'
Meanwhile, the Met Office said it would publish all the data from weather stations worldwide, which it said proved climate change was caused by humans.
Its database is a main source of analysis for the IPCC.
It has written to 188 countries for permission to publish the material, dating back 160 years from more than 1,000 weather stations.
John Mitchell, head of climate science at the Met Office, said the evidence for man-made global warming was overwhelming - and the data would show that.
"So this is not an issue of whether we are confident or not in the figures for the trend in global warming, it's more about being open and transparent," he told the BBC.
The Met Office said it had already planned to publish the material long before the row and denied reports that government ministers had tried to block the publication.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8397265.stm
The Green Providers Directory
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
UK energy smart meter to be in stalled in all households in UK
Its welcome news that energy suppliers are to be responsible for installing smart meters in all households in the UK by 2020.
Plans for smart meters for millions of homes have been outlined with trials suggesting that the £8bn scheme will help household save over £28 a year. The Department for Energy and Climate Change wants to see 47 million meters in 26 million properties by 2020.
The idea is that smart meters will encourage households to trim their energy bills by paying more attention to usage. In fact, trials of smart meters have shown that people do indeed moderate their energy use when they are fitted.
Smart meters have a visual display allowing customers to see exactly how much electricity and gas they are using and relay the data to energy firms automatically.
Definitely a step in the right direction to greater energy efficiency.
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
The Green Providers Directory
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Oil dependent economies are more volatile
In a recent article, we claimed that oil dependent economies were more subject to volatility and instability in the longer term than those based on renewable energy sources. As oil stocks dwindled coupled with growing consumption by emerging economies, demand would increase and supply decrease thereby heightening the potential for conflict, further fuelling instability in global markets.
We also claimed that mere comments by political leaders were enough to affect oil prices, with knock-on effects for the stability of global markets.
A recent news flash in the Financial Times (1st December 2009) nicely illustrates this point:
“Oil rose 1.3% to $78.31, adding to gains of the previous session following news that a UK yacht had been detained by the Iranian authorities.”
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
The Green Providers Directory
Friday, 27 November 2009
Ethical banking
Banks are in business to make profits. One way they do this is by lending your money to someone else at a higher rate of interest, but they rarely disclose who they lend it to. Worse still, the credit crunch exposed the shocking truth that many banks were themselves unsure of who they had lent money to leading to an almost total collapse of the banking system!
If you are concerned about your money being invested in unethical businesses and corrupt regimes then why not switch to an ethical bank? Ethical banking helps to create a society that promotes people’s quality of life and that has human dignity at its core enabling individuals to use money more consciously in ways that benefit people and the environment, and promote sustainable development.
"I am still looking for the modern equivalent of those Quakers who ran successful businesses and made money because they offered honest products and treated their people decently . . . This business creed, sadly, seems long forgotten." — Anita Roddick
Ethical banking
Green insurance - how ethical is your insurance company?
When insurance companies claim to be carbon neutral, they usually mean balancing a measured amount of carbon emissions with an equivalent amount that is captured through some mechanism or other. With net emissions being zero it becomes ‘carbon neutral’.
The most environmentally aware insurance companies will always seek to firstly reduce their own emissions and those of their customers. This will include making their buildings more eco-friendly, cutting energy use and encouraging customers to drive more fuel efficient cars - giving advice and incentives to reduce their carbon footprint. Only after this will unavoidable emissions be offset.
Carbon emissions can be offset in a number of ways. For example, carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels can be balanced against renewable energy that creates a similar amount of useful energy, so that the carbon emissions are compensated. More dubiously, insurance companies can pay others to remove carbon emissions by planting trees or by funding 'carbon projects' that lead to the prevention of future greenhouse gas emissions, or by buying carbon credits to remove them through carbon trading.
Always be wary of companies who claim to be carbon neutral by simply paying for their emissions to be offset!
Avoid ‘green-wash’
Avoid insurance companies who cynically allude to being environmentally friendly by introducing token gesture benefits. For example, always inquire about what they are doing to cut their own emissions, how they are contributing to combating climate change, and find out if they give discounts for low emission vehicles and eco-friendly initiatives. More tellingly, ask them what car their CEO drives!
FSA Fines
The FSA has the power to fine insurance companies who treat customers unfairly. Here are some examples - has your insurance company mistreated its customers?
Egg fined £721,000 and will compensate PPI customers
"Egg used inappropriate sales techniques to try to persuade customers to buy payment protection insurance on their credit card even when they asserted they did not want the cover." 10th December 2008
FSA fines Hastings £735,000 for not treating customers fairly
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined Hastings Insurance Services Ltd (Hastings) £735,000 for failing to treat its customers fairly in relation to cancelling around 4,550 incorrectly priced car insurance policies. "It is clear from our investigation that Hastings put its own interests ahead of those of its customers." 28th July 2008
Liverpool Victoria Banking Services to pay £840,000 fine plus compensation to PPI customers following FSA investigation The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined Liverpool Victoria Banking Services Limited (LVBS) £840,000 for serious failings in the sale of single premium Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). 30th July 2008
The Green Providers Directory
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Simple solution to a complicated problem?
Reading through the various reports on climate change and environmental damage it can sometimes seem as though the problems we face are insurmountable. That, despite the hard work of environmental campaigners and those concerned with fair trade and green issues, we are merely forestalling inevitable environmental collapse.
As the overdue realisation dawns on governments around the world, particularly those with most to lose because of dense populations perilously exposed to sea level rises, there is a clamour for ‘quick fix’ solutions. Everything from geo-engineering to devices in space designed to block out sunlight.
Whilst well-intentioned, these efforts overlook a far more fundamental problem. This problem can be expressed in a simple, single statement: There are too many people on the Earth, consuming too many resources.
In other words, our impact on the environment can be broadly expressed as follows:
Number of people x Per capita resource consumption
Stabilisation of the global population and a reduction in per capita resource consumption will, in combination, do more to mitigate environmental damage than anything else. The Pareto principle of directing most effort into that which produces the greatest result has never been more important, whilst political prevaricating and drawn-out discussions on relatively minor issues serve only as a distraction.
An effective solution must address both population growth and resource consumption together. There is little point in trying to reduce per capita resource consumption with a surging population as the total impact on the environment will continue to rise.
Politically, however, that is what is happening. Governments regard the subject of population stabilisation as almost taboo. A no-go area not up for debate. Almost immediately, there are accusations of totalitarianism and coercion in reducing family sizes.
Yet, it doesn’t have to be like that. Empowerment and better education of women in developing countries is known to have a downward impact on birth rates. The Obama administration’s progress in encouraging family planning in the US and more broadly within the UN will have a positive longer-term impact. There is so much that can be done and without recourse to totalitarian policies.
However, the size of the problem should not be underestimated. For example, China’s population is still growing now despite the policy of one child per couple having been in place for many years. There is an inherent time lag involved. On top of that there are likely to be greater food shortages and displacement of large populations as climate change impacts upon agriculture in low lying areas, coupled with desertification of areas where deforestation has taken place. This will inevitably compound the problems of migration.
Environmental organisations need to avoid focusing almost explicitly on reducing per capita resource consumption whilst neglecting the other side of the equation; population growth. Global environmental strategies can only be truly effective when addressing both sides of the coin.
Dr Gary Robertshaw
The Green Providers Directory
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