Petition against Google funding climate change sceptics
A global petition has been signed by nearly 100,000 people to ask Google to stop directly funding climate change sceptics and supporting organisations that have launched lawsuits aimed at discrediting the science behind climate change. Campaigners argue that Google’s donation to the US think tank Competitive Enterprise Institute, which is known for arguing that global warming is not a concern, contradicts the company’s promotion of clean technology and investment in reducing its carbon footprint, as well as its unofficial slogan, “Don’t Be Evil.” Yesterday protestors gathered outside of Google’s US headquarters to protest against a fundraiser held by the company for US Senator James Inhofe, who is well known in the US Congress for denying the existence of climate change. A Google spokesperson stated that “while we disagree on climate change policy, we share an interest with Senator Inhofe in the employees and data centre we have in Oklahoma”. (Huffington Post; Sum of Us)
Policy and Research
EU progressing towards green economy but long-term focus needed says EEA
According to a new report by the European Economic Area (EEA), increased awareness of society’s impact on the environment has enabled EU policy makers to agree a range of ‘green’ policies. However, the report, ‘Towards a green economy in Europe’, highlights how implementing these policies is creating a barrier to future progress. The report examines the environmental targets and objectives established by EU legislation for the period 2010-2050, identifying 63 legally binding targets and 68 non-binding targets. Of the legally binding targets, 62 have their deadlines in 2020 or before. The EEA said that most of the current targets could be seen as interim steps towards the transition to a greener economy, stating that there was a need for “longer-term efforts beyond 2020” to sufficiently address the challenges. (Edie)
Ofwat announces UK to pay for water industry reform
The UK water industry regulator Ofwat has announced a large-scale reform programme for the water industry, but it will increase water company levies by 35 percent to cover the cost. The new reforms are aimed at giving a lighter regulatory touch to those water companies that commit to the biggest savings on the most effective projects. Ofwat also wants to promote water trading whereby companies with excess supply, such as Severn Trent, will be incentivised to sell water those such as Anglian Water, that have experienced shortages. (The Times*)
Environment
China to invest $277 billion to curb air pollution
The Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning has stated that China plans to invest 1.7 trillion yuan ($277 billion) to combat air pollution over the next five years. The plan specifically targets northern China, particularly Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province, where air pollution is reported to be particularly serious. Smog over northern cities in January 2013 has generated high levels of public anger, which Zhao Hualin, a senior official at China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated was recognised by the Chinese Government. The Chinese Government reportedly plans to launch two further initiatives to address water pollution and rural environmental issues, following the discovery of the corpses of thousands of pigs in March 2013 in a river that supplies Shanghai’s water. (Reuters)
Sainsbury’s hits renewable milestone with 100,000 solar panels
The UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has installed 100,000 photovoltaic solar panels across 210 stores, retaining the retailer’s status as the largest multi-roof solar panel operator in Europe. According to Sainsbury’s, the panels will reduce total carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 9,785 tonnes per year. Sainsbury’s head of engineering, sustainability, energy and environment, Paul Crewe, stated that the company had achieved a 9.1 percent absolute reduction in electricity use over the past four years, despite a 25 percent increase in space. Today, the retailer’s twelfth Ground Source Heat Pump is also being installed at its London Colney store in St Albans. The implementation of the geothermal technology and solar panels has enabled some Sainsbury’s stores to supply 30 percent of their energy from on-site renewable sources. (Edie)
COMMENTS