A new WorldPublicOpinion.org poll of 19 nations from around the world finds that majorities in 15 think their government should put a higher priority on addressing climate change than it does now. This includes the largest greenhouse gas emitters: China (62% want more action), the US (52%), and Russia (56%).
In all but three nations most people think their government should give climate change a relatively high priority (6-10 on a 0-10 scale: on average 7.33). However in only four nations do most people think that is what their government is doing.
Periodic price review for 2010-2015 slashes water companies' investment plans by 14%
27-Jul-09
Ofwat's five-year pricing plan will heavily curtail water companies' investment progammes, with the companies' £24.2 billion spending plans cut to £20.8 billion, it was announced last week. With a general election due by May, the regulator bowed to political pressure to put the interests of consumers first and reduce household water bills.
British Gas launches £2 million community energy fund
British Gas is calling for entries following their launch of an energy fund of £2 million in the search for Britain's most innovative green communities.
The launch of the fund is part of the utilities giant's national Green Streets campaign. British Gas aims to support a growing grassroots movement of people who want to bring a new lease of life to their community with ambitious energy projects, but need help to get their plans off the ground.
Community groups working on local renewable energy projects - including solar, wind or hydro power to biomass, ground-source and air-source heat pumps - can compete for a share of the money.
Projects will be judged according to their potential for energy efficiency savings across the entire community, local renewable power generation, and ability to engage an entire community through education in local schools and mobilising the support of other local residents.
Champions of projects shortlisted will be asked to pitch for funding in community selection meetings. Around a dozen finalists will receive a share of the £2m funding.
How to apply
Interested energy projects should apply by 31 August 2009 through the British Gas website.
The Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, launched today, sets out the action the Government is taking to ensure that British businesses and workers are equipped to maximise the economic opportunities and minimise the costs of the transition to a low carbon economy.
The strategy follows from Building Britain’s Future: New Industry, New Jobs, and sets out how the Government aims to ensure that the transition to low carbon is a source of quality jobs and business savings in Britain: from our rapidly developing civil nuclear industry and renewable energy sector, to energy saving in our smallest SMEs.
The strategy identifies a range of low carbon sectors with potential for job creation and growth. These include: wave and tidal power; civil nuclear power; offshore wind; and ultra-low carbon vehicles. It also sets out the Government’s strategy for removing barriers that are blocking the development of Britain’s full potential in these areas.
One of the most ambigious renewable energy projects has had a sound start in Munich this week: Destertec. Within the next three years there are to be concrete plans for solar thermal plants in North Africa, the initiators, twelve major companies, said. Whilst there is still technical research to be done, the main objective now is the financing of the giant project that is to deliver up to 15% of European electricity demand within about 30 years, as well as to cover local demand. The investment will be around 400 bn. Euro until 2050.reegle.info, reegle Blog
350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that justice demand.
Our mission is to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis--to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet.
Our focus is on the number 350--as in parts per million, the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. To tackle climate change we need to move quickly, and we need to act in unison--and 2009 will be an absolutely crucial year. This December, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to craft a new global treaty on cutting emissions. The problem is, the treaty currently on the table doesn't meet the severity of the climate crisis--it doesn't pass the 350 test.
In order to unite the public, media, and our political leaders behind the 350 goal, we're harnessing the power of the internet to coordinate a planetary day of action on October 24, 2009. We hope to have actions at hundreds of iconic places around the world - from the Taj Mahal to the Great Barrier Reef to your community - and clear message to world leaders: the solutions to climate change must be equitable, they must be grounded in science, and they must meet the scale of the crisis.
If an international grassroots movement holds our leaders accountable to the latest climate science, we can start the global transformation we so desperately need.
A new WorldPublicOpinion.org poll of 19 nations from around the world finds that majorities in 15 think their government should put a higher priority on addressing climate change than it does now. This includes the largest greenhouse gas emitters: China (62% want more action), the US (52%), and Russia (56%).
