Breakdown of UK renewable energy support: infographic analysis
The Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) recent public attitudes survey brought to light some interesting – and encouraging – figures regarding the support for clean energy. As well as questions on such topics as energy efficiency, energy bills, smart meters, nuclear power, climate change and electric cars,...
Scottish independence could jeopardise its renewables targets
Scotland’s plan to produce 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 is unlikely if the country becomes independent, according to an academic report. Energy researchers at Birmingham, Cardiff, Robert Gordon and Queens universities claim that Scotland would be unable to stump up sufficient subsidies to meet its...
Aggressive tax avoidance keeps on hitting the headlines
First it was big brands such as Starbucks, Amazon and Google squirming in parliament. Then it was the big four accountancy firms (KPMG, PwC, Ernst & Young and Deloitte) sharing their ‘impartial’ insight with parliament while operating as well-paid advisers to government on tax policy and profiting from rules...
Centrica nuclear withdrawal reveals a ‘very troubled UK energy strategy’
The UK has missed renewable energy opportunities by focusing too heavily on new nuclear, according to campaigners reacting to Centrica’s decision to withdraw from the UK’s nuclear rebuilding programme. The energy firm, which owns British Gas, rejected the chance yesterday to take a 20% stake in four new reactors...
George Osborne is ‘seriously misinformed’ on sustainable business, says Al Gore
Former US vice-president Al Gore has criticised the UK government over its environmental commitments, adding that the stance taken by the chancellor George Osborne was “seriously misinformed”. Speaking to Channel 4 News yesterday evening, Gore, an ardent green campaigner who has won several awards for his activism, said the...
EU countries told to suspend insecticides harmful to bees
The European Commission has urged EU countries to ban the use of the neonicotinoid insecticides that are said to have driven a decline in the bee population. This follows a European Food Agency report that said a number of streams of the chemical “ the central nervous system of...
Campaigners celebrate victory as Cumbria votes against nuclear waste site
Cumbria will not become the host community for the government’s £12 billion nuclear waste disposal facility, after its county council voted in favour of withdrawing from the selection process. The news comes despite Copeland borough council voting in favour of the plans. But previous agreements mean there had to...
Osborne’s championing of HS2 proves his ideological objection to renewables
George Osborne spoke with passion when asked by the BBC to give the “economic case” for HS2 yesterday. Alex Blackburne writes how the chancellor’s answer revealed his true colours when it comes to renewable energy. The second phase of the government’s controversial high-speed rail network was revealed a little...
Why supporting innovation is vital for UK energy policy in 2013
Britain is facing an “energy efficiency revolution“. That was the claim brought forward by UK politicians last November, and it is now time to act on it. After all, writes Chris Farrell, the potential is there. As stated alongside November’s strategy, ”success in the energy efficiency sector was highlighted by the...
HS2: an ‘engine for growth’ or a ‘fast train for fat cats’?
New details of the controversial £32 billion high-speed rail network, HS2, have been unveiled by the government today. The second phase of the development will see lines built connecting Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and the East Midlands. This follows phase one, which will join Birmingham with London and reduce journey...
Government launches long-awaited green deal scheme
The green deal, the government’s flagship energy efficiency scheme that promises to “transform Britain’s homes”, launches today. But critics have questioned whether it goes far enough in addressing the problem. Among the main concerns is the level of interest rate, which the Green Deal Finance Company (GDFC) set last...
We need a credible green innovation growth strategy
Innovation equals growth. More importantly, green innovation equals sustainable growth. Large businesses shed jobs through recessions and shed jobs during growth as they outsource and focus on efficiency. Large incumbent businesses are part of the problem, and not part of the solution to our economic, societal and environmental woes....
On this day in 1996: green groups rally for ‘Third Battle of Newbury’
Seventeen years ago today, a war was slowly beginning to erupt in Berkshire. John Major’s government had tabled plans to clear over 300 acres of land near Newbury in order to make way for a new bypass. But their hopes of an easy process were dashed once environmental groups...
British Antarctic Survey trio honoured with Polar Medal
Three members of staff at the British Antarctic Survey have been granted the Polar Medal, a prestigious award handed out in recognition of excellence in polar research. Meteorologist Steve Colwell, dive officer and base commander John Withers and field assistant and interim operations manager Simon Garrod join the likes...
Bee protection ‘essential’ after scientists link decline in numbers with insecticides
The European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) has picked out a number of dangerous risks to bees posed by a trio of common insecticides. Clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam are all neonicotinoid insecticides that the EFSA says “ the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death”. It is claimed...
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