Coke, Sony, Volvo and other ‘Climate Savers’ cut CO2 by 100 million tonnes
Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Sony, Volvo and other members of WWF’s ‘Climate Savers’ programme cut their carbon dioxide emissions by more than 100 million tonnes over the period 1999 to 2011, according to an independent review of the programme released yesterday. The review, conducted by energy consultancy Ecofys, also found that by 2020, Climate Savers’ cumulative emissions savings could exceed 350 million tonnes.
Donors desert rightwing US thinktank over Unabomber ad
An ultra-conservative thinktank has suffered a mass exodus of corporate donors after running an ad campaign comparing climate change believers to a serial killer. The Heartland Institute has seen a core group of big-money supporters back out as a result of the provocative billboard. About two dozen insurance companies, including US giant State Farm, announced an end to support for Heartland because of the billboard. The ad, which ran for just a day on a Chicago expressway, featured an image of the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, and the caption: “I still believe in global warming. Do you?” Drinks firm Diageo also pulled its funding, stating that “Diageo vigorously opposes climate scepticism.”
Earlier this month Vodafone’s Italian chief executive Vittorio Colao journeyed to New Delhi in a last-ditch attempt to win a change of heart from India’s government over plans to change India’s tax laws in an effort to recoup about $2.6bn of tax from the UK-based telecoms company. After the meeting both men were tight-lipped about their discussions, but on Monday Mr Colao got his answer: no. On Wednesday, a senior official from India’s finance ministry confirmed on television that the tax department was likely to send out a fresh demand as soon as the legislation passed parliament.
Queen’s Speech promises legislation on electricity market reform
The UK Government will introduce legislation to reform the electricity market in order to deliver cleaner, more affordable energy, it was announced in the Queen’s Speech yesterday. The Government will also pass legislation to establish a Green Investment Bank and introduce a draft bill to reform the water industry in England and Wales, it was confirmed.
UK businesses again demand decision on mandatory carbon reporting
A group of leading businesses and NGOs has this week written to UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg demanding confirmation on whether the government will reach a decision on plans for mandatory carbon reporting rules for large businesses. The letter – which was orchestrated by the Aldersgate Group and signed by a raft of high profile firms such as Asda, M&S, National Grid, Philips, and Sky, as well as a host of NGOs and trade groups – slams the government for last month delaying its long-awaited decision on emission reporting rules and urges the Deputy Prime Minister to intervene to ensure the rules are adopted.
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