Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses...actually, no, forget that. Just give us your trash...
Apparently Scotland has to deal with 180,000 tonnes of rubbish brought in from beyond it's borders. Some of this is imported for specialist recycling, but a staggering 94,000 tonnes of it was just destined for landfill.
It appears that Scottish landfill sites have been undercutting their English counterparts in disposal fees, making it economic to transport waste hundreds of miles in the back of trucks just to dump it in a big hole in the ground.
Lucrative? Yes. Crazy? Absolutely.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Power Use Report Card Jan - Mch 09
It's been a while since I've reported on my power usage, mainly due to moving flat but also because I no longer get online reports from my energy supplier.
So, being anal about these things, I decided to start keeping a record of it myself. I've never had a gas supply before so it has been interesting to watch how much of that I use, especially as it now controls my heating and hot water. In my previous flat, it was easy to switch the hot water on whenever I was going to need it but that's not so easy with a gas boiler. Plus it was incredibly easy to put the heating and hot water on a timer and then just forget about it for the winter. Thus, most of the variation in my gas usage is due to cooking but my central heating has been switched off for the last two weeks:
Gas Stats:
Length of Period: 91 Days
Total Usage: 202 kW/h
Average Per Day: 2.2 kW/h
If Applied Over The Year: 803 kW/h
Average Yearly UK Household Gas Use: 19000 kW/h
CO2 Emissions From My Gas Use: 38.38kg
I'm still trying to work out all the foibles of this flat and how to optimise the energy use - what can be plugged in where, what can be left on and what I'm happy to switch off. So I'm not completely happy with my electricity use. This is apparent in the last week where my electricity use has plummeted - a combination of the shifts I was working plus discovering that my router can be happily switched off with no side-effects, allowing all my computer equipment to be turned off when not in use. It's what I used to do in my old flat, but I had a different modem then.
Electricity Stats:
Length of Period: 91 Days
Total Usage: 530 kW/h
Average Per Day: 5.8 kW/h
If Applied Over The Year: 2117 kW/h
Average Yearly UK Household Electricity Use: 3700 kW/h
CO2 Emissions From My Electricity Use: 227.9 kg
Figures for average UK energy use and CO2 figures are taken from the book How to Live a Low-carbon Life by Chris Goodall
So, being anal about these things, I decided to start keeping a record of it myself. I've never had a gas supply before so it has been interesting to watch how much of that I use, especially as it now controls my heating and hot water. In my previous flat, it was easy to switch the hot water on whenever I was going to need it but that's not so easy with a gas boiler. Plus it was incredibly easy to put the heating and hot water on a timer and then just forget about it for the winter. Thus, most of the variation in my gas usage is due to cooking but my central heating has been switched off for the last two weeks:
Gas Stats:Length of Period: 91 Days
Total Usage: 202 kW/h
Average Per Day: 2.2 kW/h
If Applied Over The Year: 803 kW/h
Average Yearly UK Household Gas Use: 19000 kW/h
CO2 Emissions From My Gas Use: 38.38kg
Electricity Stats:
Length of Period: 91 Days
Total Usage: 530 kW/h
Average Per Day: 5.8 kW/h
If Applied Over The Year: 2117 kW/h
Average Yearly UK Household Electricity Use: 3700 kW/h
CO2 Emissions From My Electricity Use: 227.9 kg
Figures for average UK energy use and CO2 figures are taken from the book How to Live a Low-carbon Life by Chris Goodall
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Patting Ourselves On The Back
There are two stories in the paper this weekend which could bring a warm glow to a Scottish face and lull us into a false sense of security.
The first is from the Observer, telling us that Scotland is ahead of schedule in our commitment to have 50% of our power from renewable energy by 2020. Projects which have been given planning permission plus projects which are already running, represent 35% of the nation's energy needs.
The second "give ourselves a clap" moment isn't so much the scare story in today's Sunday Herald, but more the table which accompanies it (from Rob Edwards):
The first is from the Observer, telling us that Scotland is ahead of schedule in our commitment to have 50% of our power from renewable energy by 2020. Projects which have been given planning permission plus projects which are already running, represent 35% of the nation's energy needs.
The second "give ourselves a clap" moment isn't so much the scare story in today's Sunday Herald, but more the table which accompanies it (from Rob Edwards):
I'm not above begrudging people five minutes to feel good about themselves, but let's not get complacent here. There is a lot of work needs to be done before we can reduce our emissions to a sustainable level. In particular, scientists now say that the 80% cut isn't enough, it needs to be 90%. Let's hope the Scottish Government can be pressured into upping that promised level to 90%, with yearly targets.The pollution promises made
countries / cuts in emissions so far promised
Scotland / 80% by 2050
European Union / 80% by 2050
United States / maybe 71% by 2050
Canada / 20% by 2020
Russia / stay at 1990 levels
Brazil / 10-20% by 2020
Mexico / 10% by 2014
Australia / 60% by 2050
South Africa / 40% by 2050
China, India and other Asian countries / reduce ‘emissions intensity’ 20% by 2020
Other countries / business as usualsource: European Environment Agency
Green In The Media 30th March - 5th April
Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth finally gets it's terrestrial premiere on Channel 4 on Saturday.
Hang on, did I just say Channel 4? Friend of the denialists Channel 4?? Hmm, wonder how much promotion it will get.
Monday 30th March
View from the Green Room
On: Community Channel
Time: 08:00 to 08:30 (Also Tue 0730, Thu 0730, Sat 0730)
View from the Green Room is the UK's first environmental surf documentary. It examines the pollution issues of today through the eyes of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigners.
Tuesday 31st March
The Ashden Awards
On: Community Channel
Time: 06:30 to 07:25 (Also Thu 0630, Sat 0630)
National.
A film presenting the United Kingdom's nominees for the Ashden Awards, highlighting work on sustainable energy solutions around the globe.
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Wednesday 1st April
Debating Animals
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 21:00 to 21:30
First of two programmes in which Rod Liddle examines our differing responses to related animal species and tries to establish what those responses tell us not merely about the animals but about ourselves. Rod considers the otter and the mink - the one a playful, affectionate emblem of British environmental awareness, the other invariably depicted as a voracious invader. Sir David Attenborough and ecologist Johnny Birks help Rod to separate fact from fiction and understand why one member of the Mustelid family should have us cooing and handing over money to environmental causes while the other can expect loathing at best and more often than not calls for a mass cull. He also hears from people involved in the Hebridean mink cull, who are acting to save indigenous bird species in the Western Isles.
Thursday 2nd April
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130)
The programme that explores the biggest issues in the environment. This week a look at recycling in the Indian city of Mumbai.
Oceans
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 21:00 to 21:30
What Lies Beneath
Series in which Gabrielle Walker explores why we know so little about the oceans that make up nearly 80 per cent of our planet. Gabrielle examines the intimate relationship between the oceans and our climate. She finds out how the ocean currents influence the temperature of the planet and the important role oceans may play in protecting us from the damaging effects of global warming.
Saturday 4th April
An Inconvenient Truth
On: Channel 4
Time: 21:20 to 23:10
Davis Guggenheim's Oscar-winning documentary about the environment features the unlikeliest of movie stars. Former presidential candidate Al Gore hardly has the charisma of, say, George Clooney, but he holds this film together as, in front of an audience and with few aids beyond photo slides, he explains how humans have messed up the planet.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
Friday, March 27, 2009
You Used To Bring Me Roses
Photo by markhillary
The world has gone mad, and here is the conclusive proof from the BBC:
Aromas such as roses, baking bread and cut grass are to be piped into "smelly" car parks more commonly associated with the stink of urine and vomit.
Or, alternatively, they could knock down the car park and plant a garden which would naturally smell of roses and grass...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mergers And Acquisitions
The Guardian is reporting that the two biggest players in the "green" online store market are to merge. Ethical Superstore and Natural Collection should have combined sales of around £8million, which isn't bad I suppose!
I like Ethical Superstore, but I have to admit that I stopped buying at Natural Collection a couple of years ago because their online order form refused to recognise my address, even if I typed it in instead of relying on their computerised system. I was left reliant on the goodwill of a bloke from a neighbouring block of flats whom I had never met, or chasing couriers down the street who had decided to give up on trying to find my flat. I ultimately concluded it wasn't worth the hassle and stopped buying from them. So let's hope that when they do merge, they use Ethical Superstore's technology!
I like Ethical Superstore, but I have to admit that I stopped buying at Natural Collection a couple of years ago because their online order form refused to recognise my address, even if I typed it in instead of relying on their computerised system. I was left reliant on the goodwill of a bloke from a neighbouring block of flats whom I had never met, or chasing couriers down the street who had decided to give up on trying to find my flat. I ultimately concluded it wasn't worth the hassle and stopped buying from them. So let's hope that when they do merge, they use Ethical Superstore's technology!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Caltongate: Not Gone, Not Forgotten
In fact, the development was so controversial that UNESCO visited the city with a view to removing Edinburgh's World Heritage Site status. And still the City Council were not for budging over the proposals.
The developers, Mountgrange, went into administration this week. You may think that this would be the end of the proposals and something more appropriate for the area would be discussed. You'd be wrong. Not only do the directors of Mountgrange want to buy the very company they've put into administration* and carry on with the project, but the Council is also looking for other companies willing to take on the Caltongate project.
They need to draw a line under this saga, learn their lessons, and sit down with the local residents and businesses and come up with an appropriate plan for what could be a great area of the city.
*Isn't Capitalism strange sometimes. You run a company into the ground, then get the chance to buy back only the assets...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I'll Choose My Own Subjects To Speak On
I wanted to see the film again, but that wasn't the only reason for going. There was a promised discussion afterwards about transport in Scotland, as part of the TakeOne: Action Festival.
While I enjoyed the film, possibly more than I did the first viewing, there were a number of things that didn't sit right with me.
Firstly, the 15 minutes of adverts at the start of the movie. I know the Filmhouse has to pay the bills, but surely they could have chosen their advertising slightly better. Having a climate change movie preceded by ads for Ford, Volkswagen and the Royal Marines is not exactly targetted marketing!
Secondly, the promised Q&A session afterwards barely touched on transport after it was hijacked by a bloke who shouted everyone down so that he could talk about nuclear fusion and overpopulation. Oh yeah, and a woman from the Green Party using a question to try recruiting members.
I ultimately came away disappointed about the whole event, or rather by the people who will speak up and dominate such events. But human nature means it is always thus.
Monday, March 23, 2009
All The Small Things
There are already those that are complaining that Earth Hour should not be having a pop at Greenpeace and other direct action organisations, as they seem to be doing in this video.
There's a place for all, but I'm of the opinion that turning off your lights for an hour on a Saturday evening should just be a statement of intent, before you actually do something more useful. That may not be climbing a smokestack, but it should be something that will actually make a difference to your - and therefore everybody else's - life. I've long advocated that doing small things leads on to doing big things. Turning a light off may be the first "green" thing someone does, particularly if they are put off by the Direct Action crowd, so we should not discourage them in that.
There's a place for all, but I'm of the opinion that turning off your lights for an hour on a Saturday evening should just be a statement of intent, before you actually do something more useful. That may not be climbing a smokestack, but it should be something that will actually make a difference to your - and therefore everybody else's - life. I've long advocated that doing small things leads on to doing big things. Turning a light off may be the first "green" thing someone does, particularly if they are put off by the Direct Action crowd, so we should not discourage them in that.
Plan Your Cycle Journey In Edinburgh
Photo by Akuppa
I was playing around last night with a new cycling resource based on the successful Cambridge CycleStreets.
CycleStreets.net is a journey planner for cycling in Edinburgh. (It also covers Camden, Ipswich, Kingston, London, Oxford, Wolverhampton and, of course, Cambridge) Click on the map where you want to start and finish, and they will provide you with three different options - the Quietest Route, the Fastest Route and the Shortest Route.
They also provide you with detailed maps for each turn on your route, and the ability to import the route into Google Earth so that you can "fly over" the route before you go. Each section of the route is colour coded to let you know how busy the road or street is, or even if it is a cycle lane. For example, Gorgie Road is classed as Fast, Hostile Busy Road whereas Haymarket Yards is classed as Quiet Country Road. Which sounds great until you realise that Princes Street is also classed as Quiet Country Road too!
As they acknowledge, it's not infallible. There is no account taken of topography, so speed is calculated as if the route is completely flat. And there is nothing to denote that streets may be closed due to the tramworks. However, they are asking the Edinburgh cycling community to keep them updated via OpenStreetMap which anyone can apparently edit. You can also add your own photos onto the map so that others can see the routes.
I can see this growing into a great resource, particularly if you want to get somewhere while avoiding as much traffic as possible. And anything that helps people get out of their cars and onto alternative transport is a good thing.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Doing A Gwynneth
Pass the tissues, I'm about to blub my eyes out as I make my acceptance speech...
The passing of a much-loved blog is always a sad event. I'm still mourning the demise of La Marguerite from "green" issues as she moved her attention to pastures new. So it is with a heavy heart that I see Almost Mrs Average begin to wind down her Rubbish Diet blog. The last 15 months have seen her slim her bin to the point where one week's rubbish consisted of...a band aid! One lousy plaster from an entire family. I'm still in awe.
She has promised to stick around in one form or another though, so all is not lost. Before she cuts back her blogging, she has decided to hand out awards to show her appreciation to all those who supported her, and I'm proud to say I've won the "Sticking With It Award". Here is a picture of my glorious trophy:
Talking of awards, last night at a screening of The Age Of Stupid saw the Scottish Stupid Awards. I'm glad I didn't win one of those, but if you want to know who did and why, then go read the Sunday Herald article.
The passing of a much-loved blog is always a sad event. I'm still mourning the demise of La Marguerite from "green" issues as she moved her attention to pastures new. So it is with a heavy heart that I see Almost Mrs Average begin to wind down her Rubbish Diet blog. The last 15 months have seen her slim her bin to the point where one week's rubbish consisted of...a band aid! One lousy plaster from an entire family. I'm still in awe.
She has promised to stick around in one form or another though, so all is not lost. Before she cuts back her blogging, she has decided to hand out awards to show her appreciation to all those who supported her, and I'm proud to say I've won the "Sticking With It Award". Here is a picture of my glorious trophy:
Talking of awards, last night at a screening of The Age Of Stupid saw the Scottish Stupid Awards. I'm glad I didn't win one of those, but if you want to know who did and why, then go read the Sunday Herald article.
AND THE winners of the inaugural Scottish Stupid Awards 2009 for trashing the planet are ... the Scottish government, two power companies, a well-known bank, a no-frills airline, an aristocrat, a water watchdog, a European anti-pollution scheme and a billionaire tycoon from America with very dodgy hair.
Green In The Media 23rd March - 29th March
I have to admit that despite thinking of myself as an environmentalist, I've never read any of James Lovelock's books. He himself has got more controversial as he now supports nuclear power, but also thinks that humanity is buggered no matter what we do now. There's an interview with him on Wednesday night on Radio 3.
Monday 23rd March
Nowhere Else to Go
On: Community Channel
Time: 06:30 to 07:00 (Also Thu 0630)
Exploring the issues facing the Masaai culture as their traditional way of life is under pressure from both the Government and the environment.
Alex James in Africa
On: Community Channel
Time: 07:00 to 07:30 (Also Tue 0630, Thu 0700, Fri 0630)
Farming for a Future.
Alex James, farmer and former Blur band member, follows Christian Aid's groundbreaking work in Burkina Faso, West Africa, with farmers who are on the very front line of climate change.
Tuesday 24th March
View from the Green Room
On: Community Channel
Time: 06:00 to 06:30 (Also Fri 0600)
View from the Green Room is the UK's first environmental surf documentary. It examines the pollution issues of today through the eyes of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigners.
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Wednesday 25th March
Night Waves
On: BBC Radio Three
Time: 21:15 to 22:00
In an extended conversation, Philip Dodd talks to pioneering scientist James Lovelock - originator of the concept of Gaia- about his extraordinary life and the future of our planet. Lovelock's life in science has spanned some of the most advanced changes of the 20th century. He worked for Nasa on the Mars projects at one of its most exciting periods in the 1960s and it was during this time he developed his famous Gaia Hypothesis - now Gaia Theory - that the Earth functions as a living, self-regulating super-organism. Philip asks Lovelock why he has spent so much of his life as an independent scientist, living and working at his rural home in Cornwall, and asks him to stand by his prediction that much of humanity could perish as a result of global warming by the end of this century.
Grand Designs Revisited
On: Channel 4
Time: 21:00 to 22:00
In 2005, Kelly and Masoko Neville set about building a spectacular oak framed and straw baled hexagonal house in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Kelly, a carpenter, had always dreamed of building an eco-friendly home that could provide a base for a new self-sufficient life where he and Masoko could produce their own food and energy from the land.
Thursday 26th March
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130, Sat 2035)
Dawood Azam looks at the effects of the depleted uranium used in Afghanistan to weight shells so that they can pierce armour.
Crossing Continents
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 11:00 to 11:30
Ethiopia - Troubles Downstream.
Peter Greste journeys down the Omo River from Ethiopia's central highlands to Northern Kenya where the lives of nearly half a million of the world's most remote tribespeople are threatened by a massive hydro-electricity project. The tribes, already fighting over increasingly scarce water and land, have warned that the dam could plunge them into an all-out struggle for survival.
I Own Britain's Best Home
On: five
Time: 20:00 to 21:00
Melissa samples an eco house in Norfolk
The Exxon Valdez Disaster
On: BBC 2
Time: 21:00 to 22:00
Ghosts of The Exxon Valdez.
Just after midnight on Good Friday 1989, the giant supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound to create one of the biggest man-made ecological disasters of the 20th century. This documentary retraces the errors that led to the disaster and investigates the legacy of the spill and the lasting environmental damage to Prince Wiliam Sound, featuring interviews with the crew members who were aboard the supertanker on the fateful night.
Question Time
On: BBC 1
Time: 22:35 to 23:35
David Dimbleby chairs the political debate from Newcastle, with a panel including leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas.
Friday 27th March
For Peat's Sake
On: BBC 2
Time: 20:00 to 21:00
Toby Buckland explores the use of peat and its alternatives in gardening. The government has a target that growing media should be 90 per cent peat-free by 2010. Toby talks to gardeners who are passionate about using the material, and also meets the environmentalists who campaign for preserving peat bogs.
Saturday 28th March
Our World
On: BBC News
Time: 05:30 to 06:00 (Also 1430, 2130, 0330, Sun 1030, 2330)
Power Rules.
As Ethiopia forges ahead with plans for a massive dam to feed its growing appetite for electric power, Peter Greste explores the lands of the Omo River. Will the people who live here have to pay the price for urban development?
Global Questions
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 18:05 to 19:00 (Also Sun 1405)
Lyse Doucet and a panel from the world of finance and industry discuss banking collapses deflation poverty and climate change.
Sunday 29th March
Countryfile
On: BBC 1
Time: 11:00 to 12:00
Would a huge barrage across the Severn Estuary ruin priceless archaeological sites? John Craven investigates.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
Monday 23rd March
Nowhere Else to Go
On: Community Channel
Time: 06:30 to 07:00 (Also Thu 0630)
Exploring the issues facing the Masaai culture as their traditional way of life is under pressure from both the Government and the environment.
Alex James in Africa
On: Community Channel
Time: 07:00 to 07:30 (Also Tue 0630, Thu 0700, Fri 0630)
Farming for a Future.
Alex James, farmer and former Blur band member, follows Christian Aid's groundbreaking work in Burkina Faso, West Africa, with farmers who are on the very front line of climate change.
Tuesday 24th March
View from the Green Room
On: Community Channel
Time: 06:00 to 06:30 (Also Fri 0600)
View from the Green Room is the UK's first environmental surf documentary. It examines the pollution issues of today through the eyes of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigners.
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Wednesday 25th March
Night Waves
On: BBC Radio Three
Time: 21:15 to 22:00
In an extended conversation, Philip Dodd talks to pioneering scientist James Lovelock - originator of the concept of Gaia- about his extraordinary life and the future of our planet. Lovelock's life in science has spanned some of the most advanced changes of the 20th century. He worked for Nasa on the Mars projects at one of its most exciting periods in the 1960s and it was during this time he developed his famous Gaia Hypothesis - now Gaia Theory - that the Earth functions as a living, self-regulating super-organism. Philip asks Lovelock why he has spent so much of his life as an independent scientist, living and working at his rural home in Cornwall, and asks him to stand by his prediction that much of humanity could perish as a result of global warming by the end of this century.
Grand Designs Revisited
On: Channel 4
Time: 21:00 to 22:00
In 2005, Kelly and Masoko Neville set about building a spectacular oak framed and straw baled hexagonal house in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Kelly, a carpenter, had always dreamed of building an eco-friendly home that could provide a base for a new self-sufficient life where he and Masoko could produce their own food and energy from the land.
Thursday 26th March
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130, Sat 2035)
Dawood Azam looks at the effects of the depleted uranium used in Afghanistan to weight shells so that they can pierce armour.
Crossing Continents
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 11:00 to 11:30
Ethiopia - Troubles Downstream.
Peter Greste journeys down the Omo River from Ethiopia's central highlands to Northern Kenya where the lives of nearly half a million of the world's most remote tribespeople are threatened by a massive hydro-electricity project. The tribes, already fighting over increasingly scarce water and land, have warned that the dam could plunge them into an all-out struggle for survival.
I Own Britain's Best Home
On: five
Time: 20:00 to 21:00
Melissa samples an eco house in Norfolk
The Exxon Valdez Disaster
On: BBC 2
Time: 21:00 to 22:00
Ghosts of The Exxon Valdez.
Just after midnight on Good Friday 1989, the giant supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound to create one of the biggest man-made ecological disasters of the 20th century. This documentary retraces the errors that led to the disaster and investigates the legacy of the spill and the lasting environmental damage to Prince Wiliam Sound, featuring interviews with the crew members who were aboard the supertanker on the fateful night.
Question Time
On: BBC 1
Time: 22:35 to 23:35
David Dimbleby chairs the political debate from Newcastle, with a panel including leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas.
Friday 27th March
For Peat's Sake
On: BBC 2
Time: 20:00 to 21:00
Toby Buckland explores the use of peat and its alternatives in gardening. The government has a target that growing media should be 90 per cent peat-free by 2010. Toby talks to gardeners who are passionate about using the material, and also meets the environmentalists who campaign for preserving peat bogs.
Saturday 28th March
Our World
On: BBC News
Time: 05:30 to 06:00 (Also 1430, 2130, 0330, Sun 1030, 2330)
Power Rules.
As Ethiopia forges ahead with plans for a massive dam to feed its growing appetite for electric power, Peter Greste explores the lands of the Omo River. Will the people who live here have to pay the price for urban development?
Global Questions
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 18:05 to 19:00 (Also Sun 1405)
Lyse Doucet and a panel from the world of finance and industry discuss banking collapses deflation poverty and climate change.
Sunday 29th March
Countryfile
On: BBC 1
Time: 11:00 to 12:00
Would a huge barrage across the Severn Estuary ruin priceless archaeological sites? John Craven investigates.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Google Captures Tram Works For Posterity
For those of you who have read either this blog or another Scottish blog that has mentioned the mess the tram construction has caused in Edinburgh's streets, and have wondered if it's as bad as we've made out, here is Leith Walk last summer courtesy of Google Street View.
Incidentally, it becomes obvious that the Google car went up Leith Walk on different days. Opposite Lorne street, the tram works are there, and then one step later they're gone!
Incidentally, it becomes obvious that the Google car went up Leith Walk on different days. Opposite Lorne street, the tram works are there, and then one step later they're gone!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Hybrid Buses: Do As We Say, Not As We Do
There was a short spat in the Parliament during FMQs today which got me thinking.
It followed a question about the bus maker Alexander Dennis making some staff redundant. The First Minister pointed out that Dennis make hybrid buses, and if Edinburgh had bought hybrid buses from them instead of "wasting money" on trams then everyone in the country would be better off. He was making a point of looking towards the seats where the Green Party usually sit in the chamber while he frothed at the mouth.
So here was my immediate thinking: the SNP are in coalition to run Edinburgh City Council. The Council are owners of Lothian Buses. Lothian Buses have been selling off their old fleet as they replace it, and are proud that the average age of their buses is only 5 years old. Therefore, surely the streets of Edinburgh are full of hybrid buses?
Er, no, they're not.
It followed a question about the bus maker Alexander Dennis making some staff redundant. The First Minister pointed out that Dennis make hybrid buses, and if Edinburgh had bought hybrid buses from them instead of "wasting money" on trams then everyone in the country would be better off. He was making a point of looking towards the seats where the Green Party usually sit in the chamber while he frothed at the mouth.
So here was my immediate thinking: the SNP are in coalition to run Edinburgh City Council. The Council are owners of Lothian Buses. Lothian Buses have been selling off their old fleet as they replace it, and are proud that the average age of their buses is only 5 years old. Therefore, surely the streets of Edinburgh are full of hybrid buses?
Er, no, they're not.
City Car Club Expands Horizons
For many people who live in Edinburgh, there is absolutely no need to own a car. Most of the city is within walking distance, there is an award-winning bus network, and of course there will be the glorious trams. Well, okay, there may at some point be the trams!
However, there's always that one point when you do wish you had a car - going for the weekly shopping, or taking an elderly parent for a hospital appointment, or visiting relatives 30 miles away. If it's a weekly thing, then it's crazy and expensive to hire a car every time, so step forward the Edinburgh City Car Club. For a £50 joining fee and then just £5 an hour, you can make use of one of their 82 cars which are dotted around the city.
The club has been going for a number of years now and is deemed a success, with 2500 members. Now they're looking to expand into Glasgow, so that you can take a Car Club vehicle to the train station, travel by train through to Glasgow, and then jump in another Car Club car there.
It's this kind of joined-up thinking that we need our political masters to be doing.
However, there's always that one point when you do wish you had a car - going for the weekly shopping, or taking an elderly parent for a hospital appointment, or visiting relatives 30 miles away. If it's a weekly thing, then it's crazy and expensive to hire a car every time, so step forward the Edinburgh City Car Club. For a £50 joining fee and then just £5 an hour, you can make use of one of their 82 cars which are dotted around the city.
The club has been going for a number of years now and is deemed a success, with 2500 members. Now they're looking to expand into Glasgow, so that you can take a Car Club vehicle to the train station, travel by train through to Glasgow, and then jump in another Car Club car there.
It's this kind of joined-up thinking that we need our political masters to be doing.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Nazi Seagulls From Hell: Send In The Falcons!
Except, of course, seagulls. More specifically, the Nazi Seagulls From Hell which seem to populate cities these days. These vicious wee thugs take no prisoners and have become a blight on society. They're the only species that I would advocate mass genocide against.
And you would too, if you had ever been eyeballed by one while walking to work at 3am. There's no other humans around to save you if attacked, and the wee buggers know it. In fact, the problem has gotten so severe that last year the Scottish Government even held a conference about the Seagull Stormtrooper threat.
Dumfries & Galloway Council have now decided to fight wing with wing - they're sending in falcons! It is hoped the predators will protect and serve the good people of Dumfries in a way that all other measures have failed to do. If they succeed, then never will so much be owed by so many to so few.
Pelamis Pulled
It looks like it's back to the drawing board for Pelamis.
Treehugger is reporting that the other partners in the project to deploy the Pelamis devices off the coast of Portugal have pulled their funding, thanks to the recession.
I'm sure not all is dead - Ocean Power Delivery will have learnt a hell of a lot from their sea trials in the Atlantic. I'm holding out hope that a partner will come in and we'll see these devices in the waters off their native Scotland.
Treehugger is reporting that the other partners in the project to deploy the Pelamis devices off the coast of Portugal have pulled their funding, thanks to the recession.
I'm sure not all is dead - Ocean Power Delivery will have learnt a hell of a lot from their sea trials in the Atlantic. I'm holding out hope that a partner will come in and we'll see these devices in the waters off their native Scotland.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Front Line
Earlier this week, the President of the Maldives announced that the country was going carbon-neutral.
See for yourself why it's necessary that we all strive for that:
See for yourself why it's necessary that we all strive for that:
Novocaine For The Soul
Today is the last day of my penicillin regime.
A week ago, I went to the doctor thinking I had a virus, to be told that in fact I had tonsillitis. He prescribed penicillin, and also told me to take ibuprofen until the painful muscles and difficulty in swallowing subsided.
Except I couldn't take both at the same time, that would be too easy. The penicillin has to be taken on an empty stomach and the ibuprofen while eating. For someone who has never had to take any form of medication for a sustained period of time, it has quite frankly been a pain in the arse!
The green part of me is none too happy either. The box the pills come in can be recycled, as can the scary sheet of paper telling youthat you're going to die for even looking at the pills of the side effects.
But just what are you supposed to do with that stupid plastic popper sheet that the pills are sealed in?
A week ago, I went to the doctor thinking I had a virus, to be told that in fact I had tonsillitis. He prescribed penicillin, and also told me to take ibuprofen until the painful muscles and difficulty in swallowing subsided.
Except I couldn't take both at the same time, that would be too easy. The penicillin has to be taken on an empty stomach and the ibuprofen while eating. For someone who has never had to take any form of medication for a sustained period of time, it has quite frankly been a pain in the arse!
The green part of me is none too happy either. The box the pills come in can be recycled, as can the scary sheet of paper telling you
But just what are you supposed to do with that stupid plastic popper sheet that the pills are sealed in?
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Age Of Stupid - A Review
Last night was the Age Of Stupid "People's Premiere". I attended the Edinburgh screening, one of 65 around the country, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Except I'm not sure it's the kind of film and event you're supposed to enjoy!
Before the film there was a live satellite link-up to the green carpet in London so that we could watch the celebrities arrive and be interviewed by the film's director, Franny Armstrong. Then it was onto the film itself, after a slight hiccup when it started without sound.
How to describe the film? It has a very simple hook, Pete Postlethwaite playing an "archivist", a librarian who is looking back at old footage from 2008 and wondering where it all went wrong. We jump around various "mini" documentaries that follow six different people whose stories occasionally intertwine, from a young woman in Nigeria who's village has seen a whole litany of broken promises from Shell, to a Katrina survivor in New Orleans who used to work for Shell and is proud of their environmental achievements.
The animations that also interspersed the film were wonderful, concisely explaining some of humanity's stupidity - like drinking bottled water, or buying plastic crap from China.
There were parts that I didn't feel quite worked. The story of the two Iraqi children who were now living in Jordan, for example, was meant to illustrate how stupid we are to go to war over oil, with a bit about our throw-away society. The narrative that they were waiting for their brother to come across the border, and will-he-or-won't-he make it, wasn't fully explored though and there was no real tension.
But that is perhaps my only criticism of what I think is a wonderful film. Afterwards, the satellite link-up to London was restored and we watched the President of the Maldives pledge to make his country carbon neutral. There was also the launch of the "Not Stupid" campaign, asking people to put pressure on the government over Kingsnorth and in the run-up to the Copenhagen summit in December. We also got the heartwarming sight of the Climate Change Minister, Ed Milliband, looking like he was sucking a lemon as Pete Postlethwaite told him to his face that he was never voting Labour again regardless, and he may hand back his OBE.
All in all, an enjoyable evening. I urge you to go see the film, on release in the UK now and I believe it will be released in the US in September.
Before the film there was a live satellite link-up to the green carpet in London so that we could watch the celebrities arrive and be interviewed by the film's director, Franny Armstrong. Then it was onto the film itself, after a slight hiccup when it started without sound.
How to describe the film? It has a very simple hook, Pete Postlethwaite playing an "archivist", a librarian who is looking back at old footage from 2008 and wondering where it all went wrong. We jump around various "mini" documentaries that follow six different people whose stories occasionally intertwine, from a young woman in Nigeria who's village has seen a whole litany of broken promises from Shell, to a Katrina survivor in New Orleans who used to work for Shell and is proud of their environmental achievements.
The animations that also interspersed the film were wonderful, concisely explaining some of humanity's stupidity - like drinking bottled water, or buying plastic crap from China.
There were parts that I didn't feel quite worked. The story of the two Iraqi children who were now living in Jordan, for example, was meant to illustrate how stupid we are to go to war over oil, with a bit about our throw-away society. The narrative that they were waiting for their brother to come across the border, and will-he-or-won't-he make it, wasn't fully explored though and there was no real tension.
But that is perhaps my only criticism of what I think is a wonderful film. Afterwards, the satellite link-up to London was restored and we watched the President of the Maldives pledge to make his country carbon neutral. There was also the launch of the "Not Stupid" campaign, asking people to put pressure on the government over Kingsnorth and in the run-up to the Copenhagen summit in December. We also got the heartwarming sight of the Climate Change Minister, Ed Milliband, looking like he was sucking a lemon as Pete Postlethwaite told him to his face that he was never voting Labour again regardless, and he may hand back his OBE.
All in all, an enjoyable evening. I urge you to go see the film, on release in the UK now and I believe it will be released in the US in September.
Tripods
Today's xkcd cartoon reminds me of a conversation I had a few years ago with the girlfriend.
We were talking about wind turbines as there was a campaign in her home town to stop a proposed wind farm nearby (the campaign thankfully failed, and the turbines are up - and are completely invisible from most angles in the surrounding area!)
She confessed that she found wind turbines slightly disturbing, that there was something oddly evil about them just sitting there in the middle of nowhere, spinning away. I told her that I think wind turbines look majestic and that I enjoy seeing them whenever I pass by a lone backyard turbine or a wind farm.
Then I asked her about coal-fired power stations. "Oh, they're even more evil-looking", she said.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Maldives To Go Carbon Neutral
I was reading this article this morning, about how the Maldives plans to go carbon neutral. Actually, when I read the first line "The president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, will today unveil a plan to make his country carbon-neutral within a decade" I rolled my eyes. I assumed that it was yet another plan to go as far as they could as cheaply as they could, and then offset the rest of their pollution.
But no, it appears that when they say they will emit no carbon, they mean it. And they'd better bloody hope that the rest of the world means it when/if they sign up to reduce carbon emissions, because at just 1.5m above sea level, the Maldives is in a race against time.
Incidentally, the photo on that article makes the place look gorgeous, so I fired up Google Earth to take a look. While the country is a series of gorgeous looking atolls with sandy beaches and blue water, do you think they could cram any more people onto the capital island, Male:
(click pic for larger version)
But no, it appears that when they say they will emit no carbon, they mean it. And they'd better bloody hope that the rest of the world means it when/if they sign up to reduce carbon emissions, because at just 1.5m above sea level, the Maldives is in a race against time.
Incidentally, the photo on that article makes the place look gorgeous, so I fired up Google Earth to take a look. While the country is a series of gorgeous looking atolls with sandy beaches and blue water, do you think they could cram any more people onto the capital island, Male:
(click pic for larger version)Green In The Media 16th March - 22nd March
Who knew that the TV highlight of Saturday night would be a debate on BBC Parliament?
Actually, the TV highlight of Saturday night will be Match Of The Day, as it always is. The debate on BBC Parliament is the reason god invented recording devices.
Monday 16th March
The Food Programme
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 16:00 to 16:30
Cuba.
Sheila Dillon learns about how Cuban agriculture coped after the support they had received from the USSR dried up and what their experimentation with self sufficiency, organics and sustainable agriculture can teach the UK. What changes had to take place in the Cuban diet to make use of the food they could grow rather than the imports they had relied on? Sheila talks to Julia Wright about her book assessing the Cuban experiment, its success as a model of organic food production and what lessons can be learned by the UK. She also speaks to Professor Jules Pretty about the work being undertaken in the UK to address the issues of declining oil production and sustainability.
Tuesday 17th March
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Grand Designs
On: more4
Time: 19:00 to 20:00
Kelly and Masoko Neville are building not just a spectacular oak frame and straw bale house but a whole new way of life in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Kelly is a carpenter by trade and has always dreamed of building an eco-friendly home with his own hands.
Wednesday 18th March
Room For Improvement
On: more4
Time: 10:15 to 10:45
Angus and Dave are in Epping with eco-warriors Colin and Petra Huber, who want to convert their loft in an environmentally friendly way.
Thursday 19th March
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130)
Wildlife Conservation in Nepal.
Navin Singh Khadka travels to Nepal's borders with India and China to investigate the trade in illegal wildlife products.
Open Book
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 16:00 to 16:30
Mariella Frostrup talks to writer Marcel Theroux, who explains how his interest in climate change and a trip to northern Siberia provided raw material for his novel Far North.
Friday 20th March
No Grounds for Gardening
On: BBC 2
Time: 20:00 to 21:00
Design.
Garden designer Joe Swift has a dream of city streets completely dominated by nature. But with Britain's green space actually being relentlessly squeezed, it takes the vision of France's pioneering botanist and designer Patrick Blanc to offer a truly original solution with his unique and stunning vertical gardens or 'murs vegetals'. Joe believes these gorgeous living tapestries offer hope even where there are No Grounds for Gardening.
Saturday 21st March
Intelligence Squared Debate
On: BBC Parliament
Time: 21:00 to 21:50
Carbon.
John Donovan presents an Intelligence Squared Debate from New York. Six panellists debate the motion: Major reductions in carbon emissions are not worth the money.
Sunday 22nd March
On Your Farm
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 06:35 to 06:57
Chris Impey visits pig farmer and restaurant owner Sally Jackson in north Lincolnshire, who is abandoning her organic status after 10 years. Sally has built up a successful business over the last decade, but says the cost of feed means that she can no longer afford to farm organically.
The Drowned World
On: BBC Radio 7
Time: 18:30 to 19:00
JG Ballard's novel set in a submerged London of the future concludes. Kerans commits a desperate act to re-flood the city. Episode 4 of 4.
The Prince in the Rainforest
On: ITV
Time: 18:30 to 18:55
Prince Charles, famed for his passion about the environment, travels through Brazil's Amazon basin to see for himself the evidence of our changing world. The prince talks exclusively to ITV's Science Editor Lawrence McGinty about the planet and what we can do to save it. From Brazil, they travel to the uniquely varied sanctuary of the Galapagos Islands, home to the world's only giant tortoises, to assess which species are in danger of extinction at the hands of mankind.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
Actually, the TV highlight of Saturday night will be Match Of The Day, as it always is. The debate on BBC Parliament is the reason god invented recording devices.
Monday 16th March
The Food Programme
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 16:00 to 16:30
Cuba.
Sheila Dillon learns about how Cuban agriculture coped after the support they had received from the USSR dried up and what their experimentation with self sufficiency, organics and sustainable agriculture can teach the UK. What changes had to take place in the Cuban diet to make use of the food they could grow rather than the imports they had relied on? Sheila talks to Julia Wright about her book assessing the Cuban experiment, its success as a model of organic food production and what lessons can be learned by the UK. She also speaks to Professor Jules Pretty about the work being undertaken in the UK to address the issues of declining oil production and sustainability.
Tuesday 17th March
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Grand Designs
On: more4
Time: 19:00 to 20:00
Kelly and Masoko Neville are building not just a spectacular oak frame and straw bale house but a whole new way of life in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Kelly is a carpenter by trade and has always dreamed of building an eco-friendly home with his own hands.
Wednesday 18th March
Room For Improvement
On: more4
Time: 10:15 to 10:45
Angus and Dave are in Epping with eco-warriors Colin and Petra Huber, who want to convert their loft in an environmentally friendly way.
Thursday 19th March
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130)
Wildlife Conservation in Nepal.
Navin Singh Khadka travels to Nepal's borders with India and China to investigate the trade in illegal wildlife products.
Open Book
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 16:00 to 16:30
Mariella Frostrup talks to writer Marcel Theroux, who explains how his interest in climate change and a trip to northern Siberia provided raw material for his novel Far North.
Friday 20th March
No Grounds for Gardening
On: BBC 2
Time: 20:00 to 21:00
Design.
Garden designer Joe Swift has a dream of city streets completely dominated by nature. But with Britain's green space actually being relentlessly squeezed, it takes the vision of France's pioneering botanist and designer Patrick Blanc to offer a truly original solution with his unique and stunning vertical gardens or 'murs vegetals'. Joe believes these gorgeous living tapestries offer hope even where there are No Grounds for Gardening.
Saturday 21st March
Intelligence Squared Debate
On: BBC Parliament
Time: 21:00 to 21:50
Carbon.
John Donovan presents an Intelligence Squared Debate from New York. Six panellists debate the motion: Major reductions in carbon emissions are not worth the money.
Sunday 22nd March
On Your Farm
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 06:35 to 06:57
Chris Impey visits pig farmer and restaurant owner Sally Jackson in north Lincolnshire, who is abandoning her organic status after 10 years. Sally has built up a successful business over the last decade, but says the cost of feed means that she can no longer afford to farm organically.
The Drowned World
On: BBC Radio 7
Time: 18:30 to 19:00
JG Ballard's novel set in a submerged London of the future concludes. Kerans commits a desperate act to re-flood the city. Episode 4 of 4.
The Prince in the Rainforest
On: ITV
Time: 18:30 to 18:55
Prince Charles, famed for his passion about the environment, travels through Brazil's Amazon basin to see for himself the evidence of our changing world. The prince talks exclusively to ITV's Science Editor Lawrence McGinty about the planet and what we can do to save it. From Brazil, they travel to the uniquely varied sanctuary of the Galapagos Islands, home to the world's only giant tortoises, to assess which species are in danger of extinction at the hands of mankind.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Being Sick Is Not Healthy
I've come to the conclusion that being ill is not healthy. It's not healthy for me, and it's not healthy for the planet!
I've got tonsillitis, so I'm doped up on penicillin for that and ibuprofen for the feverish symptoms. To say I'm not having a happy time is an understatement.
In some ways my consumption has increased. I'm only able to eat around a quarter of what I was previously able to, so I'm wasting a lot of food. You'd think that after the first night of this, I would have realised that I wouldn't need to cook as much!
My power consumption has increased, too. My TV is now on most of the day, as it's easier to lie in front of that than it is to sit in front of the PC. Plus, there's something soothing about black and white war films in the middle of the day! If I'm in bed, then the radio is on.
And then there will be the power used by the washing machine when this illness finally passes - I didn't realise one person could sweat so much just lying down!
But the real kick in the teeth from all this? I'm on holiday from work this week! Yup, I'm ill on my own time.
Just a quick reminder that it's Red Nose Day today, so if you're planning on donating then can I urge you to do so via Almost Mrs Average, who was up with the larks this morning joining her local binmen on their rounds. You can find her donation page here.
I've got tonsillitis, so I'm doped up on penicillin for that and ibuprofen for the feverish symptoms. To say I'm not having a happy time is an understatement.
In some ways my consumption has increased. I'm only able to eat around a quarter of what I was previously able to, so I'm wasting a lot of food. You'd think that after the first night of this, I would have realised that I wouldn't need to cook as much!
My power consumption has increased, too. My TV is now on most of the day, as it's easier to lie in front of that than it is to sit in front of the PC. Plus, there's something soothing about black and white war films in the middle of the day! If I'm in bed, then the radio is on.
And then there will be the power used by the washing machine when this illness finally passes - I didn't realise one person could sweat so much just lying down!
But the real kick in the teeth from all this? I'm on holiday from work this week! Yup, I'm ill on my own time.
Just a quick reminder that it's Red Nose Day today, so if you're planning on donating then can I urge you to do so via Almost Mrs Average, who was up with the larks this morning joining her local binmen on their rounds. You can find her donation page here.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I Love The 1970s
I'm still ill, so while I'm doped up to the eyeballs on that great Scottish invention penicillin, you should go get your flares on and show off your moves...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Ahm No Weel
In one of those "I told you I was ill" moments, it appears I have tonsillitis.
Blogging will either be non-existent while I recover, or you'll be pig-sick of the sight of me when I realise I only have the energy to sit in front of the computer.
Blogging will either be non-existent while I recover, or you'll be pig-sick of the sight of me when I realise I only have the energy to sit in front of the computer.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Update on the Saltire Prize
Remember the £10 million Saltire Prize? Here's a quick update from Scotland's Chief Scientific Advisor:
Greening The Grave
I caught a news report last night showing the scenes outside Wendy Richards funeral. I have to admit that while it is sad that someone dies "young" (and isn't it funny how younger "young" gets with the older I get??!) I am not a fan of Eastenders so I don't feel that her passing affects me much at all.
What did interest me, though, was a shot of her coffin being carried into the church. You can see it 55 seconds in on this report, but it looked suspiciously like the bamboo coffin on this page.
My immediate thought was "good for her". Perhaps the sight of this coffin on the news will make people stop and think, and less people will be willing to send chemically-treated hardwoods to a fiery doom in a crematorium after just a few hours use, or bury them in a site where they will take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Let's hope "green" coffins and funerals become trendy to the point of being mainstream.
As for me, the girlfriend has always maintained I'll be buried very quickly after my death, at night in the woods in an extremely private ceremony consisting of only her. She was talking after catching sight of my life insurance policy, though...
What did interest me, though, was a shot of her coffin being carried into the church. You can see it 55 seconds in on this report, but it looked suspiciously like the bamboo coffin on this page.
My immediate thought was "good for her". Perhaps the sight of this coffin on the news will make people stop and think, and less people will be willing to send chemically-treated hardwoods to a fiery doom in a crematorium after just a few hours use, or bury them in a site where they will take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Let's hope "green" coffins and funerals become trendy to the point of being mainstream.
As for me, the girlfriend has always maintained I'll be buried very quickly after my death, at night in the woods in an extremely private ceremony consisting of only her. She was talking after catching sight of my life insurance policy, though...
Monday, March 09, 2009
A Full House
I like bashing the climate change deniers. I like it even more when there is humour involved!
George Monbiot has come up with a Top Ten of Deniers...in playing card form! But just who is the Ace Of Spades?
George Monbiot has come up with a Top Ten of Deniers...in playing card form! But just who is the Ace Of Spades?
The Big Melt
There are times when figures take your breath away. This is from an article in yesterday's Sunday Herald:
Glacier coverage of the Pyrenees in 1890: 3,300 hectares
Glacier coverage of the Pyrenees in 2009: 390 hectares
Glacier coverage of the Pyrenees in 1890: 3,300 hectares
Glacier coverage of the Pyrenees in 2009: 390 hectares
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Green In The Media 9th March - 15th March
Last week, I swithered about whether to include Monty Halls' Great Escape in the listings. There wasn't going to be much "green" about the programme, except a man getting away from it all and trying to live a self-sufficientish life on the west coast of Scotland. Well, after seeing the first episode last week, I'm glad I didn't. Monty started his new life by getting the locals to put a roof on his new house. Then he got the locals to put a deer fence around his living area. Then he got the locals to prepare the ground for his vegetable patch. Then he got the locals to provide him with chickens and pigs. In fact, Monty was a lazy bugger who did very little except play with his dog. For the locals, this wasn't "getting away from it all", this was their normal life, so it felt like Monty was taking advantage of their good nature.
As for this week, I swithered about whether to include a programme called Britain's Best Drives. Hmm, I guess it will look briefly at climate change...
Tuesday 10th March
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Thursday 12th March
Room For Improvement
On: more4
Time: 09:45 to 10:15
Angus and Dave are in Sawbridgeworth with Charlotte and Paul Pritchard, who want to extend the kitchen of their modern house in an eco-friendly way on a budget of £10,000. Angus takes them to a 17th-century cottage with a modern extension under the back garden full of environmentally friendly ideas that they could copy.
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130, Sat 2030)
The Yortanli Dam.
Aylin Bozyap looks at Yortanli dam in Turkey. The plan has divided locals and led to a dispute between Ankara and Brussels.
Afternoon Play
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 14:15 to 15:02
Getting to Zero.
By Sarah Woods. An expert panel sets an average family the task of eliminating their carbon footprint in just six weeks - and living with the consequences. With George Monbiot, Paul Allen, Peter Harper.
The Political Slot
On: Channel 4
Time: 19:55 to 20:00
The Green Party.
Caroline Lucas, Leader of the Green Party, talks about the creation of "Green jobs" as a solution to the economic crisis.
Britain's Best Drives
On: BBC 4
Time: 20:30 to 21:00
Lake District.
Actor Richard Wilson takes a journey into the past, following routes raved about in motoring guides of 50 years ago. Richard drives a sporty, convertible Triumph TR3A around some of the Lake District's most famous roads. He gets the lowdown on the area from author and resident Hunter Davies, takes on a notorious road, celebrates his birthday at one of Britain's highest pubs and learns how climate change is affecting this delicate landscape.
Friday 13th March
See You, See Me
On: BBC 2
Time: 11:40 to 12:00
Are You Eco-Friendly?.
- The River. Series raising children's awareness of environmental issues. Ingrid reports back from the River Clyde, telling Grant about the work of SEPA and Scottish Water. The programme looks at water pollution and how it is monitored and controlled. Plus, children taking part in SEPA's Yellow Fish project feature, and a conservation group in Glasgow who look after the River Kelvin.
Saturday 14th March
Eco Solutions
On: CNN
Time: 22:30 to 23:00
Eco Solutions gives the viewer a unique peek into the situations that plague our planet and proposes real solutions to help us understand why we should make a change.
Sunday 15th March
The Food Programme
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 12:32 to 12:57
Cuba.
Sheila Dillon learns about how Cuban agriculture coped after the support they had received from the USSR dried up and what their experimentation with self sufficiency, organics and sustainable agriculture can teach the UK. What changes had to take place in the Cuban diet to make use of the food they could grow rather than the imports they had relied on? Sheila talks to Julia Wright about her book assessing the Cuban experiment, its success as a model of organic food production and what lessons can be learned by the UK. She also speaks to Professor Jules Pretty about the work being undertaken in the UK to address the issues of declining oil production and sustainability.
Open Book
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 16:00 to 16:30
Mariella Frostrup talks to writer Marcel Theroux, who explains how his interest in climate change and a trip to northern Siberia provided raw material for his novel Far North.
The Drowned World
On: BBC Radio 7
Time: 18:30 to 19:00
JG Ballard's novel set in a submerged London of the future continues. Looters arrive and clash with the surviving inhabitants. Episode 3 of 4.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
As for this week, I swithered about whether to include a programme called Britain's Best Drives. Hmm, I guess it will look briefly at climate change...
Tuesday 10th March
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Thursday 12th March
Room For Improvement
On: more4
Time: 09:45 to 10:15
Angus and Dave are in Sawbridgeworth with Charlotte and Paul Pritchard, who want to extend the kitchen of their modern house in an eco-friendly way on a budget of £10,000. Angus takes them to a 17th-century cottage with a modern extension under the back garden full of environmentally friendly ideas that they could copy.
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130, Sat 2030)
The Yortanli Dam.
Aylin Bozyap looks at Yortanli dam in Turkey. The plan has divided locals and led to a dispute between Ankara and Brussels.
Afternoon Play
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 14:15 to 15:02
Getting to Zero.
By Sarah Woods. An expert panel sets an average family the task of eliminating their carbon footprint in just six weeks - and living with the consequences. With George Monbiot, Paul Allen, Peter Harper.
The Political Slot
On: Channel 4
Time: 19:55 to 20:00
The Green Party.
Caroline Lucas, Leader of the Green Party, talks about the creation of "Green jobs" as a solution to the economic crisis.
Britain's Best Drives
On: BBC 4
Time: 20:30 to 21:00
Lake District.
Actor Richard Wilson takes a journey into the past, following routes raved about in motoring guides of 50 years ago. Richard drives a sporty, convertible Triumph TR3A around some of the Lake District's most famous roads. He gets the lowdown on the area from author and resident Hunter Davies, takes on a notorious road, celebrates his birthday at one of Britain's highest pubs and learns how climate change is affecting this delicate landscape.
Friday 13th March
See You, See Me
On: BBC 2
Time: 11:40 to 12:00
Are You Eco-Friendly?.
- The River. Series raising children's awareness of environmental issues. Ingrid reports back from the River Clyde, telling Grant about the work of SEPA and Scottish Water. The programme looks at water pollution and how it is monitored and controlled. Plus, children taking part in SEPA's Yellow Fish project feature, and a conservation group in Glasgow who look after the River Kelvin.
Saturday 14th March
Eco Solutions
On: CNN
Time: 22:30 to 23:00
Eco Solutions gives the viewer a unique peek into the situations that plague our planet and proposes real solutions to help us understand why we should make a change.
Sunday 15th March
The Food Programme
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 12:32 to 12:57
Cuba.
Sheila Dillon learns about how Cuban agriculture coped after the support they had received from the USSR dried up and what their experimentation with self sufficiency, organics and sustainable agriculture can teach the UK. What changes had to take place in the Cuban diet to make use of the food they could grow rather than the imports they had relied on? Sheila talks to Julia Wright about her book assessing the Cuban experiment, its success as a model of organic food production and what lessons can be learned by the UK. She also speaks to Professor Jules Pretty about the work being undertaken in the UK to address the issues of declining oil production and sustainability.
Open Book
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 16:00 to 16:30
Mariella Frostrup talks to writer Marcel Theroux, who explains how his interest in climate change and a trip to northern Siberia provided raw material for his novel Far North.
The Drowned World
On: BBC Radio 7
Time: 18:30 to 19:00
JG Ballard's novel set in a submerged London of the future continues. Looters arrive and clash with the surviving inhabitants. Episode 3 of 4.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Nominate A Green Champion
The Scottish Sustainable Development Forum (go on, try saying it three times fast!) are looking for 50 "champions" to be nominated by their peers to join a network of activists across the country.- Do you know someone who is supporting Scottish communities to tackle local, national or international environmental problems?
- Do you know someone that has developed a business or product that will help Scotland tackle social injustice, waste, energy inefficiency, fuel poverty or climate change?
- Is there someone in local or national politics who challenges the status quo and pushes for stronger action to ensure a sustainable Scotland?
- Maybe you have pushed for solutions – we’re not just looking for chief executives, but people who have influenced organisations from within, or worked on the ground in their communities.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Mandelson Turns Green
I've been laughing my head off at this all morning.
Remember that old quote from Ann Widdecombe about Michael Howard, that there was "something of the night" about him. That's how I feel about Mandelson. He sends a shiver up my spine every time I see him.
UPDATE: Here's the video of the glorious moment from Sky News:
Remember that old quote from Ann Widdecombe about Michael Howard, that there was "something of the night" about him. That's how I feel about Mandelson. He sends a shiver up my spine every time I see him.
UPDATE: Here's the video of the glorious moment from Sky News:
Thursday, March 05, 2009
My Big Idea
In the Scotsman article, there is this quote from Roseanna Cunningham:
"I am convinced of the need to grow the forest estate, so if people say they are opposed to leasing, my challenge to them is, 'Where do we get the money to grow the forest estate?'That got me thinking, so here's my proposal: start a carbon offset fund.
Now, before I go any further, I should point out that I am totally opposed to carbon offsetting. I think it is a salve to the conscience of the (relatively) rich which does nothing to reduce the pollution. It may give you peace of mind, but really the pollution from your flight to Australia cannot be magicked away because you paid for a wood-burning stove for an African villager.
That said, there are people and companies willing to pay to declare themselves "carbon neutral". The Scottish Government should tap into this revenue stream by setting up their own offsetting fund and having Scottish companies and private individuals pay them to plant more trees in the country. You can voluntarily pay an extra 10p to ScotRail to offset your train journey, or the SFA could pay to make the Scottish Cup Final "carbon neutral". All the money raised would go into a fund to plant more trees around the country, thereby nullifying the need to privatise our forests. (And obviously, as the brains behind this idea, I expect 1% of all revenues!)
Of course, none of this should be necessary. The government should be paying for all the tree planting anyway instead of ripping them up to build roads.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Mmm, Genetically Modified Chocolate...
A few years ago there was a huge furore in the UK and throughout Europe about GM food. Greenpeace ripped up crops and supermarkets fell over themselves in trying to assure customers that they do not stock "frankenfoods". Even the EU got in on the act, making it incredibly hard for US companies like Monsanto to actually grow GM crops anywhere in Europe.
So you would think that these days, there are no products in the whole continent which contain GM ingredients, right? Wrong!
Tesco is selling a chocolate bar which contains GM soya, sugar and corn. The campaign group GM Freeze is trying to get Tesco to take the product off their shelves. You can find out about the campaign here.
So you would think that these days, there are no products in the whole continent which contain GM ingredients, right? Wrong!
Tesco is selling a chocolate bar which contains GM soya, sugar and corn. The campaign group GM Freeze is trying to get Tesco to take the product off their shelves. You can find out about the campaign here.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Getting The Locals On Your Side
Photo by jurvetson
I think it's fair to say that for a proportion of the Scottish population, including me, Donald Trump really gets on our wick.
After having ridden roughshod over the planning process in order to get approval for his "world class" golf course, he began this week by changing the centuries-old name of the mansion where the course will be. He has decided that Menie House shall henceforth be known as MacLeod House, in honour of his mother who was born, er, a few hundred miles away! This is the Trump Way of how to win friends among the local populace.
Then, as if that wasn't enough, this morning he broke through the perimeter fence at Aberdeen Airport and barricaded himself on the main runway.
Well, okay, that wasn't really him, it was protesters from Plane Stupid dressed as him. Trump wants to expand the airport to accomodate all the new visitors who will want to see his sanitised part of the country when the golf course is complete, so Plane Stupid decided to turn the main runway into a golf course!
Incidentally, it appears that the Plane Stupid campaigners decided to end their protest after police told them an emergency helicopter with a baby on board needed to land. Needless to say, the police were lying.
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Making Of The Age Of Stupid
If you've got a spare 50 minutes (and hey, who doesn't have a spare 50 minutes???) then The Guardian has an exclusive Making Of The Age Of Stupid documentary on their site.
Personally, I've bookmarked it to watch after I've seen the film. I don't want any spoilers!
Personally, I've bookmarked it to watch after I've seen the film. I don't want any spoilers!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
While Scotland Talks, Portugal Does
Someone left a copy of the Financial Times' Weekend Magazine on my train last night, and it turned out to be the "Environment Edition". Now, I can't say I'm a regular reader of the FT, but it has never struck me as being overly concerned with climate change. Perhaps I'm wrong.
There was an article in the magazine about Portugal's new renewable energy economy, which you can read here. What I found remarkable about the whole thing is that Portugal came up with a plan, a road map which shows step by step how they will achieve their goal of 31% of all energy (including transport) from renewable sources by 2020. Everyone knows where they are going and how they are going to do it.
This contrasts with the Scottish Government approach of thinking up a figure and a date, hoping there remains some forward momentum, but ultimately knowing they will not be in power by the time the date arrives so don't push too hard on industry to clean up their act. If the Scottish Government want to reach their 80% cuts in CO2 emissions then they need to set out the steps to achieve that, and let us all know how they're going to do it.
We hear a lot about how Scotland can be the "Saudi Arabia of renewable energy" with our plentiful resources. But while we're talking, Portugal is doing.
There was an article in the magazine about Portugal's new renewable energy economy, which you can read here. What I found remarkable about the whole thing is that Portugal came up with a plan, a road map which shows step by step how they will achieve their goal of 31% of all energy (including transport) from renewable sources by 2020. Everyone knows where they are going and how they are going to do it.
This contrasts with the Scottish Government approach of thinking up a figure and a date, hoping there remains some forward momentum, but ultimately knowing they will not be in power by the time the date arrives so don't push too hard on industry to clean up their act. If the Scottish Government want to reach their 80% cuts in CO2 emissions then they need to set out the steps to achieve that, and let us all know how they're going to do it.
We hear a lot about how Scotland can be the "Saudi Arabia of renewable energy" with our plentiful resources. But while we're talking, Portugal is doing.
Green In The Media 2nd March - 8th March
There's some binman porn on Monday which should keep Mrs Green and Almost Mrs Average in a state of heightened ecstasy.
Incidentally, have you bunged Mrs A a couple of quid yet for her rubbish collection in aid of Comic Relief?
Monday 2nd March
It's Not Easy Being Green
On: BBC 2
Time: 20:00 to 20:30
Lauren Laverne and Phill Jupitus road-test a greened-up Airstream Caravan, and Dick and James build a portable oven to deliver meals on wheels to the intrepid duo. Chris and Jay put the finishing touches on the eco-renovation of their Victorian terraced house. James helps Duncan do some market research for his eco-bakery venture at a farmers market, and journalist Hunter Davies gives James some thrifty tips on saving money as well as the planet.
Revenge of The Bin Men
On: Channel 4
Time: 21:00 to 22:00
It used to be so simple: you put out your rubbish and the bin men took it away. Not any more. Bin Wars are raging up and down the country. At middle class dinner parties the length and breadth of Britain, the conversation often turns to what the bin men will, and won't, take away.
Tuesday 3rd March
Sisters on the Planet
On: Community Channel
Time: 08:30 to 09:00 (Also Fri 0830, Sun 0800)
A series of short films, created by Oxfam, exploring how climate change is having an effect on people in developing countries, specially women.
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Thursday 5th March
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130)
Return of The Nomad.
Susie Emmett discovers why ancient nomadic ways are still relevant with the Maasai in Kenya and Raika in Rajasthan.
Friday 6th March
Natural World
On: BBC 2
Time: 20:00 to 20:50
Iron Curtain, Ribbon of Life.
Wildlife documentary. When communism crumbled in 1989, it created an opportunity for wildlife. The Iron Curtain that divided communist Eastern Europe from the capitalist West had created a no-man's-land protected by barbed wire and minefields - a last haven for many rare animals and plants. This film tells the story of the movement, led by biologist Dr Kai Frobel, that set out to save the wildlife of this precious strip. Now as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain, we can also celebrate the birth of the biggest conservation movement in the world.
Saturday 7th March
Our World
On: BBC News
Time: 05:30 to 06:00 (Also 1430, Sun 1030, 1430, 2330)
Brazil's Bitter Harvest.
Biofuel - it is part of the green revolution. It has made Brazil an agricultural superpower and sugar cane from the plantations is fuelling the world's engines. But it comes at a human cost, as Richard Bilton discovers when he meets the sugar cane cutters.
Sunday 8th March
The Drowned World
On: BBC Radio 7
Time: 18:30 to 19:00
JG Ballard's novel set in a submerged London of the future continues. The tropical conditions trigger people's primal memories. Episode 2 of 4.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
Incidentally, have you bunged Mrs A a couple of quid yet for her rubbish collection in aid of Comic Relief?
Monday 2nd March
It's Not Easy Being Green
On: BBC 2
Time: 20:00 to 20:30
Lauren Laverne and Phill Jupitus road-test a greened-up Airstream Caravan, and Dick and James build a portable oven to deliver meals on wheels to the intrepid duo. Chris and Jay put the finishing touches on the eco-renovation of their Victorian terraced house. James helps Duncan do some market research for his eco-bakery venture at a farmers market, and journalist Hunter Davies gives James some thrifty tips on saving money as well as the planet.
Revenge of The Bin Men
On: Channel 4
Time: 21:00 to 22:00
It used to be so simple: you put out your rubbish and the bin men took it away. Not any more. Bin Wars are raging up and down the country. At middle class dinner parties the length and breadth of Britain, the conversation often turns to what the bin men will, and won't, take away.
Tuesday 3rd March
Sisters on the Planet
On: Community Channel
Time: 08:30 to 09:00 (Also Fri 0830, Sun 0800)
A series of short films, created by Oxfam, exploring how climate change is having an effect on people in developing countries, specially women.
Home Planet
On: BBC Radio Four
Time: 15:00 to 15:30
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
Thursday 5th March
One Planet
On: BBC World Service Radio
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 (Also 1630, 2030, 0130)
Return of The Nomad.
Susie Emmett discovers why ancient nomadic ways are still relevant with the Maasai in Kenya and Raika in Rajasthan.
Friday 6th March
Natural World
On: BBC 2
Time: 20:00 to 20:50
Iron Curtain, Ribbon of Life.
Wildlife documentary. When communism crumbled in 1989, it created an opportunity for wildlife. The Iron Curtain that divided communist Eastern Europe from the capitalist West had created a no-man's-land protected by barbed wire and minefields - a last haven for many rare animals and plants. This film tells the story of the movement, led by biologist Dr Kai Frobel, that set out to save the wildlife of this precious strip. Now as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain, we can also celebrate the birth of the biggest conservation movement in the world.
Saturday 7th March
Our World
On: BBC News
Time: 05:30 to 06:00 (Also 1430, Sun 1030, 1430, 2330)
Brazil's Bitter Harvest.
Biofuel - it is part of the green revolution. It has made Brazil an agricultural superpower and sugar cane from the plantations is fuelling the world's engines. But it comes at a human cost, as Richard Bilton discovers when he meets the sugar cane cutters.
Sunday 8th March
The Drowned World
On: BBC Radio 7
Time: 18:30 to 19:00
JG Ballard's novel set in a submerged London of the future continues. The tropical conditions trigger people's primal memories. Episode 2 of 4.
Excerpts taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.com/?p=1&r=20818
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.
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